Research and White Papers
Survey: International Association Meetings Report High Attendance, Low Income
August 31, 2010
Despite persisting financial pressures, international association meeting planners are optimistic about the future thanks to strong attendance at this year's gatherings, reports the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which last week released the results of a survey conducted jointly with IMEX during its May 2010 show in Frankfurt.
The survey of more than 100 international association executives — all hosted buyers at IMEX — found that three-quarters of associations have either organized or were about to organize meetings of more than 500 attendees this year. More than 15 percent, meanwhile, have organized events of more than 5,000 attendees. In fact, 31 percent of associations reported higher actual or planned attendance for their 2010 events, compared to previous years, while 46 percent reported no change. Only 14 percent reported slight attendance declines and less than 10 percent "significant" declines.
Despite strong attendance, however, international associations continue to report financial challenges, according to ICCA, as only 20 percent reported higher income from sponsors and exhibitions. Of the remaining 80 percent, half reported no change in income and half reported a decline.
"These results provide further powerful evidence that the international association meetings sector is holding firm through these economically rocky times," ICCA CEO Martin Sirk said in a statement. "Like everyone, they're faced with more conservative budgeting by their corporate sponsors, but their key constituents, the association members who attend their major meetings, are proving once again that they are loyal and willing to invest their time and money. Combined with ICCA's own statistical research showing the continued creation and growth of new association meetings, these results should reassure every destination and company targeting this sector that they have made the right strategic decision."
Added IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer, "International associations will continue to be a key hosted buyer sector for IMEX and for our new IMEX America show in 2011. We understand just how strategically important their meetings are to our exhibitors, especially during recessionary or turbulent times, and we are committed to invest in their customized programs at both shows to make sure their numbers continue to grow strongly."
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