20 british meetings & events industry survey · 2018-12-17 · the meetings show is the...

British Meetings & Events

INDUSTRY SURVEY 20 19

A definitive study of market trends based on interviews with leading British event organisers

Undertaken by: The Right Solution Ltd

on behalf of: CAT Media

Sponsored by:

ICC Birmingham

Stuttgart Convention Bureau

The Meetings Show

2 British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2019

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3British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2019

Contents

An in-depth

market

research

study based

on interviews

with UK event

organisers from

the corporate,

association

and other

not-for-profit

sectors”

“

Fairway House

Portland Road

East Grinstead

West Sussex

RH19 4ET

Tel: 01342 306700

Email: [email protected]

www.meetpie.com

Available in two formats:Printed copy – £280PDF version – £220 +VAT

To purchase additional copies

of the survey visit

www.mitmagazine.co.uk/BMEIS

© CAT Media – November 2018

Published by:

INTRODUCTION ..................................................5DEFINITION OF A CONFERENCE/MEETING ........5METHODOLOGY .................................................7 RESPONDENT CHARACTERISTICS ......................7SUMMARY OF RESULTS......................................8

FULL RESULTSVolume of events ......................................12Number of delegates ................................13Duration of events ....................................14Percentage of residential events .............14Budgeted delegate rates ..........................14Annual budgets for events .......................15Lead times .................................................16UK destinations .................................... 16/17Overseas destinations ..............................18Preferred venue types ..............................19Preferred venue incentives ......................20Factors influencing venue selection ... 20/21Third party assistance with events ..........22Referral to convention bureaus ...............22Frequency of outsourcing .........................23Measuring return on investment .............23Print and digital media consulted ...... 23/24Meetings industry trade shows attended ..25 Satisfaction ratings ...................................26Factors affecting events currently ...... 26/27Cancellation of events due to terrorism ....27BREXIT ........................................................28Sharing Economy Providers .....................29GDPR ...........................................................29Hours worked per week ...........................29 Working in the events industry ...............29

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ......................................30QUESTIONNAIRE .............................................31

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Introduction

Welcome to the British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2019. This is the tenth year the survey has been undertaken

to provide valuable information on the buying trends and characteristics of their events for 349 conference organisers from the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

The survey is commissioned and published by CAT Media – and compiled by The Right Solution - and has been made possible through the generous support of ICC Birmingham, Stuttgart Convention Bureau and The Meetings Show.

This research will be of interest to all venues and suppliers of conferences and meetings in the UK, plus intermediary agencies and organisers. Whether you are looking for information for strategic planning and business decisions or general interest in the state of the meetings industry, including all those operating, marketing or developing destinations, venues and related services, the trends and characteristics outlined here will also be of interest for benchmarking activities and budgets.

Third party organisers such as event management agencies, professional conference organisers and venue finders have intentionally not been included as respondents to the survey as their responses would skew the volume and value figures and affect the accuracy of information by duplicating data.

Definition of a conference/meetingFor the purposes of this survey a conference, meeting or business event is defined as one that involves a minimum of eight people, occupying the venue for at least four hours’ duration. Those selected were required to organise at least one meeting fitting this description, although prime targets were organisers of more than one event per year.

A full glossary of terms and definitions used in this report is provided towards the end of this document, together with a copy of the questionnaire used.

The Meetings Show is the gathering place for the MICE industry in the UK, bringing people together to meet in person and build connections that last. Taking place from 26-27 June 2019 at Olympia London, the show provides the

experiences you need to steer your events to the future. Time to take a closer look.

# M E E T YO U AT T H E S H OW

SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS

W H AT D O E S T H E F U T U R E O F E V E N T S L O O K L I K E ?

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MethodologyThe results analysed are based on online completions and telephone interviews with 349 respondents during July, August, September and October 2018 including 175 from the not-for-profit sector and 174 from the corporate sector. Invitations to participate were sent by email to the CAT Media and The Right Solution databases of qualified meetings and events’ organisers from both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors and other interviews were undertaken by telephone.

It is important to note that respondents are not identical to those for last year and this therefore influences the changes reported from year to year.

The respondents from the not-for-profit sector were made up as follows:

• 58.3%professionalandtradeassociationsandinstitutions

• 12.0%governmentorpublicsectororganisations

• 29.7%othernot-for-profitorganisationssuchascharities,politicalparties,religious groups and trade unions.

These three sectors are collectively referred to as the national (UK) association or not-for-profit sector throughout the report.

Please note the international associations' meetings and conferences are separately researched by both the Union of International Associations (UIA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

7

“

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the rounding up or down of some of the individual figures, totals on the graphs on the following pages do not always add up to 100%

Conference

organisers

from the not-

for-profit and

corporate

sectors

participated”

The Meetings Show is the gathering place for the MICE industry in the UK, bringing people together to meet in person and build connections that last. Taking place from 26-27 June 2019 at Olympia London, the show provides the

experiences you need to steer your events to the future. Time to take a closer look.

# M E E T YO U AT T H E S H OW

SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS

W H AT D O E S T H E F U T U R E O F E V E N T S L O O K L I K E ?

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Respondent characteristicsThe most frequently mentioned job titles for respondents are shown in the table below. The categories in this table are taken from the top words and phrases from the job titles of corporate and not-for-profit respondents. Those where five or more respondents mentioned the title are listed.

Key word in job title Corporate Association respondents respondents

Events 21% 26%

Manager 37% 26%

Events manager 8% 10%

Marketing 17% 5%

Head/senior 20% 9%

Executive 14% 5%

Officer 1% 7%

Director or CEO 11% 7%

Conference 1% 4%


Introduction & summary of results for the twelve months to October 2018The British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2019 outlines results of organisers' buying trends for meetings over the last twelve months, including buyers from the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. The results of this year's survey are compared with 2017, and where relevant 2016, to provide an indication of trends and what is happening in the market. Third party organisers are intentionally not included so that double counting of volume and value is avoided.

Volume of events, numbers of delegates

The results seem indicative of the uncertainty and fluctuations being experienced by many markets. The volume of events has reduced to an average 23 from 32 events per association organiser and from 34 to 31 events per corporate organiser. Yet delegate numbers are up for both sectors – perhaps because of fewer events being held they are more inclined to attend? Or they are eager for information on future trends and developments in their own field? Whatever the reason the increases are significant. Associations’ main events show an average of 403 attendees (up from 292 last year) and their regular events an average of 121 (up from 86). Corporates show an average of 368 attendees at their main event (up from 238 last year) and 130 at regular events (up from 79).

84%ofeachsectorsaidthedurationoftheireventshadnotchanged.Leadtimes average 9 months for associations and 7 months for corporates but many eventsareorganisedwithinshortertimescales.56%ofcorporatesorganisetheirevents within 6 months.

Budgets and budgeted delegate rates

Both sectors show increased average daily delegate rates. The associations sector is up to £51.78 from £43.62 and the corporate sector up to £58.71 from £52.39. This can in part be explained by venue choices as city centre hotels, residential conference centres and luxury venues are the most popular venue types.

24-hour delegate rates are also up from £127.55 to £135.62 for associations and to £157.21 from £151.05 for corporates. However, these results are only forasmallsampleasjust28%ofassociationsand34%ofcorporatesstageresidential events.

Annual budgets also increased from £131,151 to £160,043 for associations/nfp and from £188,043 to £191,346 for corporates. Predictions for the next twelve months are very different for the two sectors with corporates anticipating an increaseof+7.5%andassociations/nfpadecreaseof-7.5%.

Unsurprisingly given the increased average rates, added value items (i.e. more being included in the delegate rates) were the most popular incentives with both sectors, followed by discounts on multiple bookings and long-term contracts.

8


Destinations

London,Birmingham,Manchester,Leeds(upfrom7thlastyear)andGlasgow are the top five destinations for events held. The top ten, although some positions change within it, are very similar to last year except for Nottingham which moves into tenth place from 12th last year.

Infrastructure, accessibility, general appeal and the role of universities’ academics and ambassadors all influence the popularity of destinations for events. This is borne out by the top influencing factors which are access, location and price followed by capacity of conference facilities, availability and quality of conference facilities.

51%ofcorporates(upfrom45%)and27%(26%)ofassociationshadheldevents overseas. The top countries were France, Germany, Spain and the Republic of Ireland.

