Following are select responses from meeting planners who agreed to be interviewed as part of Meetings Media’s 2008 Meetings Market Trends Survey:
Do you or your department report to a procurement/purchasing department? And if so, how has this impacted your meetings budget and meeting programs?
“We report to a procurement department for many of the companies that we do business with. My focus is in the pharmaceutical industry and I have seen budgets cut consistently the past few years. Some of this is due to the changes in the pharma industry overall, with more companies embracing the pharma guidelines and with more and more states introducing stricter guidelines. Programs have become shorter in length as well, and I would attribute this to shrinking budgets as well as more companies being respectful of the “out of the office” time of the physician, as well as being respectful of their free time (not wanting to do programs over the weekend). Physicians are also being much more selective of the programs that they attend and will turn down programs that take them out of the office or away from home for too long.”
--Dawn Crum, account manager, VMS Inc., Indianapolis
“All contracts are handled through a procurement agent at my agency. They have to sign off on all contracts and approve all funding requirements. Although it has not affected me overly much, it does become a hassle having to wait for signatures and justifying every dollar spent.”
--Robin R. Dixon-Jefferson, CGMP, meeting & special events coordinator, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, D.C.
Is the duration of your meetings either shrinking or expanding? Why?
“Shrinking--getting more done in less time. We live in a hurry-up world with not as much time for the frills, though networking is still crucial to success.”
--Sandy Biback, CMP, CMM, principal, Imagination+ Meeting Planners Inc., Toronto
“Shrinking. We're trying to shorten each meeting by a half day to reduce costs (hotel, F&B), and reduce the amount of time sales staff is removed from their territory. We're trying to pack more into each day to shorten meeting duration, and reducing group events/networking to allow staff to return to their sales territory more quickly.”
--Linda Peters, sales office administrator, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, Calif.
“From those companies that outsourced their services to me, I noticed a slight decrease in the first and second quarter of this past year. This action decreased the budgets and length of programs. I have noticed a slight decrease in the number of meetings, with fewer attendees per meeting. It seems most are either opting for webcast/webconferencing than face-to-face meetings. I believe most are utilizing technology as a way to increase communication and decrease costs and travel/meeting expenses.”
--Loriann White, CMP, regional vice president, Conference Direct; co-founder and executive director, Atlanta Green Meetings Council, Canton, Ga.
“Yes and no. In 2007 we had just as many attendees in Montreal; however, we had approximately 25 percent fewer Americans due to the passport requirement and exchange rate making it cost-prohibitive for them to attend.”
--Ronda Vaughn, meeting services director, Optimist International, St. Louis
Is the attendance at your meetings shrinking or expanding? Why?
“Expanding. I think people like to be face-to-face—it beats everything done via technology. Technology isn't bad, just not as personal.”
--Sandy Biback
“Small/medium-sized meetings are shrinking; large meetings (over 1,000 people) are expanding slightly. Attendance for small meetings is stable--not showing gains or losses—but medium and large meetings are off slightly. Meeting schedules are more compact, with the maximum number of sessions increasing, but the number of days is shrinking. Spending on entertainment and social events is decreasing slightly. Clients now insist on restricting open bars and limiting meal selections to save money. Activities are being incorporated on a case-by-case basis; it depends mostly on cost.”
--Kevin L. Weakland, president, LasVegasConventionTravel.com, Ocean City, N.J.
“I see growth in the number of attendees. Organizations are beginning to realize that meetings provide the ability to drive business in a significant way. As a meeting planner, it is exciting to see the light bulb go on when I’m speaking to an executive who is coming to understand how meetings fit into their organizational strategy.”
--Hannah Greenberg, director of conference services, Meeting Mavericks, Voorhees, N.J.
Are you finding that you are scheduling more meeting sessions per day, and if so, is it at the expense of entertainment or events that are more social in nature?
“When more meetings sessions are added, we expand the meeting to two tracks, therefore no social or entertainment events are sacrificed.”
