December 1, 2008
Cover Story
Increasing Attendance and Revenues at Association Meetings During a Down Economy
With the U.S. economy in a recession that many say will get worse before it gets better, planners are facing the prospects of lower attendance, attrition, budget cuts, and revenue loss for their 2009 meetings. But meeting professionals are working hard to mitigate any shortfalls. Some are changing their pricing models. Others are shoring up attendance by redoubling their marketing efforts and seeking out new segments to target. Still others are reducing room blocks, making deals on exhibit space, and cutting back on everything from shuttle service to food and beverage events....
Features
What Changes in the Airlines Mean for Association Meetings
When the National Association of Realtors held its 2001 annual meeting in Chicago just one month after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Vice President...
Economy, Airlift Cuts, and Association Meetings Trends
Is it a buyer’s market yet? How are airline cuts affecting meetings? We asked key players from CVBs around the country to tell us what’s going in their cities—and do a little crystal-ball gazing to predict what the near future holds. ...
Check In
Economy Puts Association Meeting Planners In the Hot Seat
As I watched the wildfires rage through Southern California this fall, it was bizarre to see how one house would be left standing, fully intact, while neighboring homes were reduced to nothing but smoldering rubble. It made me think of the hit-and-miss way in which the economic woes that began just a few months ago already are affecting association meetings. ...
Keynotes
Sean Hennessey on What Lies Ahead for the Meetings Industry
We asked SEAN HENNESSEY, who in 2004 founded Lodging Investment Advisors LLC in New York City and now serves as its CEO, to call on his more than 20 years of experience in hotel operations and consulting and give us his perspective on what lies ahead for the meetings and hospitality industry. ...
Hospitality Industry Forecasts for 2009
According to the annual “Global Business Travel Forecast and Trends” report, released this fall by American Express Business Travel, the downwardly spiraling economy may actually cause a couple of results that could be positive for the meetings business: airfares likely will decrease and hotel rates will hold relatively steady. ...
What the travel industry wants from the new U.S. presidential administration
More than 20 travel and tourism leaders planned to meet Dec. 16 in Washington, D.C., to come up with specific ways in which the industry can help stimulate the economy, ...
Idea Exchange
How to Plan an Effective International Event
While today’s economic climate has created some major challenges, international events are still on the agenda for many organizations....
Making Off-Site Leadership Retreats Effective
Strategic meetings don’t need to be lavish to be effective...
Breakouts
A Beverage Pricing Primer
Here’s a breakdown of methods of charging for alcoholic beverage service at events. ...
Resolving Contract Disputes for Meetings
Many of the decisions regarding how to resolve a disagreement can be settled at the contract stage....
Technology for Meetings in 2009
As we head toward the New Year, here’s a peek at what technologies are in store for 2009....
Generation Y: Ethics and Integrity
Some may doubt Gen Y’s ethical integrity. It’s up to you to make sure you’re not part of the problem. ...
Pull Off a Productive Web Conference
Web conferencing can be an affordable alternative to holding an off-site meeting, but preparing for this type of event requires a different way of thinking. Follow these 15 tips to ensure your Web conference goes off without a hitch....
Ramp Up Your Motivation
The more the economy sinks, the more important it is for you to raise your spirits and support your staff....
Sites
The Mid-Atlantic States
The meeting planner’s guide to meetings in the Mid-Atlantic states...
Florida Meeting Planner's Guide
Meeting Planner’s Guide to Florida...
Back Talk
Top 10 Signs the Economy Is Affecting the Meetings Business
10. You find yourself reselling your excess rooms on eBay. 9. You find the idea of Spam on a stick to be newly hip for appetizers, in a retro sort of...
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