Third party help, convention bureaus and freelancers

29%ofassociationseventsand34%ofcorporateeventsareplannedwiththirdpartyassistance.36%ofcorporatesand53%ofassociationssaidtheynever use freelancers or outsourced aspects of event organisation.

Conventionbureausarereferredtoforanaverage21%ofassociationeventsand27%ofcorporateevents.

ROI

53%ofassociations(upfrom45%)and52%ofcorporates(downfrom65%)measuredROIfortheireventsthisyear.

Print and Digital Media & Trade Shows

Meetings & Incentive Travel is the most popular of the print media followed by Conference & Incentive Travel. Meetpie.com is the most popular of the digital media.

Upto57%ofeachsectordidnotattendanytradeshows.TheMeetingsShow was the most attended trade show, followed by Square Meal.

“29% of

associations

events and 34%

of corporate

events are

planned with

third party

assistance”


Satisfaction ratings, factors contributing to successful events and affecting events

Standard of conference facilities, Free Wi-Fi, service levels and staff understanding of needs were most highly rated. Understanding of meeting techniques, value for money (catering), technical and standard of bedrooms for associations are not rated as highly. Use of social media, new technologies and networking taking priority are all factors having an effect on events.

However, the single most important factor affecting events is costs and budgets.

Cancellations and current issues

6%ofassociationsand8%ofcorporatessaidrecentterroristactivityhadled to cancellation of events.

46%ofassociationsand48%ofcorporatessaidtheireventswillbeunaffectedbyBREXIT.However,just6%ofassociationsand3%ofcorporates said they feel positive about BREXIT for the future of their events.

36%ofassociationsand26%ofcorporatessaidthatGDPRwillaffectevent promotion or communication with participants.

17%ofcorporates(upfrom14%lastyear)and17%ofassociations(upfrom11%lastyear)saidtheyortheirdelegatesuseAirbnborothersharing economy providers.

Working in the events industry

Averageworkinghoursare42forassociationsand47forcorporates.63%ofassociationorganisersand59%ofcorporatessaytheyplantostayinthe events industry.


Summary of key results per sector as at October 2018 Corporate Associations Sector Sector

Mean number of events per organiser 31 (34) 23 (32)

Percentage expecting to organise more events in next 12 months 39 28

Percentage residential events 34 (35) 28 (27)

Average number of delegates

At MAIN annual event 368 (238) ((276)) 403 (292) ((384))

At other events 130 (79) ((97)) 121 (86) ((153))

Average lead times 7 months 9 months

Average budgeted daily delegate rate £58.71 (£52.39) £51.78 (£43.62)

Average budgeted 24-hour delegate rate £157.21 (£151.05) £135.62 (£127.55)

Average annual budget for events £191,346 (£188,043) £160,043 (£131,151)

Percentage change in budget anticipated next 12 months +7.5% -7.5%

Preferred venues City centre hotels

Preferred venue incentive Added value items

Percentage of events with third party assistance assistance 34 (27) 29 (35)

Most popular printed media Meetings & Incentive Travel

Most popular digital media Meetpie.com

Most attended trade show The Meetings Show

Most used UK cities London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow

Key factors influencing venue & destination selection Access, location, price, capacity of conference facilities

Percentage of events with reference to convention bureaus 27 (11) 21 (18)

Percentage that had held events outside the UK 51 (45) 27 (26)

Most popular European country (outside UK) France

Percentage measuring ROI for events 52 (65) 53 (45)

Single most important factor currently affecting events Costs/budgets

Percentage using sharing economy providers 17 (14) 17 (11)

Percentage who cancelled events due to terrorist activity 8 6

Percentage planning to stay in the events industry 59 63

Average hours worked per week by respondents 47 42

Percentage saying BREXIT negotiations will NOT affect their events 48 (82) 46 (75)

Last year’s figure shown in brackets, 2016 in double brackets


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Corporates

Associations

Access (road, rail links)

Location (area of country)

Price/value for money

Capacity of conference facilities

Availability

Quality of conference facilities

Free WiFi

Quality of service

Quality of food

Style of venue that suits organisation

Previous experience of venue

Parking on site

Cleanliness of venue

Dedicated technical support

Internal/external perceptions of the venue

and/or destination

Relationship with venue staff

Quality of bedrooms

Reputation

Compliance with your industry criteria

Staff awareness of needs

Technical capability and expertise of staff

Meeting environmental and ‘green’ concerns

Leisure facilities

Recognised brand

Team building activities available

Security in venue or destination

Opportunity for CSR activities

Marketing campaign that caught your

attention

Knowledge capital and local academics/experts

Help with sponsorship or event partners

Key influencing factors 60.7%61.7%

54.8%63.1%

45.2%64.4%

43.7%42.3%

33.3%27.5%

31.1%22.8%

17.0%26.2%

21.5%16.1%

23.0%12.8%

18.5%12.1%

13.3%16.1%

11.9%14.1%

8.9%16.1%

8.1%8.1%

11.9%4.0%

7.4%7.4%

9.6%5.4%

8.9%4.7%

5.9%7.4%

5.2%2.0%

2.2%3.4%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

26.7%

More Fewer No Change

Volume of events, change in last 12 months

19.8%21.3%

9.5%

53.5%

69.2%

Corporates

Associations

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

10.3%


Change in duration, last 12 months

6.1%9.6% 6.0%

83.6% 84.3%Corporates

Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

34.3%


13.3%

36.0%

11.6%

52.4% 52.4%

Corporates

Associations

Change in number of delegates, last 12 months

3.0%

3.7%1.3%

3.0%0.7%

2.2%0.0%

0.7%1.3%

1.5%0.7%

0.0%1.3%

0.0%0.7%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

38.7%


Volume of events, change in next 12 months

9.2%

27.8%

6.8%

52.0%

65.4%

Corporates

Associations

25.7%

19.2%

Typical lead times

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

26.4%

25.0%

15.0%

5.0%

33.8%

11.3%

25.8%

4.0%

6.0%

Corporates

Associations Within 6 weeks

From 6 weeks to 3 months

From 3 to 6 months

From 6 to 12 months

From 12 to 24 months

More than 24 months2.9%

Full results for the associations/not-for-profit and corporate sectors

1. Volume of events held in previous twelve months & change anticipated for year ahead

The volume of events over the last few years indicates a stable corporate sector but fewer not-for-profit sector events. The average number of events organised by the corporate sector was 31, compared to 34 last year. The average for those in the association/not-for-profit sector was 23 compared to 32 last year.

Thechartbelowshowsthat54%ofcorporatesand69%ofassociationssaidtheyorganisedthesamenumberofeventsinthelasttwelvemonths.27%ofcorporatessaidtheyorganisedmoreeventsand20%saidtheyorganisedfewer,despite the average above showing a slight reduction. It is worth remembering that different respondents each year do produce different results. For the not-for-profitsector21%saidtheyorganisedmoreeventsand10%fewer,yetaloweraverage figure is shown above.

There is more optimism for the next twelve months from the corporate sector as 39%predictmoreevents,comparedto28%forthenot-for-profitsector.


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Corporates

Associations





Availability


Free WiFi

Quality of service

Quality of food



Parking on site




and/or destination


Quality of bedrooms

Reputation





Leisure facilities

Recognised brand





attention




54.8%63.1%

45.2%64.4%

43.7%42.3%

33.3%27.5%

31.1%22.8%

17.0%26.2%

21.5%16.1%

23.0%12.8%

18.5%12.1%

13.3%16.1%

11.9%14.1%

8.9%16.1%

8.1%8.1%

11.9%4.0%

7.4%7.4%

9.6%5.4%

8.9%4.7%

5.9%7.4%

5.2%2.0%

2.2%3.4%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

26.7%



19.8%21.3%

9.5%

53.5%

69.2%

Corporates

Associations

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

10.3%



6.1%9.6% 6.0%


Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

34.3%


13.3%

36.0%

11.6%

52.4% 52.4%

Corporates

Associations


3.0%

3.7%1.3%

3.0%0.7%

2.2%0.0%

0.7%1.3%

1.5%0.7%

0.0%1.3%

0.0%0.7%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

38.7%



9.2%

27.8%

6.8%

52.0%

65.4%

Corporates

Associations

25.7%

19.2%

Typical lead times

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

26.4%

25.0%

15.0%

5.0%

33.8%

11.3%

25.8%

4.0%

6.0%

Corporates



From 3 to 6 months

From 6 to 12 months



2. Number of delegates attending events

CorporatesFor corporates, the mean number of delegates at their annual conference at 368 is much higher than 238 last year and 276 in 2016, and for regular events is 130comparedto79lastyearand97in2016,yetonly34%saidtheyhadmoredelegates attending.