--Melissa Matarrese, meeting/marketing director, National Council Structural Engineers Associations, Chicago
“On-site, we are scheduling many more meetings; however, we are also increasing our use of teleconferencing to better use time our professionals would normally use traveling. Our off-site meetings (at least the ones for which I am responsible) generally follow a set schedule with almost no time for entertainment or social events. On recent off-site meetings I have tried to combine some entertainment with meals, as the meals are usually our most social events. At one conference in Delaware, the hotel feeds the on-site swans every evening. So just before our cocktail hour (for which the hotel provided one of the hors d'oeuvres and a martini-making session), many from our group watched this event and even won prizes. At another in New York City, I scheduled the annual group dinner that includes any family the participants might bring on a ship that provided both top quality food and a three-hour tour around the tip of Manhattan.
--Lois E. McLean, administrative assistant, FMC BioPolymer, Princeton, N.J.
Are you incorporating more, or less, activities into your agenda? If so, what types of activities are being added or cut?
“Yes, team building events are on the rise.”
--Karen Bannon, corporate event planner, Corporate Events by Karen Bannon, Hoosick Falls, NY
“Fluff is being cut. Educational sessions must have an outcome for the person attending.”
--Sandy Biback
“We’ve had to discontinue some of our social activities. I’m pitching an idea that would let attendees pay a portion of the fee for a spousal tour that was discontinued. If the organization pays one-third, the auxiliary pays one-third and the interested spouse/attendee pays one-third, we can bring this event back and have it be self-sustaining at a reasonable price to the organization. I’m also looking to generate additional revenue for this by offering some advertising in our program for attorneys and health providers. I’m confident this will work if I can sell it.”
--Daniel J. Lough, CMP, project coordinator, United Transportation Union, Cleveland
“I’ve noticed more activities include team building and exercise incorporated into the agenda. This includes Habitat for Humanity or Project Open Hands service-oriented projects…I’ve even coordinated a tree planting project in a local school and park areas to help improve the environment and community image.”
--Loriann White
“The invitation-only annual meeting is generally held in Southern Florida at a top-level hotel (e.g., The Biltmore, during winter). The three-day conference has three half-day sessions, starting on Thursday afternoon. Thursday evening is a welcome reception with attendees and their guests. Usually, about 60 percent bring guests. The next session is Friday morning, followed by the attendee's (and guest's) choice of golf and two other activities--often museum tours, boat rides, shelling, shopping, etc.
“Two years ago, one of the choices was the King Tut exhibit in Fort Lauderdale. One year I got tired of the golfers being the only ones who got prizes, so I organized a kind of shelling scavenger hunt, with teams, collection bags for the shells, lists of shells to collect, and included local wildlife to find. (We provided inexpensive Polaroid cameras and extra film to document their sightings.) It was great fun, but I missed most of the cocktail hour trying to grade the submissions. Many of the shells turned in did not match the shells they checked on the list as found, and the photos provided no clue to what was claimed to be seen, so I just took each team at their word on the photos.
“Golf and shelling prizes were awarded at the annual Friday evening dinner dance. The last session was Saturday morning, followed by a farewell lunch. Breakfast each day was provided for attendees and guests. As much as possible, all social events except the dinner dance were held outside.”
--Lois E. McLean
“Spa is on the upswing; less golf, more “adventure” activities--indoor sky diving, mountain biking, river rafting, fly-fishing…”
--Steven Kinsley, principal, Kinsley & Associates, Littleton, Colo.
“We’re seeing a lot of team-building events lately. I call them team ‘bonding events.’ They build camaraderie, boost moral and enhance both the employee/company relationship as well as customer relationships.”
--Hannah Greenberg
Are you satisfied with your choice of a career as a meeting planner? What are the best and worst aspects of being a meeting planner?
“Yes, I am very satisfied with my choice as a meeting planner. It’s a part of my administrative assistant duties--a part I really enjoy doing. The best aspects of being a meeting planner are the opportunity to attend educational meetings to make my job easier and the opportunity to work with hotels and their sales and catering staff. The worst aspect of being a meeting planner for me is probably the fact that hotel sales staff and catering staff have some very fast turnover, so you can start with one person and that person would not be there when the meeting is actually held.”
--Kay Bothwell, CMP, administrative assistant II, Department of Labor & Employment/Division of Workers' Compensation/Physicians Accreditation, Denver
“Very satisfied. The best aspect is that I get to help people and the satisfaction that I get when my client’s customers leave a meeting happy. Making them look good makes me feel good about what I have accomplished.”
