MPI’s FutureWatch 2011 study predicts an increase of 8 percent in the number of meetings held this year over 2010 and a 5 percent increase in the average spend per meeting.
The study, which is based on input from 450 meeting industry professionals from 20 countries and 67 MPI chapters, also discusses how the global financial crisis has forced industry practitioners to focus more on strategically oriented meetings and ROI. Other findings include an increased use of virtual meetings technology and social media.
“After two challenging years for the business of our industry, we’re back with FutureWatch 2011 responses indicating material real growth in activity of 8 percent.” said Bruce MacMillan, president and chief executive officer of MPI. “FutureWatch 2011 also indicates that this is the year where recent industry forays into virtual events and collaboration through social media will become increasingly mainstream. Thinking outside the room to drive performance through connectivity is becoming entrenched.”
