NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first-round play tips off Thursday, March 16. For many, the tournament’s opening day marks an unofficial hard-court holiday. But multitasking is still possible. As you take in all the action, consider the eight first- and second-round host cities as potential destinations for your next meeting. If they can lodge, feed and entertain eight college basketball teams and tens of thousands of excited fans, they can handle your group.

Buffalo, New York

Overall No. 1 seed Villanova University leads the tournament field into KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo. Since 1996, more than 11 million spectators have attended live events at the 19,200-seat venue. Hockey fans make up a substantial portion of that total—the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres play at KeyBank Center. As the birthplace of buffalo wings, the city offers up the most gameday-appropriate signature food of any destination on this list. Local arts and cultural offerings—and Niagara Falls—deserve postgame attention, too.

Orlando, Florida

The tournament provides yet another reason to visit Orlando, central Florida’s theme park and convention hub. Games tip off at Amway Center, a high-tech 20,000-seat venue near the downtown entertainment core featuring modern architecture and a signature illuminated spire. It opened in 2010 as the home court of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and a premier regional performance venue. The 875,000-square-foot facility has also hosted U.S. Olympic Trials for the Summer and Winter Games.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Both the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and the Marquette University men’s basketball team count BMO Harris Bradley Center as their home floor. That proves the 18,600-seat arena can handle hordes of hoops lovers. As expected, the Midwestern city offers local brews to quench fans’ thirst. More active amusements are available, too. Visitors can sample more than 130 miles of bike trails, stroll the Milwaukee RiverWalk winding nearly 3 miles through downtown, or hit the links at the city’s 15 golf courses.

Salt Lake City

Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City has presented varied and prestigious sporting events, from the NBA Finals to the figure skating and short track speed skating competitions at the 2002 Olympic Games. This week, college basketball fans take up residence at the home arena of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, which seats nearly 20,000. After the buzzer sounds, visitors can head for the mountains, explore Temple Square or check out the Great Salt Lake.

Greenville, South Carolina

March has been busy at Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Earlier this month, the facility hosted the 2017 SEC Women’s Basketball tournament, won by the women of the University of South Carolina. Now the nearly 16,000-seat arena prepares to welcome postseason NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament action for the first time in 15 years. Greenville will taunt travelers with tasty temptations, as the city has developed into South Carolina’s inland culinary capital.

Indianapolis

Fittingly, the basketball-crazed Hoosier State gets in on postseason tournament hosting duties. Indianapolis’ 750,000-square-foot Bankers Life Fieldhouse seats 18,165. Inside, artwork and memorabilia showcase the history of the hometown team, the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. Downtown fixtures such as Monument Circle, Indiana State Capitol and Indiana Convention Center are located nearby. Bankers Life Fieldhouse offers a more intimate space than the city’s Lucas Oil Stadium, the 67,000 seat multipurpose facility where late-round tournament games are often played.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

This week, 19,000-seat BOK Center trades hockey for hoops. The Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League are the venue’s main draw. But the Oilers are accustomed to sharing their space with a variety of visitors, from Sesame Street Live to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. While in Tulsa, feast your eyes on the abundance of Art Deco architecture in downtown’s Deco District. Planners, file away these facts: Tulsa features a 310,000-square-foot convention center and more than 14,500 hotel rooms citywide.

Sacramento, California

The brand-new, 17,500-seat Golden 1 Center in California’s capital city provides a home for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. It also anchors Downtown Commons, a 1.5 million-square-foot development project encompassing office space, residential units, hotels and retail shops. After a Sept. 30, 2016, ribbon-cutting ceremony, the venue hosted concerts by legendary musician Paul McCartney and welcomed hometown fans for the Kings’ home opener in October. The first indoor sports venue to earn LEED Platinum designation stands ready to take on this week’s crowds.

event managers

Meeting planners often possess a superhuman command of details. Even so, they rely on others. A major assist can come from event services managers.

A venue’s event manager—either through brilliance or blunder—can dictate whether a planner’s event succeeds or fails. A recent survey of meeting planners found that 71 percent said event services “greatly affected” their decision to rebook a city or property.

So what makes an event manager great?

Paul Ruby, CMP and president of Event Services Professionals Association in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, tried to find the answer. He listened to award-winning event managers to find out what they think. You can check out the full story on the group’s website, but we’ve pulled together the highlight reel.

