Danielle Strong, CMP
Managing director/meetings division
Sterling Events Group
Clemmons, N.C.
Is the duration of your meetings either shrinking or expanding? Why?
The duration of the majority of our meetings has remained the same. Clients are still seeing the value of education, trade show, networking and free time.
Is the attendance at your meetings shrinking or expanding? Why?
Our lowest-attended shows were in 2010; we are already seeing an increase to our 2011 expected attendance, and our large show is trending ahead of schedule and pick-up. As we approach 2011, I feel that optimism is picking up and folks are venturing back out to the events and shows they automatically attended prior to the recession.
Did you have a smaller budget to work with last year? If so, how much do you estimate it was decreased?
2010 budgets were approximately 10 percent lower than 2008 but stayed the same as 2009.
Do you expect your budget to increase in 2011?
We are seeing a return to 2008 budgets so up about 10 percent to 15 percent over 2009/2010.
Do you expect your attendance to increase in 2011?
Yes, we are already seeing an increase in registrations for our large 2011 event in February. Our smaller April 2011 event has already filled. Folks are getting back out there.
Are perception problems (meeting and luxurious properties, resort destinations, etc.?) a great concern for your organization? Have they become less of a concern in the past few months, and do you expect them to be a problem in 2011?
They have never seemed to be a concern to any of our clients.
Are there any destinations or facility types that are now considered “off-limits” due to perception problems or the current economic climate?
None at all.
Have you planned, or do you expect to plan, virtual/videoconference meetings? Do you expect to see more virtual meetings in the future?
We do not see virtual meetings as something that our clients want or need. Face-to-face events carry more value.
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?
We have not experienced a decrease in event scheduling. The balance of education and social events remains the same.
Are you scheduling more educational components for your meetings? If so, why?
Yes, we are seeing the need/request for more education sessions. This adds to the value of the meeting/conference and the justification for attendance.
Are you incorporating more, or less, activities into your agenda? If so, what types of activities are being added or cut?
Our clients activity levels have not changed.
Are you finding that attrition clauses are being enforced less strictly? Can you share any comments/observations about this?
Yes, we are seeing the hotels return to their strict attrition clauses. However, they seem more willing to “right size” blocks a year or more out without penalty as they assist the property in selling into the dates.
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.
I feel the leverage for lower rates is beginning to slip. Especially for our large shows that have limited venues/cities that we can conduct them in, there is more competition for those cities/venues.
Are you using social networking websites for business purposes? If so which ones and why?
Our company does use social media. Our clients are beginning to see the value of social media, especially Facebook, and we anticipate an increase in use of social media in 2011.
Have you planned more meetings closer to your organization’s headquarters (“drive-to” meetings) recently? If so, why?
We have not seen this with our clients.
