Are bigger meetings getting smaller or are smaller meetings getting bigger?
POMPAN: The volume of meetings is on the rise with a slight decrease in the number of attendees, but a large increase in the number of meetings being held within a meeting. The typical meeting of a few years ago centered on a single general session where one or more person(s) presented to a group. Today, meetings are breaking into smaller groups (breakouts) and working on separate topics to report back to the larger group. In addition, there is a current trend toward more regional meetings where attendees can drive in rather than fly. Finally, there has been a huge increase in day meetings that require few if any guest rooms. This increase in day meetings tends to skew the answer to the question…”are meetings getting smaller”…The real answer is Yes and No. CONFERENCE: What impact will an economic downturn have on conference centers? POMPAN: Conference centers tend to “feel” a downturn six months after hotels and resorts and they also bounce back quicker. Conference centers tend to be b
