We all know 2004 was the year the Red and Blue states met head to head in an historic election that returned George W. Bush to the White House. It was also the year the Red Sox beat the Cardinals to win the World Series after decades of trying. But what do you know about news and events in 2004 in the world of meetings? Here's a test to find out:
How much do convention delegates spend per day? According to the Convention Income Survey Report released by the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus in July, delegates spend on average $266 a day — an increase of 36 percent from the 1998 IACVB survey.
What city recently ended a nearly 60-day strike by hotel workers? A strike involving 4,000 hotel workers ended in San Francisco in late November.
Which long-established industry association was dissolved this year? The Greater Washington Society of Association Executives was merged into the American Society of Association Executives this summer.
How much money have U.S. airlines lost this year? The airlines have lost $6 billion so far this year and close to $30 billion over the last four years. American Express forecasts domestic business fares will rise 3 percent and international fares 5 percent next year.
How much is revenue per available room (RevPar) predicted to increase this year for the hotel industry? According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, RevPar will increase 6.3 percent this year — the largest one-year hike since 1984. RevPar, a key indicator of hotel profitability, is expected to jump another 5 percent next year and 4.5 percent in 2006.
Which industry group recently declared “Event Specification Guide” as the official term for the document used to convey event information/requirements to venues and suppliers? The Convention Industry Council, which oversees the APEX Initiative, made that announcement in October after a task force came up with recommendations for not only what to call the document but what it should contain. APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) was created to develop “standards” for conventions in key areas such as terminology, requests for proposals, housing, and registration.
Who is the new president of the American Society of Meeting Professionals? Trick question. There are several associations for meeting professionals, but one by this name does not exist — not yet at any rate.
How did you do? Whether you passed or not, lets bid farewell to 2004 with a wish that the new year will bring more joy and harmony to all the “worlds” we inhabit, large and small.