AssociationsThe average attendees at the main annual conference has increased to 403 comparedto292lastyearyetcloserto384in2016,with36%sayingtheyhadattracted more delegates. The mean number of attendees at their regular events is 121, higher than 86 last year yet closer to 153 in 2016. The subject matter (and other factors such as location and price as revealed later) for regular events is causing variations in how many delegates attend.

The uncertainty around many fields and markets currently may be resulting in more delegates attending events for both sectors with all looking for a steer on the future. Perhaps the fact there are fewer events taking place encourages more to attend?

“54% of

corporates

and 69% for

associations

said they

organised the

same number

of events in

the last twelve

months”

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Corporates

Associations





Availability


Free WiFi

Quality of service

Quality of food



Parking on site




and/or destination


Quality of bedrooms

Reputation





Leisure facilities

Recognised brand





attention




54.8%63.1%

45.2%64.4%

43.7%42.3%

33.3%27.5%

31.1%22.8%

17.0%26.2%

21.5%16.1%

23.0%12.8%

18.5%12.1%

13.3%16.1%

11.9%14.1%

8.9%16.1%

8.1%8.1%

11.9%4.0%

7.4%7.4%

9.6%5.4%

8.9%4.7%

5.9%7.4%

5.2%2.0%

2.2%3.4%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

26.7%



19.8%21.3%

9.5%

53.5%

69.2%

Corporates

Associations

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

10.3%



6.1%9.6% 6.0%


Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

34.3%


13.3%

36.0%

11.6%

52.4% 52.4%

Corporates

Associations


3.0%

3.7%1.3%

3.0%0.7%

2.2%0.0%

0.7%1.3%

1.5%0.7%

0.0%1.3%

0.0%0.7%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

38.7%



9.2%

27.8%

6.8%

52.0%

65.4%

Corporates

Associations

25.7%

19.2%

Typical lead times

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

26.4%

25.0%

15.0%

5.0%

33.8%

11.3%

25.8%

4.0%

6.0%

Corporates



From 3 to 6 months

From 6 to 12 months




3. Duration of events

84%ofeachsectorsaidthedurationoftheireventshadnotchanged.Although not asked in this year's survey, the average duration has previously been around 1.5 days for both sectors with many events non-residential as shown in the responses to the following question.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Corporates

Associations





Availability


Free WiFi

Quality of service

Quality of food



Parking on site




and/or destination


Quality of bedrooms

Reputation





Leisure facilities

Recognised brand





attention




54.8%63.1%

45.2%64.4%

43.7%42.3%

33.3%27.5%

31.1%22.8%

17.0%26.2%

21.5%16.1%

23.0%12.8%

18.5%12.1%

13.3%16.1%

11.9%14.1%

8.9%16.1%

8.1%8.1%

11.9%4.0%

7.4%7.4%

9.6%5.4%

8.9%4.7%

5.9%7.4%

5.2%2.0%

2.2%3.4%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

26.7%



19.8%21.3%

9.5%

53.5%

69.2%

Corporates

Associations

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

10.3%



6.1%9.6% 6.0%


Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

34.3%


13.3%

36.0%

11.6%

52.4% 52.4%

Corporates

Associations


3.0%

3.7%1.3%

3.0%0.7%

2.2%0.0%

0.7%1.3%

1.5%0.7%

0.0%1.3%

0.0%0.7%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

38.7%



9.2%

27.8%

6.8%

52.0%

65.4%

Corporates

Associations

25.7%

19.2%

Typical lead times

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

26.4%

25.0%

15.0%

5.0%

33.8%

11.3%

25.8%

4.0%

6.0%

Corporates



From 3 to 6 months

From 6 to 12 months



4. Percentage of residential events

The mean percentage of events that were residential for the corporate sector was34%andforthenot-for-profitsectorwas28%.Thesepercentagesarevery similar to those for previous years.

5. Budgeted delegate rates (inclusive of VAT)

Associations saw their budgeted daily delegate rates increase to £51.78 from £43.62 last year and £48.93 in 2016. Budgeted 24-hour rates were also higher for associations, although the proportion of respondents who use them is very low, as many association delegates pay for their own accommodation.

Average budgeted daily rates for corporates increased to £58.71 - closer to the 2016 figure of £57.38 and up from £52.39 in 2017 despite reported changes averaging5.7%.Thisrateprobablyreflectsthepreferredvenueswithfewerextra costs to the delegate rate being charged at residential conference centres and the higher costs of luxury venues (see page 19), although later results show just how budget conscious all organisers remain (page 15). For corporates the 24-hour rate was also up this year to £157.21 from £151.05 but down on the figure for 2016.

Changes in budgeted daily delegate rates since 2016

Sector Daily Daily Daily 24-Hr 24-Hr 24-Hr 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016

Corporates £58.71 £52.39 £57.38 £157.21 £151.05 £167.13

Associations £51.78 £43.62 £48.93 £135.62 £127.55 £147.88


6. Annual budget for events

The average annual budget for corporate respondents increased slightly to £191,346 from £188,043 last year. The predicted budget change for the next twelvemonthsis+7.5%,amuchhigherfigurethanithasbeenforsometime,yet the focus on achieving value for money remains.

Associations/not-for-profit sector also saw their average annual events budget increase to £160,043 from £131,151 last year, possibly reflective of increased delegate numbers as association delegates pay for themselves at events unlike corporate delegates who are paid for by the organisation. However, the average predictedbudgetchangeforthenexttwelvemonthsis-7.5%.Itappearsthatthis year’s rise cannot be sustained. For the public sector in particular, budget cuts continue.

“The mean

percentage

of events

that were

residential for

the corporate

sector was

34% and for

the not-for-

profit sector

was 28%”

Average annual budgets for events

Sector Average annual Average annual Average annual budget 2018 budget 2017 budget 2016

Corporate £191,346 £188,043 £185,476

Associations £160,043 £131,151 £143,66877.1%

30.5%

27.1%

18.5%

21.2%

19.2%

11.3%

15.9%

11.9%

11.9%

6.6%

6.6%

6.0%

6.0%

5.3%

2.0%

Top UK destinations for the last 12 months

70.9%

27.9%

28.5%

16.4%

10.7%

10.7%

15.0%

6.4%

7.1%

9.9%7.1%

7.9%9.3%

3.6%

2.1%

7.1%

7.1%

6.4%

5.7%

5.3%3.6%

2.1%4.6%

7.1%

Corporates

Associations

11.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

60.7%

33.3%

45.2%

31.9%

38.5%

20.7%

12.6%

19.3%

18.5%

7.4%

Preferred Venue types

59.1%

45.0%

27.5%

29.5%

20.1%

34.2%

40.9%

17.4%

7.4%

14.1% Corporates

Associations

City centre hotel

Dedicated conference centre/management

training centre, residential

Luxury venue

Multi-purpose venue

Unusual venue

Purpose-built convention centre

University/Academic venue

Out-of-Town (Seaside/Country) hotel

Sporting venue

Business centre e.g. Regus

Airport hotel

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

12.6%8.7%

2.9%

2.6%

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Bristol

Cardiff

Liverpool

Nottingham

Oxford

Belfast

Newcastle/ Gateshead

Cambridge

Brighton

Coventry

Leicester

Sheffield

York

Southampton

Aberdeen

Telford

Bournemouth

Harrogate

Jersey 2.0%

2.0%3.6%

4.3%

1.4%

0.7%

3.6%

75.0%

71.3%

69.5%

72.0%

71.5%

73.8%

68.3%

68.8%

59.5%

Satisfaction ratings

76.8%

72.2%

64.5%

73.1%

75.8%

68.8%

69.3%

61.7%

Corporates

Associations

Standard of conference facilities

AV facilities and support

Standard of bedrooms

Staff understanding

Service levels

Free WiFi

Value for money (catering)

