The global economic turndown presents great opportunities for PCOs keen to generate new business, according to Nicolas Le Brun, President of EFAPCO, the European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers.
“EFAPCO represents a great number of different European countries and very different members; so a straightforward picture of the impact made by the current financial crisis is not possible. However the conference sector, particularly when associated with government institutions and professional associations, is not suffering too much. Government institutions have little or no cancellations, on the contrary, in times of crisis, they have an increased need for meetings and conferences,” said Le Brun.
“Associations are in a similar position: they have to meet with their members; it is the reason for their existence. Budgets will be tighter not only because of the diminished availability of sponsoring budgets, but also because items perceived as “luxury” such as gala dinners, will be looked at more closely and deemed less important.
“PCOs handling corporate clients face a tougher time, as they will now look at keeping their budgets as tight as possible. More “exotic” and “fun” destinations will be exchanged for conference cities with a more businesslike and “serious” image. Brussels, as the seat of the European Institutions, should benefit from this tendency along with many similar business “capitals”.
Le Brun added: “Corporate organisations and associations, faced with budget cuts, may well look to trim down their meetings departments and outsource events to PCOs. I hope our members, across ten member countries and the 1,000-plus PCOs they represent, will be ready to meet these new opportunities – with appropriate staffing levels and quality standards.
“Annual association congresses are still on the agenda; little or no cancellations have been noted. PCOs however have an even more important role to play in helping them to reach their goals. Companies and institutions sending participants to an annual congress will probably send less people than before, and they will want to be convinced there was extra value in sending their people to the event.
“All in all there is no major crisis feeling in our sector, although some members will deal with more difficult times than others, and organisers will have to confidently justify their budgets and content.”
Daniella Serrati, AIMP Secretary General and Italy’s EFAPCO Board member said: “Our members now have more direct contact with clients, and are dealing with reductions in rates. There’s a constant search for new clients. Everyone is looking more carefully at service quality and financial control.
“The economic downturn has hit marketing, advertising and events and, in future, all of these areas will keep a more careful watch on their investments. Italy’s SMEs are playing a key role in our economic recovery – focusing on new ideas, technologies and product quality.”
As EFAPCO steps up the pressure to secure greater political and economic recognition for the meetings industry from the EU, it is appropriate that the Federation’s 4th Congress will take place in the European Union’s capital city from January 7 to 9, 2010. It will be one the first major events to take place in the brand new SQUARE (Brussels Palais des Congres).
For more information, visit EFAPCO
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