--Dawn Crum
“Absolutely! The best aspects would include experiencing a successful event--managing all logistics to the satisfaction of attendees and receiving that response. Having the skill to take someone’s idea for a meeting/conference to fruition. Worst aspects: Working with people who have no clue as to what it takes to plan any size of event and the lack of consideration with last-minute ideas, changes and lack of forethought when it comes to a new event.”
--Jean A Battin, CMP, CTSM, senior program assistant, National Education Association, Denver
“Yes, I am satisfied as a meeting planner. The best part is the fact that each meeting has a distinct beginning and end. It gives a certain finality to what I do. The worst is dealing with vendors who just don’t care. You can be completely prepared, but if a vendor makes a big mistake there is only so much you can do once the group notices.”
--Melissa Matarrese
“I enjoy what I do. The best aspect is watching an event unfold and seeing how people respond to a quality event. The worst aspect is when the best-laid plans go astray and you are struggling to get things back on track.”
--Patti Conner, regional director, USA Gymnastics, Lubbock, Texas
“I love being a meeting planner. It certainly has its challenges, such as budget restraints and what seems to be shorter and shorter lead times, but it's a career field that keeps you on your toes and can be a great outlet for creativity. There never seems to be a boring day.”
--Marie R. Schlump, CSEP, sales event manager, Prudential Annuities, Shelton, Conn.
“Are you kidding? I wouldn't still be in it--and it ain't for the money. My career is moving more toward training, facilitating, knowledge transfer, education--I love that. I get to share what I know and I get to learn new things, and I get to watch careers launch and perhaps be a part of that. That would be the best aspects.
“The worst is having large classes, having students that don't get it, feeling frustrated that I'm not getting through, and on a business level, marketing the sale of doing educational sessions with CVBs, etc., so they can get inside a planner's head to understand how they need to pull up their socks so we can work as a team.
“For planning, the best aspects are watching it all unfold and being successful, and hearing that sponsors, delegates and clients meet their objectives.
“The worst aspects are clients not understanding the depth of planning as it exists today. I send them, and my students, and everyone I can to the EMBOK (Event Management Body of Knowledge) project!”
--Sandy Biback
“I'm a meeting planner by default! But I love it.”
--Colleen Goodin, membership director, meeting planner and managing editor, National Employment Lawyers Association, San Francisco
“I’m more than satisfied; it’s what I was meant to do…I found the perfect job! The best is seeing your plans come to life, knowing you planned all aspects of a meeting and all had a great time; and the worst would be when they didn’t have a great time.”
--Jill G. Bell, CMP, conference and meeting manager, Association of Minority Health Professions Schools Inc., Atlanta
“In my current position, meeting planning is a great career. It presents challenges on many different levels and the opportunity to see the results of hard work. I could not be satisfied with a career in meeting planning that did not include the challenge of growing revenue and increasing quality. I think the hardest part of being a 'meeting planner' is overcoming the public's perception of what a meeting planner is. We are business managers. Many of us manage budgets that exceed the budget of most small businesses. Many people who pursue a career in meeting planning have no idea what the profession really entails.”
--Cathi Lundgren, CAE, convention manager, Florida Dental Association, Tallahassee, Fla.
“Honestly, events management kind of fell into my lap, I didn't really choose it as a career. The thing that I love about being a meeting planner is specific goals and deadlines. This event is happening Sept. 20th, all the planning ahead of it, and then it's over. Many other things in our marketing department go on for forever with no real end date. The worst aspect is when things don't go according to plan and there's nothing you can really do about it. (For example, our shipping carrier lost our carpet on the way to our last trade show.) All in all, I could take it or leave it.”
--Jessica Vionas, events manager & graphic designer, Zoot Enterprises Inc., Bozeman, Mont.
