The year 2009 was no exception. IAPCO has, at IMEX for the past 4 years, announced the results of their members’ annual survey and this year the figures proved to be surprisingly buoyant, bucking the trend of the recession and economic downturn. The 2008 survey, announced at IMEX 2009, indicated the concerns that members felt might occur in 2009, but generally member companies experienced little dramatic downturn in conference outcomes through the tough year. “Of course there were challenges for our members during the economic downturn in 2009” said IAPCO President Philippe Fournier “however, well trained resources and the constant drive to maintain and develop quality has certainly had a positive impact on results.”

The total number of meetings handled by the 100 IAPCO members rose by 9% over 2008, a staggering total of 5641 run over the year. Association meetings rose by 15%, Governmental meetings by 46% and Corporate meetings by just 2%, reflecting a 46% drop in the international corporate market. The total number of participants rose from 1968519 to 2117915.

Perhaps the most significant figures are the overall budgets managed by IAPCO members: budget equivalent to 1,121b. euros (530 euros per registrant) for the meetings and about 300 M€ (545 euros per sqm) for the exhibitions. Τhis equates to 3,431b. euros of economic impact. Meetings matter also for the economy.