The second edition of the IBTM Global Meetings
Industry Research for the Americas
was launched at this year’s AIBTM.
Key findings from the research highlighted that the average number of events organised by buyer/planner respondents increased to 25, compared to 20 last year. In addition to this, 44% of American buyers confirmed that they expect their volume of events to increase in the next 12 months and over 50% predict an increase in their attendance.
The research report, which was conducted by Reed Travel Exhibitions IBTM Event Portfolio and PCMA, in association with The Right Solution, also identified that meeting budgets for the next twelve months were expected to increase on average by 5.2% compared to a 3.7% increase over the past twelve months which is a positive indicator for the industry going forward.
A further positive indicator identified in the research was identified in the broad range of events types organised by buyers in theAmericas .
The results also identified a 2% increase in Incentive Travel events (rising to
40%, compared to 44% in 2012) and a 6% increase in Exhibition events (rising to
50%, compared to 44% last year).
The research also confirmed that although theAmericas
would remain the key destination for U.S.
meeting planners over the next 12 months, 50% of Buyer respondents who attended
AIBTM, confirmed a direct interest in placing business in Europe and 40%
confirmed an interest in Asia . UK , France
and Germany
were also identified as attracting significant numbers of events last year.
63% of respondents also predicted the use of new destinations for their events in the next 12 months with Anguilla,British Virgin Islands and
Antigua & Barbuda receiving the highest satisfaction ratings in terms of
value delivered for money. Florida , California and New
York were also identified as top states for volume of
events.
The expected rise in the use of technology also features significantly in the research with 76% of planners predicting an increase in the use of new technology to shape event content and 73% confirming that they use social media to communicate with attendees before and during events. 47% of respondents also confirmed that they use smart phone Apps to provide event delegates with information.
Key findings from the research highlighted that the average number of events organised by buyer/planner respondents increased to 25, compared to 20 last year. In addition to this, 44% of American buyers confirmed that they expect their volume of events to increase in the next 12 months and over 50% predict an increase in their attendance.
The research report, which was conducted by Reed Travel Exhibitions IBTM Event Portfolio and PCMA, in association with The Right Solution, also identified that meeting budgets for the next twelve months were expected to increase on average by 5.2% compared to a 3.7% increase over the past twelve months which is a positive indicator for the industry going forward.
A further positive indicator identified in the research was identified in the broad range of events types organised by buyers in the
The research also confirmed that although the
63% of respondents also predicted the use of new destinations for their events in the next 12 months with Anguilla,
The expected rise in the use of technology also features significantly in the research with 76% of planners predicting an increase in the use of new technology to shape event content and 73% confirming that they use social media to communicate with attendees before and during events. 47% of respondents also confirmed that they use smart phone Apps to provide event delegates with information.