“I love the meeting and hotel industry. I used to be stuck behind a computer writing and maintaining insurance programs as a programmer/systems analyst. Now that I have found my place in the meetings industry and have proven my ability, I get to put together and coordinate interesting meetings and conventions. I also get to put together some fun events that include decor and entertainment options that let me use my creative skills with a healthy budget. It’s so rewarding to see these meetings and events come together, flow smoothly and get the positive feedback from the membership that we serve. I’ve made hundreds of great friends and contacts over the years I’ve been involved in meeting planning.
“One of the worst aspects of being a meeting planner is having some of the restraints (financial and political) that can keep you from really doing what we as meeting planners feel is right and what will work best. Sometimes it makes you want to scream, but you have to bite your lip, move forward and make it work. It’s what we do, right?”
--Daniel J. Lough
“I absolutely love being a meeting and event planner. I get a personal joy out of seeing people learn and enjoy themselves from a meeting or event I help to plan. The worst part of having this position is the lack of respect. People look at me as a ‘party planner,’ when there is so much more involved.”
--Michelle Gothan, senior marketing coordinator, Early Warning Services, Scottsdale, Ariz.M
“I am more than satisfied. I am fortunate to consider this industry my home. I find that most of my industry peers are satisfied, too. It makes for a lot of great synergy within this eclectic community of ours. We are a rich, vibrant and diverse group of people. Hospitality is at the heart of what we do. I was lucky enough to land in a career that is perfection for me, given how all my moving parts work together to make up the person that is me.
“The worst aspect and the biggest challenge for me is finding balance. All who know me will say that I work too much, but when you love what you are doing in life it’s difficult to slow down and switch gears.
“What I like best about meeting planning is that it is consistently interesting, continuously changing and challenging. I learn something new each and every day. I am required to play many roles; teacher, student, mentor, business manager, cheerleader, camp counselor, referee, accountant, housekeeper, materials handler, shipping inspector, tour operator, gofer, and sometimes I am even asked to be a football player running interference between the group and the hotel!”
--Hannah Greenberg
Have more stringent government regulations affected your programs? If so, how?
“SOX has put some restrictions on off-site
meetings.”
--Karen Bannon
“No. I've learned from very savvy meeting planners in the past to document, document, document. All final billings sent to accounting contain a copy of the contract, rooming list (with attendee's department name) and agenda. Any other questions can easily be answered with a look into my files, which contain everything from site selection criteria and proposed budget to transportation contracts, contingency and crisis plans, to final billings.”
--Linda Peters
Do you plan, or do you expect to plan, environmentally responsible (“green”) meetings? If so, what environmentally responsible components do you incorporate into your meeting programs?
“We are just beginning to plan green meetings. We are adding green planning requirements to our RFPs, and are formulating a sliding scale of actions for our hotel partners to adopt.”
--Linda Hrycaj, CMP, senior director, strategic planning and meeting management, Keystone Symposia, Silverthorne, Colo.
“Yes, we all believe it’s the wave of the future. And it can be an entirely new area of expertise for meeting planners.”
--Cynthia Bullock, CMP, Integrated Solutions and Services, Knoxville, Tenn.
“Though we don't have a formal green meetings plan, we try to be as environmentally responsible as we can when planning meetings. We try to use pitchers of water and iced tea on tables rather than the individual bottles that usually wind up only half-used and in landfills. We forgo single-serving condiment packages in lieu of larger containers for the table or buffet, and hardly ever use pre-boxed meals or Styrofoam. Every small thing that we can do to reduce, reuse or recycle helps the green effort.”
--Marie R. Schlump
“I don't intentionally plan ‘green’ meetings. I don't even know what constitutes a "green" meeting. Right now it just seems to me to be the newest buzzword.”
--Lois E. McLean
“Already doing this. And you must look at it as starting with something simple, like ensuring name badges are recycled. Just did the CSPEP (Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners) conference in Whistler and the convention center there is sustainable. We had Shawna McKinley in to do an 'audit' of how we did and we did pretty good. We had no paper handouts—they were on memory stick. Our agenda was pint-sized and fit into the name badge. We didn't give out conference bags-though one sponsor brought recycled bags if we wanted them. All our marketing was Web-based save one postcard. Yes, we had to fly out there, but we chose speakers who were local, members or had very little distance to go. Only one speaker had to be flown. CSPEP has now set up a task force to create a document all members can use to help make their future conferences with clients green.”
