Meeting Trend

When surveyed, 69% of meeting planners said that HOTELS continue to be the most poplar venue for meetings and events, followed by convention enters. The most poplar types of hotels are located downtown heard conference or convention center, or a costal resort.

SOURCE: Convention South Magazine

Riders Rules

1. Always maintain a Positive Attitude
2. Believe in what you are doing
3. Show commitment and make a contribution
4. Keep your word -- never disgrace your name
5. Take pride in what you do
6. Do quality work
7. Learn -- embrace technology
8. Follow the Golden Rule
9. Never give up
10. Make your dreams come true

Why Partnering with CVBs Matters to You

Conventions and visitors Bureaus (CVBs) agree that the key aspect of assisting groups is to help save the meeting professional money while being flexible to assess the needs of the client. It's a partnership that's formed between the CVB and the planner. Key things to include in that relationship:

• A partnership based on trust
• A partnership where communication is key
• A partnership based around common goals
• A CVB/Venue partnership based on planner satisfaction

It's Still a Buyer's Market

Positive signs that the meetings industry is strengthening are emerging from this year's ConventionSouth's Meeting Trends in the South Report.

Here is a list of where planners are cutting costs. Planners have told ConventionsSouth that have been asked to limit spending on the following areas:

• Nearly 20% will reduce food and beverage
• Nearly 10% will reduce cost for incentives/rewards/VIP Services
• Nearly 10% wants reduced meeting room cost
• 8% are looking to cut cost in AV
• 7% are looking to cut transportation cost
• 6% will look to cut cost in programming
• Less than 5% said they would not make any cuts

SOURCE: Convention South Magazine.