Here’s what three of the industry’s top managers had to say in their own words.

‘The relationship between planner and event service manager has grown’

Anthony Lombardi, director of sales and marketing, Sheraton Dallas

“We must create miracles and magic with the information we’ve been given. Event services managers make it happen—that’s the norm, delivering miracles. It’s all in a day’s work.

“My motto is never stop learning and never stop trying to be the best… you can be. Sometimes at the end of the day, I’m pulled in so many directions, it’s hard to think about what I accomplished. That’s why I like to keep a to-do list, something to show my tasks and their impact; it helps me move forward.

“Every step of the attendees’ stay becomes an experience. The relationship between planner and event service manager has grown, and the event service manager must build a rapport with the customer as well to execute a phenomenal event. Just remember to keep things in perspective. Remember that we’re not saving lives, but creating memories, one event at a time. Relax, enjoy it and do the best you can.”

‘We consistently problem-solve and troubleshoot’

Julie Pingston, CMP, CTA, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau

“Customers are savvier, do more research and they want to replicate the best experiences. The question is, how do we meet those expectations? It’s a good challenge because it helps better us all. We want to make events better and make them different.

“We consistently problem-solve and troubleshoot, and those are the qualities of strong leaders and those are what we fall back on. I can work with anyone and I can do it amid stress and tension. We have to be cool, calm and collected and build long-term relationships. That’s how you portray yourself as a leader.

“Don’t just settle for the status quo. Think about what you need to do next year to improve the status quo. Think about how you can do it better. Always look forward.”

‘Customer service and stress go hand-in-hand’

Eric Blanc, CMP, director of sales, marketing and convention services, Tampa Convention Center

“Success doesn’t just happen; you can’t just show up and do what’s required. You must have a desire to learn new things, because this industry is ever-changing and no two events are the same. My motto is if you make it through a day without learning something new, you weren’t paying attention.

“Customer service and stress go hand-in-hand. When you’re younger, you feel invincible and you work a lot of hours. I learned the hard way after three instances of burnout that you control what you can control and don’t worry about the other stuff—it will play itself out.

“Sometimes you can get the information from the customer’s website, but if it’s crunch time, be honest with your customer. “Say, ‘Look, we depend on this information to plan properly. If we don’t have it, there’s no guarantee that we can properly service your event.’ That tends to get attention. Planners want us to be partners, not service providers, and honesty works wonders.”

Pandora–The World of Avatar, courtesy Walt Disney Imagineering

On May 27, the theme park that has everything will unveil its newest immersive attraction: Pandora–The World of Avatar. Set to debut in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Pandora transforms the mythical universe depicted in Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron’s smash 2009 film Avatar into a real-life wonder.

Creating the kingdom of Pandora required plenty of creative brainpower. Walt Disney Imagineering, Cameron and Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment collaborated on the project. The result is an astonishing dreamscape poised to captivate park visitors.

With floating mountains to add drama to daytime views and bioluminescent rainforests to reveal an ethereal beauty after dark, Pandora’s lush landscape mirrors the world that mesmerized moviegoers. But compared to the film, there is one notable departure. Disney guests will experience a post-conflict Pandora, far removed from the battle between humans and the native Na’vi. All the better to enjoy the largest-ever addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in peace.

The Avatar Flight of Passage, courtesy Walt Disney Imagineering

The Avatar Flight of Passage experience will give guests the chance to ride on the back of a flying mountain banshee toward a face-off with the Great Leonopteryx, the fiercest predator in the land. Visitors can also choose Na’vi River Journey, a float trip through the rainforest on the Kaspavan River into the sacred heart of Na’vi culture.

Na’vi River Journey, courtesy Walt Disney Imagineering

“We are taking our guests on a journey to this world in an experience that’s as realistic and immersive as possible,” says Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive.  “In the movie, the world of Pandora is a setting for the action and characters whose story we follow.  Here, guests are the primary characters immersed in an extremely vivid, authentic experience.”

Pandora is intended not only to inspire awe, but also to convey an understanding of the value of nature, transformation through adventure, and conservation and stewardship—three traditional pillars of the Animal Kingdom message. An emphasis on storytelling helps to awaken that sense of connection.

