One of the first things, and most important thing to do is actually decide on exact dates and location.
In the group leaders mind giving a range or different sets of dates makes it easier to find group accommodation, but what it actually signals to the cheap hostels, budget hotels or even group accommodation booking specialist is that they are not serious about booking and are not even sure when thy want to travel, let alone confirm any booking.
Having detailed information about your group and travel dates makes it easy for the accommodations and anyone helping to book the group accommodation know what you need and then get the right place to stay.
Second of all, its important to have a realist budget, many accommodations actually prefer to accommodate individual travelers rather than groups, many times group prices can only be negotiated to a good rate if you use a group booking specialist that already has a good working relationship with the accommodation, otherwise you may fine either no availability or higher prices.
