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Majority of Short-Term Downturn Due to Meeting Postponements, Not Cancellations |
DALLAS -- Oct. 4, 2001-- Meeting planners and suppliers experienced
an immediate negative impact due to last month's terrorist attacks in the
United States, however results of an online survey conducted by Meeting
Professionals International (MPI) indicate that the majority of business
lost short-term is due to meeting postponements, not cancellations.
MPI is the world's largest meeting trade association for meeting planners and suppliers with 19,000 members in 64 countries. MPI asked members representing its leadership to respond to a top-line business impact survey in order to obtain the following meeting industry snapshot reflecting responses from 243 planners and suppliers. Survey Highlights: 85 percent of all respondents expected business to be impacted over the next six months, however all signs indicate face-to-face meetings will continue to occur. In terms of total existing meeting commitments over the next six months:
less decrease in business with another one-third expecting between 10 and 20 percent. And, nearly 15 percent of suppliers responding expected no change or a slight revenue increase up to 10 percent. Regarding meeting travel over the next six months, 42 percent of all
respondents expect no restrictions, with 29 percent anticipating restrictions
and 24 percent uncertain. When asked about reasons for potential travel
restrictions, just 19 percent of all respondents cited concerns about travel
safety, with overall change in financial outlook defined as the driving
factor by 40 percent of all respondents.
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Meeting Professionals International http://www.mpiweb.org/ |
Also See | Travel America Now Act Includes Restoration of Full Deductibility for all Business Entertainment Expenses, Including Meals / Oct 2001 |