--Sandy Biback
“Yes, all [of our] meetings will be in green hotels after Jan. 1.”
--Debbie Gilley, environmental manager, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, Fla.
“We do make an effort to be environmentally responsible, but we could do more. We have met at one "green" facility. We incorporate recycling, and use e-mail instead of paper when feasible.”
--Donna Ozmun, sales office administrator, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, Calif.
“Our 2007 convention was paperless. We typically print over 1,000 bound pages. We will be going paperless for our smaller CLEs as well. We always insist on recycling, and at upcoming events I'm going to look into passing along leftover food.”
--Colleen Goodin, membership director, meeting planner and managing editor, National Employment Lawyers Association, San Francisco
“We encourage our attendees to think green, by reusing towels, using water coolers instead of small bottles of water (which are filling up our landfills), and using recycled paper components as often as possible. We also donate food that is left over from our functions to local charities. It’s the right thing to do and it’s good p.r. for our political officers within the organization.”
--Daniel J. Lough
“Yes, most definitely. This is the main reason as to why I created, developed and implemented the Atlanta Green Meetings Council, as I felt our industry as well as our community needed a solid resource to seek and share information regarding social and environmental friendly meetings. As the VP Education, overseeing the entire MPI-Georgia Chapter Education programs last year, I introduced and incorporated best green practices into the overall logistical planning process per meeting.
“I decided to concentrate on one eco-friendly element that I felt could help make an immediate impact and a difference: recycling and the reduction of paper use and waste. Each month I measured and communicated the results. After 10 programs, averaging 220 in attendance, we saved over $17,000 in print cost savings alone. We utilized technology by increasing communications via e-mail to drive interest to our website as an alternative to print on paper. We communicated our mission to go green with every speaker and they complied by hosting the speaker handouts online on a website instead of printing and distributing them at each meeting. This act alone reduced a healthy amount of paper usage. Papers used were 100 percent recycled as well as had printing on both sides.
“So as you can see, this initiative benefited our chapter’s bottom-line (economy) as well as help saved five average-size trees (source: Mead Paper Co.) in the process (environment). As a result, I was honored and rewarded the Special Project of the Year: Green Meetings Initiative at the annual GaMPI Phoenix Awards celebration. These results from this award were communicated (again), and planners from Home Depot, Coca-Cola and others started calling to seek tips, advice and how-to’s….so I started the Atlanta Green Meetings Council. Our council’s mission is to promote, implement and produce environmental and social responsible meetings and special events through advocacy, education, research, and empowerment within the hospitality and meeting community.
--Loriann White
Are you utilizing more third-party planners for your meetings? If so, why and for what functions of the planning/meeting process?
“Yes. Oftentimes using third-party planners can be more cost-efficient, especially for on-site staffing and logistical assistance. I believe in partnering with those that can help create greater efficiencies. If that means outsourcing, and it makes sense, absolutely!”
--Hannah Greenberg
Do you have a written disaster management plan? Why or why not? And if not, are you considering drafting one?
“Yes. After 9/11 it would be foolish not to have one. We have also helped write the SOP on a disaster plan for one of our clients.”
--Dawn Crum
“Yes. It’s absolutely essential as part of the complete package a meeting planner should offer to their customers.”
--Cynthia Bullock
“Yes. The Affordable Meetings West seminar in June was a real eye-opener. I've since written a disaster management plan, and it's become a regular part of my meeting binder.”
--Linda Peters
“Yes. We developed one following 9/11. We update it each year and we work in conjunction with our venue.”
--Cathi Lundgren
“For each event we have a written disaster management plan. We do meetings all over North America, so we plan for disasters that are prominent for certain areas, such as hurricanes in Florida and earthquakes in California. We also have an emergency plan for our meetings that goes into everyone’s registration kit so everyone knows where to go and how to respond in case of an emergency.”
