Everything seems rosy once again, with the economy humming along and corporations back to posting record profits. Even those stubborn worker wages are increasing ever so slightly—all of this at press time, of course, as I still get the feeling everything could come crashing down again, given a big event on the world stage.
Our cover story this issue, written by meetings industry writing veteran Fred Gebhart, finds that the good times indeed, are rolling, but increasing meeting budgets haven’t quite caught up with a sizzling hotel segment that is capitalizing on a relative lack of supply in a market that is rich with demand.
One source expects that 2015 could be the best year of the century for the meetings and incentives industry, which is a far cry from where we all were just a couple years ago!
In the words of another: “Caviar is an absolute necessity. But serving caviar on gold trays would be lavish and unacceptable.”
I will leave a note to that effect for the attendants on my corporate jet. ;-)
Of course, C-level executives and others who are responsible for steering their corporate ships to success in this fair-winded business climate still expect the various niceties they’ve traditionally enjoyed, so our “C-Level Escapes” sidebar explores how to deliver without busting the budget.
Also in This Issue
Other feature stories this month cover how to arm yourself with info to achieve negotiation success, compiled from interviews with some of the top bargaining experts in the meetings industry, and a spas and resorts piece that delves deep to explore how wellness-focused properties and programs are increasingly offering “mindful” practices such as meditation to achieve a “higher level” of success.
Finally, get ready for our 2015 lineup of Meetings Focus Live! hosted-buyer educational programs, which are traveling throughout the nation to bring meeting planners, properties, suppliers and educators together. Our most current lineup, and information about how to apply, is available at www.meetingstoday.com/MFLive.
Enjoy the March issue, and let’s cross our fingers that these good times keep on rollin’!
