MPI Business Barometer spies light at the end of the tunnel.

For the last two years, the MPI Business Barometer has been monitoring the meetings and events industry. It measures immediate needs in relation to economic concerns and opportunities. But it doesn’t stop there. It also helps reveal how perceptions, reality, and predictions about the economic future are affecting key decision makers.


Cautious but optimistic.
The latest survey prior to publication of this article indicates that while the industry still isn’t popping champagne corks, attitudes are definitely on the rise. Expectations of gradually improving business and economic activity are surfacing. And expectations of a continued poor economy are now voiced by only one percent of survey respondents.


Lead times continue to shorten.
Tighter budgets and increased scrutiny continue to slow the decision-making process. Respondents gave some reasons why. “Everything is happening on a much shorter notice. I think budgets are becoming available so people really want to move on their meetings now.” And “last minute registrations make it very challenging to forecast attendance and participation revenues.” In this type of environment, it’s more important than ever to have guidance, insight, and support so meetings can accomplish their objectives and still come in on budget.


Expectations trending positive.
For the first time since August of 2008, the MPI Business Barometer measured an increase in the number of business professionals indicating a trend toward more meetings, higher attendance, and/or increased meetings and business events budgets. Plus, predicted overall business continued its positive climb for the fourth survey in a row.


Survey specifics.
The survey referred to in this article is done for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) in association with American Express®. MPI encompasses the meeting and event industry’s largest global community. It is comprised of more than 24,000 members worldwide. For more information about the survey or MPI, visit www.mpiweb.org.


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