“The attractions have very deliberate emotional moments crafted into them, the way a good story does, the way a good film does.” Rohde says.  “It’s not as simple as just coming to a place that looks realistic. It’s a place that’s been deliberately imbued with the emotions of awe, of wonder, of respect, of harmony.”

In addition to sensory wonders and fantastical experiences, Pandora will include healthy fast-casual restaurant Satu’li Canteen, Pongu Pongu beverage stand and Windtraders retail store.

T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip has gone green in a big way, earning LEED Gold certification for its sustainability practices.

That marks a first for a Las Vegas sports facility. But it’s not alone. The 20,000-seats sports and entertainment venue joins about 30 other sports palaces in America in achieving LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

T-Mobile Arena goes big and small on meetings

T-Mobile Arena celebrates its first anniversary on April 6. Anschutz Entertainment Group and MGM Resorts International developed the $375 million venue in a 50-50 partnership. The arena will be home to the Las Vegas Golden Knights, an NHL expansion team. The venue plans to host about 100 events a year. Since its opening, arena-packing acts have included the Rolling Stones, U2, Cold Play and George Strait.

T-Mobile Arena also has smaller meetings in mind. It features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes and other hospitality offerings.
Event suites include 12 to 16 tickets. Party suites include 40 tickets and up to 60 standing-room-only tickets. For smaller groups, sports terrace tables include four tickets. Prices depend on the event.

Does green building affect cell phone reception?

Since U.S. wireless companies are locked in an intense battle for customers, it’s worth noting that AT&T Park, home of MLB’s San Francisco Giants, has LEED Silver certification, a notch below T-Mobile Arena. And Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., home of NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals—has no certification at all.

Getting more than bragging rights

The U.S. Green Building Council notes that sport facilities with LEED status, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, have benefits beyond bragging rights. Energy-efficient buildings are cheaper to operate, for instance. And green buildings give audiences exposure to sustainable practices and help build support.

The U.S. Green Building Council rates buildings on such things as  energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste and recycling practices.

top meeting trends

If you’re a meeting planner and you happened to book your next gathering in a small village in France, you’re in sync with the top meeting trends for 2017, according to Pacific World’s 2017 Annual Destination Index.

Pacific World, a global destination and event management company, publishes the index annually to provide insight to clients and meetings and events professionals. Among the insights: France, Croatia and South Africa are hot among destinations. And going to out-of-the-way places and showing social responsibility rank high among trends.

The industry intelligence is intended to provide meeting planners with the inside scoop, says Selina Chavry, the company’s global managing director. Armed with the top meeting trends, meetings professionals will know what companies are looking for and what attendees expect. And that’s what it takes “to execute successful and innovative campaigns throughout the year,” Chavry says.

Top 9 Trending Meeting Destinations

Pacific World teamed up with Access Destination Services to identify nine trending markets for meetings. In addition to France, Croatia and South Africa, these are the international hot spots:

* China

* Hong Kong

* Indonesia

Three U.S. destinations also made the cut:

* South Florida

* Colorado

* New York

Pacific World comes up with the list of top meeting trends and cities based on the requests for proposals it receives tied to 80 destinations.

10 Top Meetings Trends

Beyond destinations, the index identified the top trends shaping the year. Here’s what to expect, in Pacific World’s words:

1. Take Me Off the Beaten Track

“Second-tier and uprising destinations are becoming more popular event destinations, such as small villages in Tuscany, or Lyon and Champagne as opposed to Paris.”

2. Giving Back to the Destination, Engaging Local Communities

“The meetings industry has seen an increase in corporate social responsibility initiatives focusing on local communities, such as ‘Making a Balinese Barong,’ where attendees work with villages in Indonesia to create a local craft.”

3. Events with a Purpose, Incentives with a Meaning: It’s All About Design

“A strategic approach, more and more groups are requesting a return on engagement in addition to investment, creating an impact and everlasting memory.”

4. Sharing Memories with the World

“Creating engaging experiences is as important as providing high-speed Wi-Fi access and designated creative hashtags for social media engagement.”

5. Keeping It Small and Unique: Profiling and Tailoring

“Creating an event based on specific interests and group profiles is increasing in popularity. Personalization is key to guarantee group engagement. For instance, an ultra-high-end experience featuring unique and creative types of transportation works particularly well for small VIP groups, while design-inspired workshops with world-famous athletes or musicians match well for young audiences.”

