A new study by Menlo Consulting Group, Inc. found that the top concern for North American meeting planners has become avoiding perceptions of lavishness or extravagance. As a reaction to what many see as a new government and public scrutiny, meeting planners are choosing to hold their meetings closer to home, and staying away from resorts and luxury properties.  Where corporations fear negative reactions from the press or stockholders, association planners fear lower attendance.

“A shift in where companies and associations hold their meetings,” said Sarita Skidmore, Menlo Consulting Group Principal, “is probably here to stay in light that many organizations have established guidelines limiting their planners’ choice of venues.”  On the positive side, domestic destinations and second-tier cities are likely to benefit”.

In addition, meeting planners interviewed indicated a strong interest in venues embracing green meetings practices.

Menlo Consulting Group’s analysis of the North American meetings market is based on secondary research and in-depth interviews with planners to size the market and evaluate the key trends that are shaping its evolution.