Technical

Understanding of meeting techniques

50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

30.5%

11.9%

47.7%

9.9%

More Fewer No Change Don’t Know

Budget, change in last 12 months

38.4%

10.6%

43.0%

7.9%

Corporates

Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

27.8%

11.3%

34.4%

26.5


Budget, change in next 12 months

28.6%

9.3%

43.8%

14.8%

Corporates

Associations

73.5%

77.1%

30.5%

27.1%

18.5%

21.2%

19.2%

11.3%

15.9%

11.9%

11.9%

6.6%

6.6%

6.0%

6.0%

5.3%

2.0%


70.9%

27.9%

28.5%

16.4%

10.7%

10.7%

15.0%

6.4%

7.1%

9.9%7.1%

7.9%9.3%

3.6%

2.1%

7.1%

7.1%

6.4%

5.7%

5.3%3.6%

2.1%4.6%

7.1%

Corporates

Associations

11.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

60.7%

33.3%

45.2%

31.9%

38.5%

20.7%

12.6%

19.3%

18.5%

7.4%


59.1%

45.0%

27.5%

29.5%

20.1%

34.2%

40.9%

17.4%

7.4%

14.1% Corporates

Associations

City centre hotel



Luxury venue

Multi-purpose venue

Unusual venue




Sporting venue


Airport hotel

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

12.6%8.7%

2.9%

2.6%

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Bristol

Cardiff

Liverpool

Nottingham

Oxford

Belfast


Cambridge

Brighton

Coventry

Leicester

Sheffield

York

Southampton

Aberdeen

Telford

Bournemouth

Harrogate

Jersey 2.0%

2.0%3.6%

4.3%

1.4%

0.7%

3.6%

75.0%

71.3%

69.5%

72.0%

71.5%

73.8%

68.3%

68.8%

59.5%


76.8%

72.2%

64.5%

73.1%

75.8%

68.8%

69.3%

61.7%

Corporates

Associations




Staff understanding

Service levels

Free WiFi


Technical


50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

30.5%

11.9%

47.7%

9.9%



38.4%

10.6%

43.0%

7.9%

Corporates

Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

27.8%

11.3%

34.4%

26.5



28.6%

9.3%

43.8%

14.8%

Corporates

Associations

73.5%


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Corporates

Associations





Availability


Free WiFi

Quality of service

Quality of food



Parking on site




and/or destination


Quality of bedrooms

Reputation





Leisure facilities

Recognised brand





attention




54.8%63.1%

45.2%64.4%

43.7%42.3%

33.3%27.5%

31.1%22.8%

17.0%26.2%

21.5%16.1%

23.0%12.8%

18.5%12.1%

13.3%16.1%

11.9%14.1%

8.9%16.1%

8.1%8.1%

11.9%4.0%

7.4%7.4%

9.6%5.4%

8.9%4.7%

5.9%7.4%

5.2%2.0%

2.2%3.4%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

26.7%



19.8%21.3%

9.5%

53.5%

69.2%

Corporates

Associations

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

10.3%



6.1%9.6% 6.0%


Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

34.3%


13.3%

36.0%

11.6%

52.4% 52.4%

Corporates

Associations


3.0%

3.7%1.3%

3.0%0.7%

2.2%0.0%

0.7%1.3%

1.5%0.7%

0.0%1.3%

0.0%0.7%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

38.7%



9.2%

27.8%

6.8%

52.0%

65.4%

Corporates

Associations

25.7%

19.2%

Typical lead times

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

26.4%

25.0%

15.0%

5.0%

33.8%

11.3%

25.8%

4.0%

6.0%

Corporates



From 3 to 6 months

From 6 to 12 months



7. Lead times

Theaverageleadtimeforassociationsis9monthsalthough32%areorganisingtheir events with lead times of 12 months or longer. For corporates lead times average7monthsand56%ofcorporatesorganiseeventswithinsixmonths.

8. UK destinations for events in the last 12 months

Londonremainsthemostuseddestinationforbothcorporateandassociationsectors, with Birmingham in number two and Manchester in number three position,followedbyLeedsin4th(from7thlastyear)andGlasgowin5thposition.Cardiffat8thandLiverpool9tharethesameaslastyearbut Nottingham moves up to 10th from 12th. It is important to note that Leicester,Sheffield,SouthamptonandTelfordwereaddedintotheprompteddestinations this year resulting in position changes for other towns and cities.

The strong influence of infrastructure, accessibility and general appeal is clear together with universities with influential academics and ambassadors for associations. The high presence of corporate players in individual destinations also influences their position in the chart.

Many other destinations were mentioned by respondents including Cheltenham,Farnborough,Luton,MiltonKeynes,Peterborough,Windsor,and Watford plus regions such as West Midlands, Somerset, Northumberland, Yorkshire,Lancashire,CumbriaandMerseyside.


“The average

lead time for

associations

is 9 months

although 32%

are organising

their events

with lead times

of 12 months or

longer”

77.1%

30.5%

27.1%

18.5%

21.2%

19.2%

11.3%

15.9%

11.9%

11.9%

6.6%

6.6%

6.0%

6.0%

5.3%

2.0%


70.9%

27.9%

28.5%

16.4%

10.7%

10.7%

15.0%

6.4%

7.1%

9.9%7.1%

7.9%9.3%

3.6%

2.1%

7.1%

7.1%

6.4%

5.7%

5.3%3.6%

2.1%4.6%

7.1%

Corporates

Associations

11.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

60.7%

33.3%

45.2%

31.9%

38.5%

20.7%

12.6%

19.3%

18.5%

7.4%


59.1%

45.0%

27.5%

29.5%

20.1%

34.2%

40.9%

17.4%

7.4%

14.1% Corporates

Associations

City centre hotel



Luxury venue

Multi-purpose venue

Unusual venue




Sporting venue


Airport hotel

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

12.6%8.7%

2.9%

2.6%

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Bristol

Cardiff

Liverpool

Nottingham

Oxford

Belfast


Cambridge

Brighton

Coventry

Leicester

Sheffield

York

Southampton

Aberdeen

Telford

Bournemouth

Harrogate

Jersey 2.0%

2.0%3.6%

4.3%

1.4%

0.7%

3.6%

75.0%

71.3%

69.5%

72.0%

71.5%

73.8%

68.3%

68.8%

59.5%


76.8%

72.2%

64.5%

73.1%

75.8%

68.8%

69.3%

61.7%

Corporates

Associations




Staff understanding

Service levels

Free WiFi


Technical


50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

30.5%

11.9%

47.7%

9.9%



38.4%

10.6%

43.0%

7.9%

Corporates

Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

27.8%

11.3%

34.4%

26.5



28.6%

9.3%

43.8%

14.8%

Corporates

Associations

73.5%


9. Events held in overseas destinations during last 12 months

51%ofcorporates(upfrom45%)and27%ofassociations(26%)saidtheyhad held events in overseas destinations over the last 12 months.

Of those respondents who had held events overseas, not all stated the countries they had held events in. For those who did, the top countries are listed in the table below with France, Germany and Spain at the top followed by Republic of Ireland and Netherlands.

Other countries mentioned are Turkey, Croatia, Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Finland, Hungary and Malta. A few respondents had also held events in Asia and the Middle East.

Percentage of all Association**

respondents who had held an event there

Top overseas countries*

* The table shows percentage of respondents using overseas countries who had held events in each country.

** Although this includes all not-for-profit sector respondents, the associations included are UK membership based and therefore lower levels of overseas destinations are to be expected. International associations meeting statistics are reported by the UIA and ICCA.

Percentage of all Corporate

respondents who had held an event there

France 36% 42%

Germany 34% 27%

Spain 27% 23%

Republic of Ireland 14% 35%

Netherlands 27% 19%

Italy 22% 12%

Switzerland 3% 23%

Sweden 9% 15%

Portugal 14% 8%

Denmark 6% 15%

Belgium 3% 15%

USA 14% 0%

Austria 3% 8%

18


“

10. Preferred venue types

City centre hotels remain the most popular venue types followed by dedicated conference centres and luxury venues, despite concerns about compliance. Multipurpose venues and unusual venues are more popular than previous years – perhaps due to the rise in experiential events. Universities/academic venues and purpose-built convention centres are more popular with the not-for-profit sector.

