On average, respondents report that more than one-half of their small meetings (49 percent compared to 42 percent in 2008) are held at downtown hotels.
OTHER 5% 5% AIRPORT
DOWNTOWN 49%
SUBURBAN
14% 12%
RESORTS 15%
CONFERENCE CENTERS
“I anticipate it will change, as organizations continue to economize and examine business practices. For suppliers, this will get worse as canceled/streamlined events in 2009 (e.g., celebratory dinners) may not be held [in 2010] — even in an improved economy.”
Facilities Used to Host Off-Site Functions
Respondents are most likely to use restaurants to host off-site functions (63 percent), followed by museums (43 percent).
NO ANSWER OTHER PARKS THEATERS BOAT CRUISES MUSEUMS RESTAURANTS
63 43 30 20 16 14 25 % 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
“In times of adversity and uncertainty, being face-to-face with co-workers, clients, vendors, investors, etc., becomes more important than ever.”
“The industry will improve, because we’re a resourceful group, and always looking for ways to make things better.”
“I think the meetings industry will evolve into several hybrid formats — both face- to-face and Web- based programming.”