Results of HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Survey of Attendees

85.3% of Planners Looking for New Resources

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. October 14, 2008

MARCH 26, 2007. According to a survey of pre-registrants attending the seventh annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) Affordable Meetings(R) Mid-America show April 11 - 12, 2007 at Chicago's Navy Pier, the majority of the respondents (66.2 percent) expect to plan more meetings in 2007 and beyond. More than two-thirds of these respondents (85.3 percent) hope to obtain valuable resources at this year's show to aide them in conducting business.

The survey yielded positive results for venues and suppliers in the meetings industry, more than half of the respondents (61.1 percent) indicated that their meeting budgets have increased from last year.

Of the 85.3 percent that are looking for new resources, 63.7 percent are seeking venues for their meetings and events and 39.4 percent are hoping to gain knowledge of new meeting technologies.

The survey also revealed that HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) was the top show at which they conducted business in the past and 70.1 percent of attendees do not conduct business at any other industry related show.

In response to how planners' roles have changed over the past year, many cited that they have more meetings to plan, increased responsibility, need to accomplish more in less time with limited resources, are faced with higher expectations from attendees (particularly in regards to technology), must deal with the challenges of budget constraints, and have taken on more accountability with increased responsibilities.

"The Affordable Meetings(R) series pre-survey serves as an excellent resource by providing us with a sense of what the meeting industry needs and wants," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. "By taking this valuable information, we are able to produce a cost-effective, educational and business opportunity for those in the industry year after year," he added.

The survey was sent to 988 planners registered for HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) Mid-America with a response rate of 32 percent (317 responses).

Booth space is still available at the Mid-America Show and can be obtained by contacting Beth Petersen, show manager, GLM, (914) 421-3377; fax (914) 948-2918; e-mail: [email protected].

LEADING INDUSTRY EVENT

As one of the most highly-anticipated and well-attended events for qualified meeting planners and exhibiting companies looking to target these professionals, HSMAI's Affordable Meetings is "the place to be" with a educational component and trade show beyond compare.

Attendance at HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) Mid-America is FREE-OF-CHARGE for qualified meeting planners, defined as those who work full-time, part-time, or as decision-making volunteers for corporations, associations, independent planning businesses, or other active organizations.

All meeting planners who attend HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) events will benefit from the following:

o A dynamic program of seminars and speakers covering a broad range of topics such as meeting contracts, on-site management, negotiation skills, budgeting, effective communication, technology, marketing, designing a brochure and more.

o The opportunity to meet and do business with exhibiting companies during a unique exposition that showcases venues, products and services to help produce various types of meetings and events.

o A $10 coupon (on both days of the show) to buy lunch at the food concessions in the exposition hall.

o A complimentary spiral-bound book containing handouts from all of the seminars so attendees will have access to the ideas and insights shared during each of the sessions and workshops.

o The chance to win jetBlue airline tickets, AMEX gift cards and cash prizes, as well as drawings at many exhibitor booths.

o The HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) Bookstore, a one-stop shopping source for attendees to find the most up-to-date publications and resource materials focusing on the needs of meeting planners at every level of experience, as well as a complete line of CMP study materials.

Attendee information is available by calling 1-800-272-SHOW. Additional information and a complete program schedule can be obtained by visiting the show's web site at www.affordablemeetings.com.