In a press conference Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at IMEX America in Las Vegas, the Meeting Professionals International Foundation and Site International Foundation announced initial findings from a joint research project showing a growing connection between meeting and incentive planning.

Among the respondents, 37 percent of said their role in planning other events (either meetings or incentives) has increased; of that group, 67 percent expect it to increase more in the next year. Most of the reasons given for the combination of meeting and incentive planning responsibilities are financial ones, such as budget and tax pressures. A significant majority of respondents (61 percent) also expect to see more meetings taking place during incentive trips.

Complete results from the survey will be released in November.