--Daniel J. Lough
“Most definitely. Several years ago, Carol Krugman (who is a star and icon in our industry) came to our MPI-Georgia Chapter and spoke on this vary subject. At that time, my tenure in the industry was 15 years and I was embarrassed to admit I didn’t have a disaster or risk management plan. As a planner, my company didn’t have one nor did I know of anyone who had or even needed one….so I listened and learned. In October 2006, I took pen to paper and wrote a plan that eventually my chapter, industry peers and colleagues started to adopt and use. This action was only after one of our chapter’s education programs were threatened by the ‘thought’ of a bomb scare. I went back to the non-traditional venue to see if they had a ‘plan’ and they do—however, only when games were in session. This thought panicked me, so I wrote my first Emergency Contingency Communication Plan to include all potential risks from internal and external sources.”
--Loriann White
Are you finding that attrition clauses are being enforced more strictly? Can you share any comments/observations/horror stories about this?
“We find that hotels are stricter about what they will or won’t accept as changes to the clauses. And the percentages, and deadlines, are lower. However, when we have been in that situation, most of our preferred hotels (the ones we use over and over again) really try to work with us to lower the penalties. We try to do our part by keeping the hotel abreast of the rooming list situation. It’s a two-way street--the earlier you let the hotel know the quicker they can resell the rooms you won’t use.”
--Cynthia Bullock
“Yes. The word attrition makes my stomach churn. The worst situation was when the hotel did not list my hotel block under the correct name with the reservation department and the block did not fill. It was the fault of the sales rep, but she was totally committed to making me pay for the unused rooms. It took a huge amount of time effort and crisis management to fill the hotel at the last minute. A lot of my attendees had to cancel reservations at other locations and rebook with this hotel. It was a near disaster. An expensive one. But thank goodness for blast emails!!!”
--Patti Conner
Is the problem of attendees booking around the block becoming more or less of an issue? Can you share any comments/observations about this? Do you think hotels have been responsive to remedying this problem over the last year?
“Hotels are not responsive at all. They expect you to do what it takes to fill the beds. I do think attendees are looking outside the block for better deals. Sometimes they can get a room in the host hotel for less than what you have arranged because of Priceline, etc.... I have come up with a couple of creative ways to get them to book inside the block. Using incentives such as a wristband for gate entry, drawings for comp rooms, etc., to help fill the beds.”
--Patti Conner
“It seems to be less of an issue for large meetings (100-plus). Hotels allow for a percentage above/below the block in the minimum or attrition clause. So far, we haven't exceeded capacity or had the need to ‘walk’ guests to another nearby property. We've also had good luck with properties extending a three-day pre- and post-meeting rate to our attendees that want to explore the local area on their own.”
--Linda Peters
“I have written articles for our clients’ bulletins explaining the consequences of booking at other hotels or around the block. I think hotels are becoming more reasonable in counting rooms booked on the Net or through promotions as part of the block.”
--Gary J. Rosenberg, CMP, vice president of conference management, Rosenberg & Risinger (a division of CMI Resources Inc.), Los Angeles
Do you see yourself using one particular hotel chain more frequently for your meetings? If so, why (negotiation leverage, guest room technology, reliable standard of service, other reasons?)?
“Yes. Relationships in some facilities are an important component; in others the standard of service plays a key role, as well as technology and guest room standards.”
--Jean A. Battin
“Yes. Chain loyalty does seem to result in higher service standards. I also feel I have a bit more negotiation leverage if I can tell the property during site selection that I have a certain percentage of attendees enrolled in their preferred guest program.”
--Linda Peters
Have you been required to show the ROI of your programs more specifically over the past year?
“No, but I see this coming. I am currently working with my department to develop a system to evaluate the overall ROI of the meetings team regarding the planning of events at our organization.”
--Tracy Riggan, director, meetings and events, IPC--Association Connecting Electronics Industries, Bannockburn, Ill.
Do you think 2008 will shape up to be a good year for the meetings industry? Where do you see costs (hotel, restaurant, venue prices, etc.) going? Do you think your budget and/or attendance will increase? Why?
“I believe that 2008 will shape up to be a good year for the meetings industry. I do see costs--all costs--going up because of the cost of gas, which makes the cost of food and beverage go up, along with other costs. I have been given permission to increase our budget by a couple dollars if necessary, but believe that our attendance will stay about the same based on the types of meetings I plan and who I plan them for.”
