What’s In The Forecast

In its newly released Global Meetings and Events Forecast for 2016, American Express Meetings & Events reports that positive economic trends combined with the global expansion of companies will drive continued growth for the meetings industry in 2016.

The forecast also said that across all regions, the number of training and internal meetings is expected to experience high levels of growth as companies continue to invest in bringing their employees together for face-to-face meetings.

American Express Meetings & Events’ forecast also found that following a year of added capacity, an increased focus on compliance-related concerns and a growing need to manage risk across all meeting types, meeting owners are predicted to expand their budgets next year.

And the forecast also noted that hotels are expected to increase capacity in key cities, but lead times remain tight, so meeting owners who are able to plan farther ahead have the best chance of securing their first choice property and dates.

Issa Jouaneh, senior vice-president and general manager, American Express Meetings & Events, said that: “The resurgence of meetings and events over the past few years has allowed meetings professionals to demonstrate the strong value that face-to-face meetings continue to offer globally.”

Jouaneh pointed out that: “Our customers recognize this value of interaction and seek opportunities to engage, reward and build meaningful experiences for meetings professionals through their managed programs.”

And he continued: “At the same time, we have seen our customers also place a greater focus on compliance as they design their programs to meet the evolving needs of meeting owners while also ensuring accountability and process discipline throughout their programs.”

The 2016 Forecast also provided a look at three key areas of interest among meetings professionals: compliance, incentives and using mobile and social media for events, all of which are expected to continue to shape the meetings industry in 2016.

For more, go to https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/meetingsforecast2016/