6. Culture Vulture

“More than a trend, experiencing the culture of a destination makes an event truly exceptional and is now key to its success.”

7. Catering: Farm to Table, Organic, Healthy and Wholeness

“In line with general food & beverage trends, groups are looking for healthy food elements, local and nutritious cuisine, farm-to-table options and special dietary requirements.”

8. Sharing, Networking–Less Formal and More Dynamic

“Meeting and event planners are putting an emphasis on sharing and networking, whether with locals, colleagues, conference speakers or industry peers. Engaging reception-style dinners as opposed to seated dinners are on the rise, and interactive experiences where attendees and guests have a chance to learn and experience the destination from a different perspective are trendy.”

9. Mobile Applications: The Tool for Meetings, Incentives and Events

“Mobile apps have become a must-use tool for planners and guests, not only during the events but also in the planning process.”

10. The Role of Technology

“Incorporating technology such as drones in meetings and events are on the rise, although sometimes challenging to implement. Groups are still using technology often, including with live video streaming and geolocation games.”

Augmented Reality

The most important, emerging destinations for the travel market may not be the far-flung exotic corners of the world. According to Technavio’s global travel technologies market report 2017-2021, the three trends expected to make the biggest impact are:  augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data technology and business intelligence solutions.

If you’re in the meetings industry or hotel and hospitality, you’re likely already using this technology in your business or trying it out. Here are the key takeaways from Technavio’s report.

Augmented Reality

From virtual reality goggles to augmented reality software that overlays real-time data and images onto real life through your smartphone, we are at the point where this technology is becoming not only more accessible, but more affordable. Who doesn’t have a smartphone these days? The meetings industry implications are obvious: planning and booking tools.

“The adoption of augmented reality technology in the travel industry is in a nascent stage,” says Amit Sharma, a Technavio lead analyst. “Leading vendors are developing travel technology solutions based on augmented reality technology. Leading online travel agencies such as Priceline have also realized that augmented reality enhances the booking experience for travelers.”

Internet of Things (IoT)

The report forecasts that the number of Internet-connected devices will reach 21 billion worldwide by 2020. That’s everything from the home thermostat to door locks to smoke detectors. For those who plan and book travel, it also means radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, bar codes and GPS that can be used to smooth operations and to track and collect data.

As Technavio points out, planners should note that the rise of IoT also increases hacking and security risks: “As the number of devices increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage, monitor and maintain data in the travel industry.”

Big data technology and business intelligence solutions

We often think of IT as a method to solve a problem. But as Technavio’s research indicates, the very same IT solutions are proving to be key tools to help get “business insights into the market. Also, [business intelligence] can be integrated with business processes such as expense management, inventory management, human resources management, and marketing and sales.”

“BI solutions help in decision-making with automated models and algorithms. For instance, in 2016, BI and predictive analytics helped enhance the travel experience for passengers by providing all the travel-related information via smartphones,” Amit says.

monterey conference center

Monterey, California, is getting a major upgrade.

At least 18 hotels and resorts at the popular Pacific Coast destination have started or completed work on their properties, including a few of the industry’s biggest players.

Why the sudden surge?

Two reasons: coincidence and the return of a major meeting facility.

The investment of tens of millions of dollars comes as Monterey Conference Center completes a $60 million overhaul for an early summer debut. Sure to be a favorite of planners, the center will be LEED-certified, with more than 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible event meeting space and a capacity of 3,200 people.

“As the renovation of the Monterey Conference Center takes shape, its presence is being felt throughout the community,” says Doug Phillips, general manager of the center.

Group gatherings pumped $161 million into Monterey County in 2016. That figure reflects only direct hotel room revenue, not ancillary spending.

New, and Improved, Monterey Hotels

Springhill Suites by Marriott The Dunes on Monterey Bay opens in May. The new hotel in Marina will feature 106 suites and three meeting rooms. Marriott finished work on the 341-room Monterey Marriott in 2016. The property has 16,500 sq. ft. of meeting space onsite and 40,000 sq. ft. at the adjacent Monterey Conference Center. (The independent Portola Hotel & Spa, also next to the center, recently completed a $10 million renovation of its 379 guest rooms.)

