Things are looking up, according to the meeting professionals who took part in this year’s Meetings Market Survey. Respondents say that over the last year, they’ve experienced growth in key indicators of industry health — attendance, exhibitors, size of exhibition space, and budgets — and in general they paint a brighter picture for meetings in 2013. But some vestiges of the recession remain, and doing more with less now seems the standard business model. “I think the No. 1 challenge,” one respondent commented, “is being creative with your budget.” Turn the page to learn how planners have taken stock of their 2012 events — and are sizing up what lies ahead.