Launched recently, the Annual UK Conference Market Survey published by The Meetings Industry Association (MIA), reveals the…
Launched recently, the Annual UK Conference Market Survey published by The Meetings Industry Association (MIA), reveals the dynamics of some keys aspects of the industry have changed, reflecting the impact of the modern world on the industry.
Most notably, the association sector has spent more money and has organised more events than the corporate sector. association sector, once considered the `poor rThis marks a significant change in position for the elation` by intermediaries and venues alike. The overall spend was down in both sectors, but more so in the corporate sector which has seen a 17% reduction in spend since 1998.
Key Points from the report include:
Delegate Rates
Delegate rates do appear to have recovered from a two-year dip in 2000 and 2001 and are now close to their 1999 level, although slightly lower than last year in the corporate sector. In real terms today`s delegate rates offer more pound for pound value than in 1999, and therefore it simply isn`t necessary to spend more to get more.
In 2003 the average day delegate rate for the Corporate sector has dropped to £42.80 from £46.40 in 2002. A fairly large decrease, probably attributable to the fact that events are getting shorter, and only one third of delegates are residential meaning corporate negotiators are getting better rates for day delegates.
Benefits of Online Information
The benefits of the Internet on the industry cannot be ignored. The World Wide Web has made the search for a suitable venue significantly faster, easier and more visual. An individual can now find a good choice of many appropriate venues whilst sitting at their desk. They can also be taken on a virtual tour of a venue by their agent or by staff at the venue itself, simply by visiting the same web site simultaneously and talking through the details over the phone. The use of web sites for providing information on destination venues and other facilities is considered the third most important source. In the association sector 53% use the Internet to help source venues and in the corporate sector 44% use the Internet to help source venues.
Growth in the use of Intermediaries
Since 1999 there has been a 17% increase by the corporate sector in the use of intermediaries such as venue finding agencies, with 45% using them. The gradual decline of in-house operations has lead to a decline in the overall event planning skills base available to corporates, leaving them no choice but to use outside help. In the meantime, the outside help has improved significantly in terms of sophistication and costs. In many cases venue-finding agencies will have access to better facilities and will save their clients enough money to cover the agency`s own fees.
The Most Frequent Reason for Dissatisfaction
In both the association and corporate sectors, food was given as the most frequent reason for dissatisfaction in UK venues, ahead of service, accommodation and parking. While improvements have been made in services such as AV equipment, technical support and standard of bedrooms since last year, it seems the quality of food still has much room for improvement.
On the day of the report`s launch, Ruth Dawson Executive Director of the Meetings Industry Association said, “The publication of the Annual UK Conference Market Survey is an important time in the MIA Calendar. This, the tenth report, is particularly significant as it draws attention to the industry`s ability to adapt to change. Changing economic conditions, changes in world security and the rapid pace of technological advance. Over the past years the industry has shown itself to be proactive, innovative and tactile and I believe these are the qualities it needs as it strives to grow in strength and to consistently deliver the highest levels of customer service. ”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
