RESPONDENTS: The first IMEX Global Insight Report asked a standing panel of 45 senior meetings industry and corporate professionals for their views on the year ahead. Many are based in continental Europe but others come from the USA, the UK and the Middle East, plus representatives from Egypt, Australia, Russia, China and Asia. Most hold senior positions, including 26 at director level and 16 managers.

FINDINGS: Looking forward to 2010, 57% of the panel anticipates the number of meetings, events and incentives arranged by their organisation to remain the same and 33% expect it to be higher. Budgets are expected to remain the same by 31% but 29% predict budget cuts and 19% foresee a small rise.

Uncertainty about the global economic outlook is the most important factor influencing decision-making for 21%, with a further 52% saying it is quite important. The need to demonstrate return on investment (ROI) in a way that management understands is considered extremely important by 37%. How to blend face-to-face with virtual meetings and finding the best mix is extremely important for 47%. On the topic of social media, 22% agreed with the statement, “my company wants to use every channel but with no extra resource to support the added work”.

Complying with new meetings and events policies or new travel and expenses policies is not a major issue for the panelists. Keeping meetings and events on the procurement agenda is the greatest challenge for 45% and a further 33% are focusing on shielding their budgets from erosion.

Anecdotal responses point to the need to shift away from traditional success measures based on operations or logistics metrics, moving towards measures that define “content success”. Others urge more speed in adapting to change rather than trying to revert to past “norms”, with technology such as social media seen as part of the solution.

http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/documents/ GlobalInsightssurveyreport_Nov09.pdf