Benchmark names its top ten meeting trends for 2010

Among Benchmark Hospitality International’s “Top Ten Meeting Trends” this year include this cheerful one: Bookings are up.
 

“Although early, meeting providers are cautiously optimistic for the year and are experiencing a booking pace that is ahead of 2009,” the site says.
 

Two other top trends: booking windows remain very short, only 30 to 45 days, and there remains “extreme price sensitivity with hotels once again competing for meetings business with aggressive package pricing.”
 

Other trends include smaller groups, a growing green consciousness and no frills meetings that are ROI driven with team building, spa and golf courses placed on the back burner.
 

Still another trend is more health-conscious food and beverages.
 

Benchmark Hospitality International is a privately held hospitality management company.
 

For more information on trends, visit benchmarkhospitality.com.
 

By David Wilkening