Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101952
ICI •Pg_43-58__BMT_pg86-162 12/21/12 1:44 AM Page 46 T R AV E L DATA INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION MEETINGS MARKET REMAINS RESILIENTAND POSITIVE DESPITE TOUGHERFINANCIAL PRESSURES The results from the latest survey jointly carried out by ICCA and the IMEX Group into how major international association meetings are faring, continue to paint a positive picture for this most resilient sector in the meetings industry, despite tougher financial pressures. Eighty-four international association hosted buyers who attended the recent 10th IMEX in Frankfurt trade show responded to the survey, 75% of whom organized or will organize meetings for more than 500 delegates in 2012, and almost 15% of whom organize events for over 5,000 delegates. These numbers are approximately the same as previous years. than in 2012, compared to almost 10% who expect their delegate numbers to fall. These numbers are only slightly lower than last year, which means this regular survey still paints a very positive forward forecast, despite challenging economic conditions. IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom welcomed over 1,000 guests to this year's Association Networking Evening in Frankfurt, jointly organized by IMEX and ICCA, and including over 300 association executives. Miami Downtown Aquarium water spout play area Relatively strong attendance figures in 2012, still showing growth Even though the actual and anticipated attendance at association meetings in 2012 is suffering more compared to last year, it continues to be relatively strong: like last year, over 28% of respondents reported higher attendance for their 2012 events than in previous years; 38% indicated no change (53% indicated no change on 2011) and 31% reported slight reductions (compared to 15% who reported slight reductions in 2011) and less than 3% reported a "significant" fall in numbers (which is one percentage point lower than 2011). Tough financial pressures amid positive future projections However, the financial pressures are clearly continuing: only 14% reported higher income from sponsors and exhibitions in 2012, 34% showed no change, but the remaining 49% suffered falls in financial support from this side of their budgets. When asked if the continued global economic turbulence had any negative impact on their association and/or events in 2012, almost 60% answered "yes." When this question was asked in 2011 this percentage was almost 43%, which means the international association meeting sector has definitely been impacted more since last year. However, when asked about their projections for 2013, these executives still painted a positive picture: almost 22% of associations will be running more meetings in 2013 than in 2012, while only 11% plan to organize fewer meetings. Over 40% are still projecting higher attendances 46 BM&T ••• Sailing in the Caribbean Atlantis Resort & Casino in the Bahamas September/October 2012••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Education voted good to excellent The association meeting buyers who attended this year's redesigned IMEX in Frankfurt Association Day responded positively to the new education and networking program, with over 90% of respondents rating the day's education either 'excellent' or 'good'. Anecdotal comments also reflected appreciation of the day's networking opportunities and the chance to learn from other association meeting planners, especially those working in similar sectors and facing similar business issues. The next opportunity for association meetings executives to come together for professional education under the IMEX banner will be at Association Focus, which takes place on Smart Monday, Oct. 08 in Las Vegas one day prior to IMEX America. Meetings industry leaders will also discuss the state of the international association meetings market during the 51st ICCA Congress taking place 20-24 October 2012 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. RECORD DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REMAINS STRONG IN JUNE 2012 RESULTING IN INCREASES IN GREATER MIAMI'S TOURIST-RELATED TAX COLLECTIONS In June 2012, the 2% Food and Beverage tax collections from hotels in MIAMI-Dade (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside) generated $490,374 compared to $409,669 in 2011, an increase of +19.7%. The Convention Development Tax (CDT) collections for Greater MIAMI and the Beaches of $3,906,295 compared to $3,423,295 for the same period last year represent a +14.1% increase in June 2012. The Resort tax collections (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) totaled $1,297,746 compared to $1,170,300 in 2011 for an increase of +10.9%.