--Kay Bothwell
“I believe things are going to get rough in 2008. With the price of fuel, taxes and per diem rates going down in prime locations, planners are going to be scrambling to make things fit. I think the entire industry is going to get hit hard. Government planners are really going to have a hard time because of the restraints we have regarding the cost of sleeping rooms, room rentals, etc. Hotels are going to become more selective about booking our groups. I hope that our overall budget is increased enough to make use compatible with the private sector.”
--Robin R. Dixon-Jefferson
“It will be tougher and tougher as the years go on. Coupled with the weakened dollar, prices continue to increase, both for travel and what we are being charged by hotels for lodging, food/beverage, etc. I can only hope that there is a course correction.”
--Linda Hrycaj
“I see the expense cost rising for both the planner and the attendees. The economy is mostly to blame.”
--Patti Conner
“We expect 2008 to be a good year, but I expect rising costs of travel will affect the industry. I think costs are going to go up due to the high cost of fuel, which carries over to food and goods and labor as well.”
--Marie R. Schlump, CSEP, sales event manager, Prudential Annuities, Shelton, Conn.
“I think 2008 will be a good year. Hotels, conference centers, etc., all seem to be aware of everyone's budget constraints and are offering more enticing meeting packages. Unfortunately, costs for everything are going up; there is no way that venues can avoid being part of that. We (planners) will just have to be more creative in how/where we plan our off-site meetings and more selective in our choice of venues and meeting go-withs.”
--Lois E. McLean
“I don't see any slowdown in the meeting industry. Airfares will certainly go up, but I don't see the number of flights increasing (and fewer empty seats on flights), so we'll be thinking about keeping meetings as close to major airport hub locations as possible. The Georgia drought and low rainfall in California will most likely effect produce prices, increasing banquet costs in many markets. The ever-rising gasoline prices ($3.50-plus a gallon here) will also affect airfare, F&B and trade-show display costs, as well as hotel room rates in regards to increasing heating/cooling/electricity costs. Although teleconference/videoconference use has increased, face-to-face meetings are still needed to share ideas and build strong teams. I believe attendance will remain level or slightly increase, but budgets will have to increase to accommodate the increased costs we'll be facing overall.”
--Linda Peters
“The last two years have been difficult for our independent, non-profit company. Costs are rising, necessitating budget increases. Attendance is about the same.”
--Lisa Hidalgo
“I am seeing that when looking for a venue it is beneficial if it’s in an area that has easy access to activities. I am seeing a trend to downtown hotels.”
--Martha Austin Lobb, director of national accounts, EMCVenues, Chicago
“I see 2008, as an election year, being a good year for the meetings industry. The costs will again rise and our budget will have to accommodate the rising costs, but we will cut our unnecessary trips and outside meetings.”
--Jerry A. Grunor, president and CEO, Global Communications Inc., Dana Point, Calif.
“The meetings industry is strong and I think poised for more growth. We do have to acknowledge, though, at some point MAJOR changes that are coming. We are raising a generation of people who prefer 'texting' over 'talking,' even when it can be accomplished on the same device. This will NOT be a generation of ‘listeners.’ Brick and mortar meetings will have to change, grow, evolve, and embrace this new audience. What will our meeting look like in 2020? Who knows!”
--Cathi Lundgren
“The first quarter of 2008 is looking fairly good, but bookings for the second, third and fourth quarters is looking suspect at this point. Costs are rising across the board and businesses are cutting back. We expect many customers to be very cautious about booking in 2008.”
--Kevin L. Weakland
“We feel that 2008 is tracking toward another good year for the meetings industry. Costs will continue to rise, but not as dramatically. We are seeing a little more availability for 2008 for some of our short-term customers, and better availability in 2009 and 2010 for our longer-term customers. We feel that budgets will remain constant based on what our customers are telling us and attendance will be the same or higher. We feel optimistic overall for 2008.”
--Steven Kinsley
“I know my budget will not increase, which is a real issue. With a static or decreased budget, and hotel, restaurant and rental rates only increasing, my team is finding it harder to plan events within the parameters that over time have worked best for our meetings. We haven’t been able to come up with alternative solutions, other than some of the meetings moving to electronic formats. I am not sure how this will shift.”
--Tracy Riggan
