So far 2011 is shaping up to be the recovery year the meetings industry hoped it would be. For 10 reasons to feel confident the recovery will continue for the rest of the year, we turn to MPI’s Business Barometer, a near-term study that reports as clearly as possible what industry professionals are collectively thinking, doing, and planning based on actual and anticipated economic conditions. Here's a handy takeaway from the most recent edition.
1. Attendance levels have increased substantially since December 2010.
2. Spending per meeting continues to show signs of recovery.
3. RFP response times are lengthening for some 59% of suppliers, indicating higher volume.
4. Full-time employment gains in Europe remain higher than those in the U.S., though both regions are increasing at a significant rate.
5. Short lead times continue to be the top issue in the global marketplace.
6. The U.S. continues to see a decline in government and international corporate meeting activity, though both are on the rise in Europe.
7. U.S. domestic corporate business is increasing at a significant pace.
8. The sharp decline in European government meeting activity continues, but the region’s once-falling international corporate sector has stabilized.
9. Worldwide, overall business conditions continue to improve at a steady pace.
10. Meeting attendance continues its gradual improvement.