URL: http://www.esparzaspeakers.com/blog/index.php/view/43/A_Little_Good_News
Most of us are acutely aware that 2009 was a tough year for anyone involved in the meetings industry. When the economy took a nosedive in late 20089, few of us were shocked to see organizations limit the number and scope of events that were to be conducted the following year.
But this time it wasn't just an economic slump . . . at the same time, leaders in organizations across the county decided to reject long-standing practices to conduct winter meetings in warmer climes, reward employees with special destinations for must-attend meetings, or expect people to get on plane for anything as mundane as training. After all, the media were shining bright spotlights on companies that took "bailout" money but continued to hold meetings at luxury resorts. No one worried about work for the employees at high-end hotels or the success of various vendors serving the meeting industry-it was far more important to be P.C. and not appear extravagant.
But it appears that things will be different in 2010.
A recent survey conducted by Meeting Professional International and American Express indicates the number of events, the length of those events, and the anticipated attendance are all on the rise. (Good news, Speakers!) However, the same survey also tells us that tight budgets and limited staff will mean that meeting planners and conference organizers in 2010 will need to stretch every possible resource available to them.
So budgets will continue to be strained for the foreseeable future, but at least there should be a few more opportunities for speakers to address meeting attendees or training program registrants over the same period. And I'll just bet that, like me, you'll take all the good news that we can get!