budget to decrease in 2010 (compared to 29 percentwho projected budget cuts in 2009), while half expected no change (compared to 42 percent in last year’s survey). Budget—overall organization: Close to one-third of respondents (30 percent) indicated that their organiza- tion’s total annual 2009 budget was $10 million or more (up from 24 percent last year), and 42 percent reported
that it was $5 million or more. Average number of attendees: In 2009, an average of 4,409 people attended respondents’ events,compared to 3,744 in 2008. Attendance is stabilizing: One-half of respondents expected 2010 attendance to remain the same as 2009, while 23 percent expected an increase and 19 percent continued on page 40
“With the state of the economy and the attention placed on our industry because of ‘percep- tion,’ our company has reduced the need for travel and overnight stays as they relate to events. I would like to see hotels embrace one-day meetings more than they do now. I find it hard to partner with some hotels once they are aware of our small need for hotel rooms.”