51% of

corporates (up

from 45%)

and 27% of

associations

(26%) said they

had held events

in overseas

destinations

over the last

12 months”

77.1%

30.5%

27.1%

18.5%

21.2%

19.2%

11.3%

15.9%

11.9%

11.9%

6.6%

6.6%

6.0%

6.0%

5.3%

2.0%


70.9%

27.9%

28.5%

16.4%

10.7%

10.7%

15.0%

6.4%

7.1%

9.9%7.1%

7.9%9.3%

3.6%

2.1%

7.1%

7.1%

6.4%

5.7%

5.3%3.6%

2.1%4.6%

7.1%

Corporates

Associations

11.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

60.7%

33.3%

45.2%

31.9%

38.5%

20.7%

12.6%

19.3%

18.5%

7.4%


59.1%

45.0%

27.5%

29.5%

20.1%

34.2%

40.9%

17.4%

7.4%

14.1% Corporates

Associations

City centre hotel



Luxury venue

Multi-purpose venue

Unusual venue




Sporting venue


Airport hotel

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

12.6%8.7%

2.9%

2.6%

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Bristol

Cardiff

Liverpool

Nottingham

Oxford

Belfast


Cambridge

Brighton

Coventry

Leicester

Sheffield

York

Southampton

Aberdeen

Telford

Bournemouth

Harrogate

Jersey 2.0%

2.0%3.6%

4.3%

1.4%

0.7%

3.6%

75.0%

71.3%

69.5%

72.0%

71.5%

73.8%

68.3%

68.8%

59.5%


76.8%

72.2%

64.5%

73.1%

75.8%

68.8%

69.3%

61.7%

Corporates

Associations




Staff understanding

Service levels

Free WiFi


Technical


50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

30.5%

11.9%

47.7%

9.9%



38.4%

10.6%

43.0%

7.9%

Corporates

Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

27.8%

11.3%

34.4%

26.5



28.6%

9.3%

43.8%

14.8%

Corporates

Associations

73.5%


Did not attend any trade shows

The Meetings Show

Square Meal

International Confex

Other

World Travel Market

Conference & Hospitality Show

Academic Venue Show

EIBTM World, Barcelona

IMEX, Frankfurt

IMEX, America

Trade shows attended

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

56.7%

15.8%

16.7%

9.2%

10.8%

3.3%

5.0%

1.7%

22.1%

19.1%

9.9%

3.8%

4.6%

2.3%

5.3%

Corporates

Associations

4.2%

2.5%

0.8%

1.5%

55.0%

Preferred venue incentives: 12 months to June 2018

Corporates

Associations

Added value items

Discounts on multiple bookings

Discounts on long-term contracts

Cash incentives

Incentive gifts/awards

Subvention available

Discounts on exchange rates

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

74.5%

68.1%

43.7%

17.0%

11.1 %

38.9%

27.5%

15.4%

6.7%

12.1%

4.4%

6.0%

6.7%

17.8 %

50.0%

51.7%

20.8%

12.5%

11.7%

Meetings & Incentive Travel

(M&IT)

Conference & Incentive Travel

(C&IT)

Do not read meetings industry

print media

Conference News

Event

Association Meetings

International

Conference & Meetings World

Other

Publications read or consulted regularly

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

33.6%

26.0%

19.1%

13.0%

9.9%

5.8%

8.4%

Corporates

Associations

Do not use meetings industry websites

meetpie.com

conference-news.co.uk

citmagazine.com

internationalmeetingsreview.com

amimagazine.global

Other

conworld.net

Digital media consulted

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

65.6%

49.2%

25.8%

10.0%

4.2%

2.5%

1.7%

0.0%

13.0%

11.5%

10.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

Corporates

Associations

9.2%

5.0%

6.1%

0.0%

3.1%

0.0%

0.0%

11. Preferred venue incentives

Added value items remain the most popular incentive with both sectors – mentionedby75%ofassociations(upfrom57%lastyear)and68%ofcorporates(upfrom63%lastyear).Nextmostpopulararediscountsonmultiple bookings and discounts on long term contracts. The earlier results showed an increase in average daily delegate rates and this result shows more is expected to be included in these higher rates. Organisers dislike hidden costs or extras that they were not anticipating appearing on their invoices.

Subventionfromthedestinationorvenueismentionedby12%ofassociations–upfrom6%lastyear.

12. Key factors influencing venue & destination selection

The top influencing factors remain access, location and price. Capacity and quality of conference facilities are both more important this year, possibly influenced by increased delegate numbers and expecting value for money. Style of venue that suits the organisation (and this is followed through into compliance with industry criteria) is more important as is previous experience of venues. Availability is also rated more important than previous years.

It is interesting to see the low priority of security in the venue or destination despiterecentterroristactivity.Thelaterresultshowsthat6%ofassociationsand8%ofcorporatessaidthatrecentterroristactivityhadledthem to alter events (see page 27).

20


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Corporates

Associations





Availability


Free WiFi

Quality of service

Quality of food



Parking on site




and/or destination


Quality of bedrooms

Reputation





Leisure facilities

Recognised brand





attention




54.8%63.1%

45.2%64.4%

43.7%42.3%

33.3%27.5%

31.1%22.8%

17.0%26.2%

21.5%16.1%

23.0%12.8%

18.5%12.1%

13.3%16.1%

11.9%14.1%

8.9%16.1%

8.1%8.1%

11.9%4.0%

7.4%7.4%

9.6%5.4%

8.9%4.7%

5.9%7.4%

5.2%2.0%

2.2%3.4%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

26.7%



19.8%21.3%

9.5%

53.5%

69.2%

Corporates

Associations

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

10.3%



6.1%9.6% 6.0%


Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

34.3%


13.3%

36.0%

11.6%

52.4% 52.4%

Corporates

Associations


3.0%

3.7%1.3%

3.0%0.7%

2.2%0.0%

0.7%1.3%

1.5%0.7%

0.0%1.3%

0.0%0.7%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

38.7%



9.2%

27.8%

6.8%

52.0%

65.4%

Corporates

Associations

25.7%

19.2%

Typical lead times

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

26.4%

25.0%

15.0%

5.0%

33.8%

11.3%

25.8%

4.0%

6.0%

Corporates



From 3 to 6 months

From 6 to 12 months



“

21

Added value

remains the

most popular

incentive with

both sectors”


14. Referral to convention bureaus 42%ofassociationssaidtheyuseconventionbureaus.Ofthese,10%(4%ofall associations) use them for all events all the time and amongst the others, on averagetheyareusedfor21%ofevents.

44%ofcorporatessaidtheyuseconventionbureaus.Ofthese,10%(4%ofallcorporates)usethemforalleventsandonaveragetheyareusedfor27%ofevents.

Percentage of events planned Corporate Association with third party assistance

None 25.8% 37.7%

Up - 10% 21.9% 17.4%

11% - 20% 7.0% 12.3%

21% - 30% 9.4% 8.7%

31% - 50% 9.4% 6.5%

51% - 60% 7.8% 4.3%

More than 60% 3.9% 2.2%

All 14.8% 10.9%

13. Percentage of events planned with third party assistance Onaverage29%ofassociations’eventsand34%ofcorporateeventsareplanned with third party assistance.

Upto15%ofeachsectorsaidtheyusethirdpartiestohelpwithalleventsyet38%ofassociationeventsand26%ofcorporateareplannedwithoutanyassistance.

Percentage of events referred Corporate Association to convention bureaus

Less than 15% 46.7% 60.3%

16% - 30% 18.3% 9.5%

31% - 50% 8.3% 9.5%

51% - 75% 6.7% 4.8%

76% - 99% 10.0% 6.3%

All 10.0% 9.5%


15. How frequently do you use freelancers or outsource aspects of event organisation?

16. Measuring Return on Investment for events A higher percentage of the not-for-profit sector measured Return on Investment this year, which is to be expected when public money is used for many events and delegates pay to attend association events. However, a lower percentage of corporates are measuring ROI this year.

17. Meetings Industry Print and Digital Media consulted regularly

Meetings & Incentive Travel is the most popular print media closely followed by Conference & Incentive Travel.

