Suzan Patrick, CMP
Allstate Insurance
Englewood, CO
Is the duration of your meetings either shrinking or expanding? Why?
Both. We're having to combine some meetings so there is less travel, but we also are having to add on surprise meetings.
Is the attendance at your meetings shrinking or expanding? Why?
Same.
Did you have a smaller budget to work with last year? If so, how much do you estimate it was decreased?
Somewhat smaller. Not too much so.
How are possible perception problems affecting your meetings and your planning of meetings?
This year the company decided to cancel all incentive-based trips, based on the perception of the financial industry.
Are there any destinations or facility types that are now considered “off-limits” due to perception problems or the current economic climate?
As a company, we have decided to keep all trips domestic. No more overseas travel
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?
Yes and yes.
Are you scheduling more educational components for your meetings? If so, why?
About the same.
Are you incorporating more, or less, activities into your agenda? If so, what types of activities are being added or cut?
Less. All activities were cut and that will probably remain the same, with the exception of team building.
Are you finding that attrition clauses are being enforced less strictly? Can you share any comments/observations about this?
Yes. I know just that they are.
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. Got screaming room rates for a meeting this summer in Vail, where a lot of people typically couldn't go before because of the high rates.
Are you using social networking websites for business purposes? If so, which ones and why?
I believe Allstate is now doing that, yes. Facebook and LinkedIn are the two I am aware of.
Are you taking less (or no) FAM trips? If so, why?
Less. We weren't doing much travel this year--and it was frowned upon.
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?
I sure hope it gets better. People just don't realize how when an industry like this gets caught, the entire economy can change based on it. I think attendance will be about the same--not sure about budgets. I don't anticipate any major difference, except that our trips can begin to happen again.