Embassy Suite by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside is undergoing an $11 million renovation to its 234 guest rooms, as well as to its ballrooms. And Hyatt Carmel Highlands is making upgrades throughout the 48-room hotel, including the addition of an 870-square-foot deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coast.

Woodside Properties Inc. manages two properties that completed major improvements: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, with 290 guest rooms and 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; and Bernardus Lodge and Spa in Carmel Valley, with 73 guest rooms and 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Pebble Beach Resorts—owned by an investment group that includes Clint Eastwood and Peter Ueberroth—will introduce its new addition, Fairway One at The Lodge, with 30 guest rooms, two four-bedroom cottages, and 6,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.

That should make your day.

Monterey Hotel Renovations Bring Big Benefits

The wave of activity certainly makes visitors happy.

“The investments that are happening here in Monterey County are not only investments into the individual properties, but also the community and destination, says Tammy Blount, president and CEO of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The renovations and upgrades will give visitors new experiences that will inspire them to share their life-enriching experiences.”

Other hotels with upgrades underway:

–The Vagabond House, in Carmel-by-the-Sea
–Sanctuary Beach Resort Monterey Bay, in Marina
–The Stevenson Monterey
–Hotel Abrego, in Monterey

Other recently completed renovations:

–Hotel Carmel, in Carmel-by-the-Sea
–The Hideaway, in Carmel-by-the-Sea
–Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, in Monterey
–Hotel 1110, in Monterey
–Hotel Abrego, in Monterey
–Monterey Tides, in Monterey
–Monterey Peninsula  Inn, in Pacific Grove

healthiest u.s. communities

As mental and physical fitness become more important to Americans, those preferences are seen in the meetings industry, as well. Incorporating health and wellness into the agenda has never been more important for meeting planners.

So if you want happy, healthy attendees, it may help to choose a destination known for those qualities. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index has been released for 2017. It lists the 10 U.S. communities with the highest overall well-being. The survey discovered that, generally, communities with the highest well-being are located on the East and West coasts of the United States.

The U.S. community with the top well-being score is Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida. Located along Florida’s Paradise Coast, Naples offers lovely white-sand beaches, great weather and just so happens to be Collier County’s key meeting city.

Naples is easy to get to from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and features several top meeting resorts, including Naples Grande Beach Resort, which offers 83,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.

Florida made another appearance on the list with the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area coming in at No. 6. California was the only other state to get multiple mentions. Santa Cruz-Watsonville came in third place, while San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande was ranked seventh.

The rankings were determined by five key factors that influence happiness:

Purpose: Individuals are happier if they like what they do every day and have goals that motivate them.

–In our latest feature on millennials, we found that this generation greatly prioritizes purpose. Doing work that is meaningful and enjoyable is important for many millennials. This attitude carries over into their preferences for meetings and travel—millennials are known to prefer meetings that incorporate authentic, purposeful experiences.

Social Life: Fostering supportive and loving relationships with friends and family is important for mental health.

Finances: It should come as no surprise that having well-maintained finances reduces stress and boosts an individual’s sense of security.

Community: Living in a neighborhood where you feel safe and enjoy the surrounding areas can have a bit impact on happiness.

Physical Fitness: Being fit and having the energy and capability to do what you want to do—whether it’s household chores and yardwork or rock climbing and hiking—contributes to health and happiness.

–These days, physical health is incredibly important to meeting attendees. Many attendees prefer meetings that offer meditation rooms, yoga sessions, healthy food and beverage or adventurous offsites and other creative options for staying fit.

Below is the full list of U.S. communities with the highest well-being scores:

  1. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida
  2. Barnstable Town, Massachusetts
  3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California
  4. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
  5. Charlottesville, Virginia
  6. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida
  7. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, California
  8. Lynchburg, Virginia
  9. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, South Carolina
  10. Boulder, Colorado

Hawaii files travel ban lawsuit

Updated 3/9/17 4:46 PM

Hawaii’s lawsuit against President Trump’s travel ban has gained some new supporters.

Washington state has announced that it intends to renew its request to block the executive order. Washington was the first state to sue after the original travel ban was signed. Its actions led Seattle Judge James Robart to stop the law’s implementation.

The Washington Post reports that New York, Massachusetts, Oregon and Minnesota are also joining the cause.