66%ofassociationsand49%ofcorporatesdonotusemeetingsindustrywebsites.Meetpie.comismostpopularofthedigitalmediaandusedby26%ofcorporatesand13%ofassociations.

(It should be noted that Meetings and Incentive Travel’s database is used for this research).

Other media mentioned were Square Meal, Business Travel, Broadcast, Stand Out and other individual sector related publications.

“A higher

percentage of

the not-for-

profit sector

measured

Return on

Investment

this year”

Frequency of outsourcing for Corporate Association aspects of event organisation

Always 5% 2%

Regularly 9% 5%

Sometimes 24% 18%

Never 36% 53%

Do you measure ROI Corporate Association for your events?

Yes 52% (65%) 53% (45%)

No 48% (35%) 47% (55%)

See graphs overleaf....



The Meetings Show

Square Meal


Other

World Travel Market


Academic Venue Show


IMEX, Frankfurt

IMEX, America


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

56.7%

15.8%

16.7%

9.2%

10.8%

3.3%

5.0%

1.7%

22.1%

19.1%

9.9%

3.8%

4.6%

2.3%

5.3%

Corporates

Associations

4.2%

2.5%

0.8%

1.5%

55.0%


Corporates

Associations

Added value items



Cash incentives




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

74.5%

68.1%

43.7%

17.0%

11.1 %

38.9%

27.5%

15.4%

6.7%

12.1%

4.4%

6.0%

6.7%

17.8 %

50.0%

51.7%

20.8%

12.5%

11.7%


(M&IT)


(C&IT)


print media

Conference News

Event


International


Other


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

33.6%

26.0%

19.1%

13.0%

9.9%

5.8%

8.4%

Corporates

Associations


meetpie.com


citmagazine.com


amimagazine.global

Other

conworld.net


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

65.6%

49.2%

25.8%

10.0%

4.2%

2.5%

1.7%

0.0%

13.0%

11.5%

10.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

Corporates

Associations

9.2%

5.0%

6.1%

0.0%

3.1%

0.0%

0.0%


The Meetings Show

Square Meal


Other

World Travel Market


Academic Venue Show


IMEX, Frankfurt

IMEX, America


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

56.7%

15.8%

16.7%

9.2%

10.8%

3.3%

5.0%

1.7%

22.1%

19.1%

9.9%

3.8%

4.6%

2.3%

5.3%

Corporates

Associations

4.2%

2.5%

0.8%

1.5%

55.0%


Corporates

Associations

Added value items



Cash incentives




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

74.5%

68.1%

43.7%

17.0%

11.1 %

38.9%

27.5%

15.4%

6.7%

12.1%

4.4%

6.0%

6.7%

17.8 %

50.0%

51.7%

20.8%

12.5%

11.7%


(M&IT)


(C&IT)


print media

Conference News

Event


International


Other


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

33.6%

26.0%

19.1%

13.0%

9.9%

5.8%

8.4%

Corporates

Associations


meetpie.com


citmagazine.com


amimagazine.global

Other

conworld.net


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

65.6%

49.2%

25.8%

10.0%

4.2%

2.5%

1.7%

0.0%

13.0%

11.5%

10.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

Corporates

Associations

9.2%

5.0%

6.1%

0.0%

3.1%

0.0%

0.0%

....continued from previous page


“Meetpie.

com is most

popular of

the digital

media”


The Meetings Show

Square Meal


Other

World Travel Market


Academic Venue Show


IMEX, Frankfurt

IMEX, America


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

56.7%

15.8%

16.7%

9.2%

10.8%

3.3%

5.0%

1.7%

22.1%

19.1%

9.9%

3.8%

4.6%

2.3%

5.3%

Corporates

Associations

4.2%

2.5%

0.8%

1.5%

55.0%


Corporates

Associations

Added value items



Cash incentives




0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

74.5%

68.1%

43.7%

17.0%

11.1 %

38.9%

27.5%

15.4%

6.7%

12.1%

4.4%

6.0%

6.7%

17.8 %

50.0%

51.7%

20.8%

12.5%

11.7%


(M&IT)


(C&IT)


print media

Conference News

Event


International


Other


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

33.6%

26.0%

19.1%

13.0%

9.9%

5.8%

8.4%

Corporates

Associations


meetpie.com


citmagazine.com


amimagazine.global

Other

conworld.net


0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

65.6%

49.2%

25.8%

10.0%

4.2%

2.5%

1.7%

0.0%

13.0%

11.5%

10.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

0.8%

Corporates

Associations

9.2%

5.0%

6.1%

0.0%

3.1%

0.0%

0.0%

18. Meetings Industry Trade shows attended

Upto57%ofeachsectorsaidtheydidnotattendmeetingsindustrytrade shows.

Of those that were attended The Meetings Show was the most popular, attendedby16%ofcorporatesand22%ofassociations.SquareMealwasnextmostpopularattendedby17%ofcorporatesand19%ofassociationsandInternationalConfexwasattendedbyupto10%ofeach sector.

Many other shows were mentioned including BNC, Marketing Week, Cvent Connect, ITM, Media Production, Visit Scotland Expo and trade shows in their own fields such as Electrical Manufacturers Show.


19. Satisfaction ratings

The responses to views on satisfaction with the factors shown below have been weighted to illustrate those viewed most highly. These are standard of conference facilities, Free Wi-Fi, service levels and staff understanding of needs. Understanding of meeting techniques, value for money (catering), technical and standard of bedrooms for associations are not rated as highly.

77.1%

30.5%

27.1%

18.5%

21.2%

19.2%

11.3%

15.9%

11.9%

11.9%

6.6%

6.6%

6.0%

6.0%

5.3%

2.0%


70.9%

27.9%

28.5%

16.4%

10.7%

10.7%

15.0%

6.4%

7.1%

9.9%7.1%

7.9%9.3%

3.6%

2.1%

7.1%

7.1%

6.4%

5.7%

5.3%3.6%

2.1%4.6%

7.1%

Corporates

Associations

11.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

60.7%

33.3%

45.2%

31.9%

38.5%

20.7%

12.6%

19.3%

18.5%

7.4%


59.1%

45.0%

27.5%

29.5%

20.1%

34.2%

40.9%

17.4%

7.4%

14.1% Corporates

Associations

City centre hotel



Luxury venue

Multi-purpose venue

Unusual venue




Sporting venue


Airport hotel

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

12.6%8.7%

2.9%

2.6%

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Bristol

Cardiff

Liverpool

Nottingham

Oxford

Belfast


Cambridge

Brighton

Coventry

Leicester

Sheffield

York

Southampton

Aberdeen

Telford

Bournemouth

Harrogate

Jersey 2.0%

2.0%3.6%

4.3%

1.4%

0.7%

3.6%

75.0%

71.3%

69.5%

72.0%

71.5%

73.8%

68.3%

68.8%

59.5%


76.8%

72.2%

64.5%

73.1%

75.8%

68.8%

69.3%

61.7%

Corporates

Associations




Staff understanding

Service levels

Free WiFi


Technical


50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

30.5%

11.9%

47.7%

9.9%



38.4%

10.6%

43.0%

7.9%

Corporates

Associations

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

27.8%

11.3%

34.4%

26.5



28.6%

9.3%

43.8%

14.8%

Corporates

Associations

73.5%

Contributing factors Corporates Associations

Producing interesting events 1 51% 1 78% with relevant content

Content relevant to their work and daily life 2 39% 2 55%

Inspiring and original sessions/presentations 6= 20% 3 31%

Networking with peers and colleagues 3 33% 4 29%

Ease of access and travel 4 30% 5 24%

The (Quality of) venue 5 25% 6 19%

Cost of attending 9 12% 7 17%

Networking with industry experts 6= 20% 8 13%

Quality of service 10 7% 9= 12%

Food 8 14% 9= 12%

RANK

ING

RANK

ING

20. Top ten factors contributing to a successful event for delegates

Producing interesting events with relevant content was rated most highly as contributing to success by both sectors.

26


“The single

biggest factors

affecting

events

currently are

COSTS and

BUDGETS

followed by

attendance

and attracting

delegates”

21. Factors affecting events

The use of social media before and during events, new technologies and the

priority of networking over content are the factors most being felt.

