ICCA, IMEX survey amongst this years IMEX Association Day attendees delivers positive news for all suppliers targetting this market segment.

In the midst of general market gloom, the international association sector stands out as a beacon of hope. These latest survey results from 120 executives (over 40 percent response rate) shows that their events are more than holding their own. A clear majority of their 2009 conventions and congresses reported or anticipated increased or static delegate attendances, with an only slightly less optimistic viewpoint on sponsorship and exhibition revenue. Associations are planning to retain their large and small meeting programmes (and no 2009 event cancellations were reported), but its clear that they are getting tougher far more are planning to select better value destinations, to renegotiate existing contracts with venues and accommodation providers, and they are looking for budget cuts in all operational areas.

ICCA CEO Martin Sirk commented We have consistently claimed that international association meetings are the most resilient and recession-proof sector in our industry, and these results provide great evidence to support this view. They are certainly not immune from the downturn, with 70 percent indicating that they had suffered some negative impact, but the detailed positive results demonstrate the sense of including international associations in any long-term strategic business mix.

IMEX Marketing Director Carina Bauer added This years Association Day was the most successful ever in terms of attendance, and this survey helps to explain why that was so. International associations regard their meetings as an absolutely critical part of their organisations strategies, and its clear they are going to continue to invest strongly in meetings, which is good news for all of us.

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