According to a survey of pre-registrants attending the ninth annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Affordable Meetings West show June 15 – 16, 2005 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA, the majority of the respondents (70 percent) expect to plan more meetings in 2005 and beyond. Most of those respondents (60 percent) anticipate planning one – five more meetings.

When asked how their role as a meeting planner has changed over the years, respondents indicated that in addition to generally organizing more meetings and events, they need to be more innovative, take on more responsibility, wear “many hats,” act as a specialist in multiple areas, and be more cost-effective. Nearly half of the respondents indicated that they have increased budgets to plan meetings.

The survey also revealed that HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings West was the top show at which they conducted business.

“The results of our survey are great news for exhibiting companies because they reflect the quality of the meeting planners attending HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings West and show they are exceptional professionals who accomplish serious business at our trade exposition,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

The survey was sent to 531 planners registered for HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings West. A total of 161 completed the survey (a 30 percent response rate) with most planners from association, corporate and independent sectors.