Percentage of Percentage ofFactors affecting events Corporates Associations feeling the affect feeling the affect

Using social media to raise awareness and interest before the event 63% 79%

Using social media during the event 64% 71%

Making content available online after the event 65% 66%

New technologies adding creative options for events 61% 57%

Networking taking priority over content 61% 56%

Online content extending audience reach 59% 57%

Compliance issues 55% 50%

Less formal approach with delegates driving content on the day 53% 50%

More focus on ROI for the cost of the event 54% 42%

Procurement department involvement in appointing suppliers 55% 38%

CSR and sustainability focus for the event 48% 40%

Health and safety factors 48% 39%

Risk assessments 47% 37%

Factors highlighted in red are those where more than 60% of the sector selected it

22. Single most important factor affecting their events

The single biggest factors affecting events currently are COSTS and BUDGETS followed by attendance and attracting delegates. BREXIT, GDPR and having enough time plus availability were also mentioned.

23. Cancellation of events due to recent terrorist activity

When asked whether recent terrorist activity had led to cancellation of events 6%ofassociationsand8%ofcorporatessaidithad.


24. The BREXIT EffectWhen asked whether BREXIT is likely to affect the volume or nature of their events, results were as shown below. There are far fewer respondents saying their events will be unaffected than last year. They have instead opted to say they don’t know. This uncertainty seems to have influenced many other results of the survey.

Is BREXIT likely to affect the Corporates Association volume or nature of events

Yes, an increase 4% 9%

Yes, a decrease 13% 12%

No, my events will be unaffected 48% 46%

Don't know 35% 33%

Corporates

Do not feel it will have a major impact on events

Negative and Positive aspects

Not sure whether it will be positive or negative but will impact

Organising events in Europe, it will lead to increased costs as we will no longer be able to claim back VAT

Associations

It will depend very much on the final format of the trade deals, the market suffering will impact on attendance particularly at our large biennial trade show, but we will need to run events to support our members with information on how the situation will affect their businesses

May affect audience numbers in the UK

No effect unless BREXIT increases costs

Slightly negative about everything related to BREXIT

How did you vote in the Corporates Association referendum?

Remain 39% 42%

Exit 3% 6%

Prefer not to say 18% 22%

D/K or didn’t answer 40% 30%

Feelings on impact of BREXIT Corporates Association for future events?

Positive 3% 6%

Negative 22% 15%

Don’t know 40% 47%

Other or didn’t answer 35% 32%

Comments made:

28


“63% of

association

organisers

and 59% of

corporates

said they

plan to stay

in the events

industry”

EU GDPR affect? Corporates Association

Yes, a little 18% 27%

Yes, a lot 8% 9%

No, not at all 31% 31%


27. Use of sharing economy providers

17%ofcorporates(upfrom14%lastyear)and17%ofassociations(upfrom11%lastyear)saidtheyortheirdelegatesuseAirbnborothersharingeconomy providers.

28. Hours worked per week

When asked how many hours they work each week including travel time and working on site, the average was 42 for associations and 47 for corporates.

29. Working in the events industry

Respondents were asked “Do you plan to stay working in the events industry or leave?”

63%ofassociationorganisersand59%ofcorporatessaidtheyplantostayintheeventsindustry,7%ofassociationsand4%ofcorporatessaidtheyplantoleave.Thissuggestsover30%ofeachsectorarenotsure.

Is your business now Corporates Association GDPR compliant?

Yes 60% 63%

No 3% 2%

We’re still working on it 5% 6%


25. Will the EU General Data Protection Regulation affect your event promotion/communication with participants in 2018?

26. Is your business now GDPR compliant?


Glossary of Terms/Definitions

Buyer/conference organiserA person within the company or association who has responsibility for venue selection and organisational tasks related to conferences and meetings

Meeting/conferenceAn event involving eight or more people for a minimum of four hours during one day or more, occupying a venue outside the company’s own premises

Management meetingA meeting for the board or management to discuss company-related issues

Sales conferenceA gathering of the sales force to discuss sales issues such as targets, new strategy, marketing plans or to review performance

Training courseAn event for employees to learn/update skills or approach to specific aspects of their job

PresentationAn event held specifically for internal or external audiences to receive information rather than participate

Product launchFor communication of new product information to either internal (e.g. dealers) or external (customer) audiences

AGMAnnual general meeting held to inform shareholders and/or members of company/organisation about progress

Daily delegate rateIncludes the following:-

Morning coffee and biscuits, lunch, afternoon tea with biscuitsMeeting room hire 8.30am-5.30pmVAT

24-hour delegate rateIncludes all of the above plus:-

Overnight accommodation Breakfast and dinner

PCO Professional conference/congress organiser

D/K, N/A Don’t know / not answered

GLO

SSA

RY


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The British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2019

QuestionnaireAs an organiser of conferences and meetings on behalf of your organisation, your expert opinion will be invaluable to us in collating The British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2019. We know you are busy but would ask that you please take a few minutes to answer our questions.

What's in it for you? There are two good incentives:

•Thefirstisyouwillbeenteredintoaprizedrawtowina£500vouchertospend at John Lewis.

•Thesecondisreliableandquotabledataandtrendsuponwhichyoucanbenchmark your current and future activities such as venue rates and expenditure. A free copy of the report will be made available to you as a corporate or association based event planner. This can help you negotiate better with suppliers and it can also help you with internal discussions, such as your budgets, choice of venue, travel costs etc.

The Right Solution analyse the survey on behalf of CAT Media and it is sponsored by ICC Birmingham, Stuttgart Convention Bureau and The Meetings Show. It will tell us what is really happening in the events industry and the results will be available to you in November. The British Meetings & Events Industry Survey is the definitive quantitative and trends survey in the events industry.

Many thanks for your participation.

1. In order to be entered into the prize draw and to receive your complimentary copy of the report when published, you must have completed the questionnaire fully and will need to provide the following details:

Name:

Job Title:

Organisation:

Telephone number:

Email address:

Website:

2. Please specify which of the following sectors is the most appropriate description for your organisation?

Professional or trade association Governmental or public sector Other not-for-profit sector Corporate Third party (PCO, event management company, venue finder etc)

Other (please specify) .........................................................................


3. How many conferences or meetings did you organise in the 12 months ending June 2018?

1 - 3 7 - 9 21 - 30 41 - 50 4 - 6 10 - 20 31 -40 51+

4. How does this compare with the 12 months ending June 2018? More Fewer The same

5. Howmanyeventsareyoulikelytoorganiseinthenext12months(toJune2019)?

More Fewer The same

6. In the 12 months to June 2018, how many delegates attended your MAIN annual event?

1-25 101-200 401–500 1501–2000 26–50 201–300 501–1000 2000+

51–100 301–400 1001–1500

7. And OTHER events? Please use the number that is most typical of your events

1-25 101-200 401–500 1501–2000 26–50 201–300 501–1000 2000+

51–100 301–400 1001–1500

8. In the last 12 months has the number of delegates attending your events: Increased Decreased Stayed the same

9. In the last 12 months has the typical duration of your events: Increased Decreased Stayed the same

10. What percentage of your events are residential? None 51to75% Lessthan15% 76to99% 16to30% All 31to50%

11. Has this percentage increased or decreased in the last 12 months? Increased Decreased Stayed the same

12. WhatareyouraverageDAILYbudgeteddelegaterates(venuecostsperhead including meeting room hire, coffee/tea and lunch per person), inc. VAT?

Lessthan£30 £71 - £80 £31 - £40 £81 - £90 £41 – £50 £91 - £100 £51 – £60 More than £100 (please specify) £61 - £70 ............................................................ 13. Whatareyouraverage24HOURbudgeteddelegaterates(venuecostsper

head including accommodation, meeting room hire, coffee/tea and lunch per person) inc. VAT?

Not applicable £151 - £175 Lessthan£100 £176 - £200 £101 - £125 £201 - £225 £126 - £140 £226 - £250 £141 – £150 Not Applicable More than £250 (please specify) .........................................................

