New positive mood among meeting/convention-goers
"Guarded optimism" is the new mood for the meetings and convention market this year, according to research from RRC Associates DestinationMAP (Meeting Assessment Program).
"During the height of the economic downturn (2008-2009), DestinationMAP indicated that meeting holders were becoming much more cost-conscious. Specifically, they had become more concerned with travel, food and lodging costs as well as getting ‘good value’ from a destination," the study found.
The most recent study, however, "indicates cost concerns are falling off somewhat and meeting holders are starting to place renewed importance on travel convenience and recreational opportunities at sites," the study found.
Despite this relatively upbeat news, many of the realities of the economic downturn have not gone away. The study added:
"The vast majority of meetings planners said that they are going to negotiate more discounts and concessions and continue to shop value and price. These tendencies, though, are somewhat down from levels seen in 2009."
DestinationMAP is the former METROPOLL.
Since 1983, DestinationMAP has been the North American comprehensive study focusing on the meeting and conventions market. Their study is of the North American market is conducted every two years.
For further information, contact [email protected].
By David Wilkening
David
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