Hawaii’s new travel ban lawsuit is just the latest salvo in President Trump’s ongoing executive order saga.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson set a hearing for March 15, the day before the new travel ban is to take effect. The judge also allowed the state to revise its original lawsuit, which it filed in January when Trump issued the first executive order to block travelers from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the United States.

“The executive order … keeps Hawaii families apart,” said Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin in a widely reported news conference announcing the lawsuit. “It blocks Hawaii residents from traveling; it harms Hawaii’s tourism industry; it establishes a religion in Hawaii in violation of the Constitution; it blocks Hawaii businesses and universities from hiring as they see fit. Most importantly, it degrades the values that Hawaii has worked so hard to protect.”

The revised lawsuit maintains that the new travel ban issued Monday is unconstitutional and seeks a temporary restraining order.

Business travel impact

Hawaii isn’t the only one taking an active stance. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) followed its statement on Trump’s new travel ban with a poll this week forecasting more losses for the business travel industry.

For meeting planners, the survey is especially troubling. About 17 percent of GBTA’s European members reported that their companies have already canceled business trips to the United States because of the travel bans.

Of those European business travel insiders polled, 45 percent cast doubt over future trips to the United States. Petitions calling for a boycott of U.S. meetings have already drawn thousands of signatures since the first travel ban.

“There is always the risk that closing our borders sends the message that the United States is closed for business,” said Michael W. McCormick in a statement. “And the results of this poll show the perception of the United States as a welcoming destination for business travel has been altered.

“As we always say, security is paramount, but GBTA continues to be a proponent for expanding proven security programs and developing new technology to facilitate information-sharing among governments to ensure travelers are always vetted properly, making us all more safe and secure.”

U.S. tourism’s not-so-sunny outlook

Concerns over the new travel ban aren’t limited to business travel, either. The revised executive order isn’t exactly welcoming for U.S. tourism.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the administration fully seized the opportunity to differentiate between the potential security risks targeted by the order and the legitimate business and leisure visitors from abroad who support 15.1 million American jobs,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a statement.

“Clearly this revised order is very encouraging news if you’re looking to come to the U.S. from Iraq. The question remains whether the revised order did enough to mollify the prospective traveler from Canada, Europe, or elsewhere around the world who may have been put off by the initial travel ban. If undecided voters need to hear certain things to be motivated to get out and vote, then the same is true for undecided travelers.”

In an earlier report, GBTA said the U.S. travel industry lost $185 million in business in the first week after the original executive order.

 

exhibition industry

After 25 consecutive quarters of sustained growth, the exhibition industry posted its first decline. According to the Center for Industry Research (CEIR), the industry experienced a slight dip in the final quarter of 2016.

“The decline was a temporal setback as economic fundamentals still point to moderate growth for the exhibition industry,” said CEIR economist Allen Shaw of Global Economic Consulting Associates.

No need to sound the alarm just yet, meeting planners. CEIR reports that the 0.4 percent decrease was limited to three sectors: industrial and heavy machinery and finished business inputs; raw materials and science; and consumer goods and retail trade.

The report singled out last year’s low oil prices as the main culprit behind the loss: The raw materials and science sector took an 11.2 percent hit in attendees.

“Had the number of attendees of Raw Materials and Science exhibitions stayed the same as a year ago,” the study said, “the growth of attendees for the overall exhibition would have been 1.2 percent. This, in turn, would have pushed the Total Index to 1.5 percent.”

On the bright side, these sectors posted healthy year-over-year growth: building, construction, home and repair; communications and information technology; food; and sporting goods, travel and amusement all registered robust year-on-year gains.

That’s welcome news. Also, earlier this year SmithBucklin—a leading association management and services company—released an even better outlook in Circuit, its 2017 trend report.

According to the 2016 Center for Exhibition Industry Research Index Report, trade shows will sustain a yearly 3 percent growth for the next few years.

“We are hopeful this is a temporary downturn, and the industry will rebound in Q1 2017,” CEIR Foundation CEO Cathy Breden said. “We look forward to the release of the CEIR Index Report in early April, which will provide an overall view of 2016 performance and a forecast for 2017-2019.”

Read the full report here: http://www.ceir.org/ceir-announces-2016-fourth-quarter-index-results