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32


14. What is your annual budget for UK events this year? We are trying to establish the value of the UK conference/meetings market and it would bemosthelpfulifyoucouldtellushowmuch(approximately)youspend(budget)onconferences/meetingsintheUKintotalperyear?This information is confidential and will only be used collectively for averages

Up to £50,000 £401,000 - £500,000 £51,000 - £100,000 £501,000 - £600,000 £101,000 - £200,000 £201,000 - £300,000 More than £600,000 (please specify) £301,000 - £400,00 ......................................................... 15. Inthe12monthstoJune2018,didtheaveragebudgetforyourevents

increase or decrease compared to the previous year? Increased Stayed the same Decreased Don’t know

16. Pleasespecifythepercentagechangesincelastyear'sbudget(ifknown)

..............................................................................

17. Will your events budget for the next 12 months increase or decrease in comparison to the previous twelve months?

Increased Stayed the same Decreased Don’t know

18. Pleasespecifythepercentagechangeexpectedfornextyear'sbudget(ifknown)

..............................................................................

19. What is the typical lead time for your events - how far in advance do you book venues? Within 6 weeks From 6 to 12 months From 6 weeks to 3 months From 12 to 24 months 3 months to 6 months More than 24 months (please specify) ...................................................

20. HOW MANY events did you hold in the following UK destinations during the last 12 months? Please specify the number for each location.

Aberdeen Leicester Birmingham Liverpool Blackpool London Bristol Manchester Bournemouth Newcastle/Gateshead Brighton Oxford Belfast Nottingham Cambridge Sheffield Cardiff Southampton Coventry Telford Eastbourne Torquay Edinburgh York Glasgow Harrogate Elsewhere in the UK, (please specify) Jersey

............................................................... Leeds 21. Have you held events outside the UK in the last 12 months? Yes No


22. How many events have you held in the following European locations in the last 12 months? Total number of events in each

Austria Republic of Ireland Belgium Russia Croatia Spain Denmark Sweden France Switzerland Germany Turkey Greece Ukraine Italy Other European countries, Netherlands (please specify) Portugal ................................................

Africa, which country/ies ..................................................................

The Americas, which country/ies .......................................................

Asia, which country/ies .....................................................................

Australasia, which country/ies ...........................................................

Middle East, which country/ies ..........................................................

Elsewhere in the world, which country/ies ........................................

23. Which of the following venue types do you use most often for your events? Please tick all that apply.

Airport Hotel Business centre e.g. Regus City Centre Hotel Dedicated conference centre/management training centre, residential Luxuryvenue Multi-purpose venue Out-of-Town (Seaside/Country) Hotel Purpose-built convention centre Sporting Venue University/Academic Venue Unusual Venue Other venue type (please specify) ............................................................

24. For what percentage of your events do you refer to convention bureaus (UKorabroad)forinformationondestinations?

None 51to75% Lessthan15% 76to99% 16to30% All 31to50%

25. Whenbookingvenues,whichofthefollowingbookingincentivesappealto you the most? Please tick up to three of the options below.

Added value items within the costs agreed such as Audio Visual, organiser’s office Cash incentives Discounts on exchange rates Discounts on long-term contracts Discounts on multiple bookings Incentive gifts/awards Subvention available from the destination or venue Other (please specify) ............................................................................

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26. Which of the following key factors are most influential in your venue and destination selection? Please select UP TO five that apply most.

Other (please specify)............................................................................

Opportunity for CSR activities Parking on site Previous experience of venue Price/value for money Quality of bedrooms Quality of conference facilities Quality of food Quality of service Recognised brand Relationship with venue staff Reputation Security in venue or destination Staff awareness of needs Style of venue that suits organisation Team building activities available Technical capability and expertise of staff

Access (road, rail links) Availability Capacity of conference facilities Cleanliness of venue Compliance with your industry criteria Dedicated technical support Free WiFi Help with sponsorship or event partners Internal/external perceptions of the venue &/or destination Knowledge capital and local academics/experts Leisurefacilities Location(areaofcountry) Marketing campaign that caught your attention Meeting environmental and 'green' concerns

27. How would you rate your satisfaction with the following factors at the UK venues you used during the last 12 months

Excellent Very Good Satisfactory Poor

Standard of conferencefacilities (room layout etc.)

AV equipment / technicalfacilities and support

Standard of bedrooms atselected accommodation

Staff understanding ofconference organiser and delegate needs

Service levels

Availability of free WiFi

Value for money. Foodquality and catering standards

Technical and technologicalcapabilities

Understanding of newmeeting techniques (hybrid, social media etc.)


28. For what percentage of your events do you use third party assistance (ofanytype)duringtheplanningoftheevente.g.eventmanagementcompany, production company, venue-finding agency, convention bureau etc

None 31–50% Upto10% 51-60% 11–20% All 21–30% Morethan60%,butnotall(pleasespecify)........................................

29. Do you use freelancers or outsource certain aspects * of event planning?

Yes, always Yes, sometimes Yes, regularly No, never

30. Do you measure Return On Investment for your events? Yes No

31. Which of the following trends are affecting your events

Saving Increasing Increasing Improving money costs attendance audience engagement

Compliance issues

Networking taking priority over content

Lessformalapproach with delegates driving content on the day

Procurement department involvement in appointing suppliers

Online content extending audience reach

More focus on ROI for the cost of the event

New technologies adding creative options for events

Using social media to raise awareness and interest before the event

Using social media during the event

Making content available online after the event

CSR and sustainability focus for the event

Health and safety factors

Risk assessments

Other (please specify)...................................................................................................

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12.7


32. Which of the following print media do you read or consult regularly? Please tick all that apply

Association Meetings International Event Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Conference & Meetings World Do not read meetings

industry print media

Other (please specify) ..........................................................................

33. Which of the following digital media do you consult regularly? Please tick all that apply

amimagazine.global Internationalmeetingsreview.com Citmagazine.com Meetpie.com Conferencenews.co.uk Do not use meetings industry

Conworld.net websites Eventmagazine.co.uk Other (please specify) ..........................................................................

34. Which of the following trade shows did you attend in the last 12 months? Tick all those that apply.

Academic Venue Show International Confex Conference & Hospitality Show Square Meal EIBTM World, Barcelona The Meetings Show IMEX, America World Travel Market IMEX, Frankfurt Did not attend any trade shows

Other (please specify) .................................................................................. 35. Whatisthesinglemostimportantfactoraffectingyoureventsatthe

moment?

.........................................................................................................................

36. Has recent terrorist activity led you to cancel events or reconsider holding events?

Yes No

Comments ..................................................................................................

37. Is the negotiation of BREXIT likely to affect the volume or nature of your events in future?

Yes, an increase Yes, a decrease No, my events will be unaffected

If you expect a change, please say in what way .......................................................

................................................................................................................................

38. How did you vote in the referendum? Remain Exit Didn't vote Prefer not to say

39. How do you feel now about the impact of BREXIT for your future events activities?

Positive Negative Don't know

Comments ................................................................................................

12.7


40. Will the EU General Data Protection Regulation cause problems for your event promotion/communication with participants in 2018?

Yes, a little Yes, a lot No, not at all Don't know

41. Is your business now GDPR compliant? Yes No Don't know We're still working on it

42. Do you or your delegates use Airbnb or other sharing economy providers for accommodation for your events?

Yes No

Please list those you do use .......................................................................

43. Which of the following issues contribute most to a successful event from your delegates' point of view?

Please tick the three most important Producing interesting events with relevant content to the audience Content relevant to their work and daily life Inspiring and original sessions / presentations Celebrity keynote presenters Attractive destination The (quality ) of venue Food Entertainment Quality of accommodation Quality of service Ease of access and travel Networking with industry experts Networking with peers / colleagues Cost of attending Ability to add delegates virtually Extending communications before / during and after the event

44. On average, including travelling time and working on site, how many hours do you work each week?

................................................................................................................

45. Doyouplantostayworkingintheeventsindustryorleave–Ifyouwere to leave it, why would it be?

Stay in the events industry Leavetheeventsindustry

Please say why ..........................................................................................

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The best in the business.Chris Jordan,Canada Business Events

“”

AG CHALLENGE ADVERT BMEIS.indd 1 21/11/2018 15:30:27

British Meetings & Events

INDUSTRY SURVEY 20 19

A definitive study of market trends based on interviews with leading British event organisers

Sponsored by:

Undertaken by:

The Right Solution Ltd

on behalf of:

20 british meetings & events industry survey · 2018-12-17 · the meetings show is the...

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