Global DMC Partners (GDP) has shared the findings of its Q1 Meetings & Events Pulse Survey. Conducted from March 18 to April 9, 2021. According to the survey, the meetings industry witnessed a dramatic shift in employment in Q1, with a 19 percent drop in full-time employment status. Employees who had been furloughed or given reduced hours increased from five to 19 percent.

In a live poll question, 59 percent of the webinar attendees reported that they are not hiring at this time. However, many anticipate hiring to take place in the fall, particularly as face-to-face programs return.

A majority of survey respondents indicated that they are considering proof of vaccine for future programs; however, testing is the primary focus at this time as there is no way of obtaining proof of vaccination without falling into legal and privacy issues.

While face-to-face meetings are primarily taking place locally in 2021, there will be a demand for international programs in 2022. Although many expected that there would be great deals following the pandemic, planners are finding that pricing is a challenge due to lack of availability.

GDP’s latest survey polled 583 respondents representing every aspect of the meetings and events industry and nearly every part of the world. The majority of participants were based in the United States (67 percent), followed by Canada (seven percent) and Mexico (six percent).

In addition to the new data, GDP also shared real-world best practices and engaged in a timely and informative discussion with a panel of industry experts. Led by GDP President & CEO Catherine Chaulet, the virtual panel included Becky Cavanaugh from Syneos Health, Brie Richards from Brightspot Incentives, Chelsey Taylor from MCW Events, Kim Hester from JNR Incorporated, Linda Pasquale from Allegis Group, Margaret Stafford from the American Bar Association and Venetia Campbell from Young Living Essential Oils.

The full results of GDP’s Meetings & Events Pulse Survey are available here (PDF, 19 pages).