Dallas. The FutureWatch 2011 study issued by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) demonstrates that meeting volume, number of attendees and overall spend will see moderate increases throughout the global meeting and events industry.
With strong statistical data to support trending predictions, the report indicates that the event industry will see a positive change in the coming year. FutureWatch includes insight from more than 450 industry professionals in 20 different countries and from 67 MPI chapters – making it a globally relevant study applicable not only to MPI members, but for all businesses at large. Even in the face of challenging economic circumstances globally, the report projects an 8 percent increase in the number of meetings planned for 2011 and a 5 percent increase in the average spend.
“After two challenging years for the business of our industry, we’re back with FutureWatch 2011 responses indicating material real growth in activity of 8 percent”, said Bruce MacMillan, president and chief executive officer of MPI. “FutureWatch 2011 also indicates that this is the year where recent industry forays into virtual events and collaboration through social media will become increasingly mainstream. Thinking outside the room to drive performance through connectivity is becoming entrenched.”
