Brenda C. Park
Owner
Park-Way Meetings LLC, meetings manager for two associations, Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) and Accessories Resource Team (ART)
Greenville, S.C.
Is the duration of your meetings either shrinking or expanding? Why?
The duration of the meetings for both of my associations is remaining the same.
Is the attendance at your meetings shrinking or expanding? Why?
Attendance did shrink for both associations’ annual meetings during 2009. For CESSE, the majority of the shrinkage was due to our member associations limiting, or totally stopping, any travel by their staff unless it was directly related to their particular association--i.e., no travel for educational events, industry trade shows, etc. For ART, the shrinkage in attendance was a direct result of the affects of the economy on the industry. Home furnishings and accessories are usually luxuries versus necessities, and the industry has suffered across all aspects – manufacturing, retail stores, etc.
Did you have a smaller budget to work with last year? If so, how much do you estimate it was decreased?
Yes, budgets are smaller by approximately 10 percent to 15 percent. Sponsorships are becoming more difficult to secure, and ROI more important than ever.
How are possible perception problems affecting your meetings and your planning of meetings?
Because of the AIG situation and the current economy, groups who normally expect to meet in luxury locations and accommodations are now looking at more mid-level choices for their meetings. No one wants to be perceived as extravagant or wasteful. Right or wrong, meetings are under the microscope and although we in the industry realize the importance and value of face-to face meetings, we also have to be cognizant and comprehending of the perceptions of others.
Are there any destinations or facility types that are now considered “off-limits” due to perception problems or the current economic climate?
Yes, locations that were previously viewed as destination locations that would increase attendance are now often viewed as too expensive or extravagant and off-limits for association executives.
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?
No, our meeting session schedule has remained on par with previous years.
Are you scheduling more educational components for your meetings? If so, why?
No.
Are you incorporating more, or less, activities into your agenda? If so, what types of activities are being added or cut?
We are scheduling the same amount of activities DURING the meeting; however, we are scheduling less pre- and post-activities due to lack of participation.
Are you finding that attrition clauses are being enforced less strictly? Can you share any comments/observations about this?
I am not sure that attrition clauses are being enforced less strictly, but the clauses being negotiated during the contracting process are more favorable. Hotels are aware that the future is uncertain. They need to book the business, and they are willing to work with the planners for an attrition clause that is fair and reasonable for both parties.
Do you find that you had much more leverage on room rates during the last year? If so, please give an idea how much discounting you are seeing.
Yes; 20 percent or more in some cases.
Are you using social networking websites for business purposes? If so, which ones and why?
Not really at this point.
Are you taking less (or no) FAM trips? If so, why?
I do not normally do FAM trips, only specific site visits to locations that have met certain prerequisites, that I have a working relationship with, and that are seriously being considered for a future meeting.
How do you think 2010 will shape up 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 or decrease? Why?
As an eternal optimist, I think the meetings industry will be on the rebound during 2010. It may be a slow climb, but toward the end of the year I believe hotel, restaurant and venue prices will begin increasing slightly. As the negative focus on meetings in the media is surpassed by other news, the economy levels out or begins to improve, and businesses are able to replace fear and uncertainty with actual numbers enabling them to plan and adjust for the future, I think budgets and attendance will also begin to rise--although it may be some time before we are back to pre-2009 numbers.