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The economic crisis is forecasted to impact the way meeting planners cater convention food in the United States. Classic dishes are seen to become popular in conventions. The use of other cow parts is seen to increase owing to their lower prices.

Shrinking budgets are a fact of life for meeting professionals. In fact, they expect their meeting budgets to shrink by an average of 10 percent for 2010 vs. 2008, according [...]

United States-based event planners' experiences in dealing with the recession are presented. KCA Public Relations, Meeting Planning and Association Management's DeAnn Fedyski says the company has kept on investing in conferences. MPA Events's Sasha Nanus, on the other hand, is focusing on finding new clients.

United States hotels are seen to offer event planners better deals in view of gloomy forecasts. Planners say hotels have been more flexible during contract talks. Meanwhile, planners are seen to face uncertainty when it comes to budgets.

The impacts of direct delegate spending on a meeting's overall economic impact are discussed. Quantifying economic impact of attendees at conferences is done by cities and the easiest and best method to do this is presented.

Americans are more concerned with the price and availability of hydrocarbon energy-petroleum and natural gas--than at any time since the oil shocks of the 1970s. This summer's unprecedented hike in [...]

The International Association of Conference Centers is offering all-inclusive pricing through a complete meetings package to add value to its members' services. The package also includes rate covers, meeting space, meals and coffee breaks. The offer is part of the group's efforts to cushion the impact of the United States economic crisis.

The coming year should be a solid one overall for meetings industry suppliers, say the experts, as the demand for venues continues to outpace the fairly limited supply growth in [...]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The good news is that people are starting to play again. 'The business definitely has started coming up,' says Ryan Thomas, head golf professional at the ChampionsGate Golf [...]

The outlook for the United States convention services industry for the year 2009 is seen to be uncertain owing to the economic crisis. The cost of convention planning is seen to increase in 2009. Comments from industry executives are also presented.

Meeting planners in the United States have been relying on industry suppliers in view of the economic crisis. Planners' relationship with suppliers have become more important owing to the recession. Statistics on the convention services industry are also presented.

The government of Chicago, Illinois has called for a review of the city's convention business practices after two trade shows were pulled out of the city. The Society of the Plastics Industry and the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society have cited high costs as reason for the pull out. Comments from officials are also included.

A majority of event planners in the United States said they will not attend trade shows owing to the economic crisis, a survey has revealed. Most respondents attend shows primarily for educational seminar. Statistics on show attendance are also presented.

The advantages and disadvantages of working for small and large event planning companies are discussed. Large firms can handle most of event planners' needs. Small firms, on the other hand, offer cost savings and transparency.

Advice on how United States conference management services could save in hiring audio and video producers are presented. Potential vendors should be asked to include as much value for the planner's budget. Vendors also reduce their fees when clients pay a portion of the fees at an early time.

Members of the United States conference management industry have become united as a result of the economic downturn. Industry members have sought the help of the hospitality industry in repairing the damage left by misconceptions. The industry is seen to focus on marketing, finance and branding to achieve growth.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Americas Incentive Business Travel and Meetings' launch has been postponed owing to the economic crisis. The show is set to employ the 'hosted buyer' format for planners. The organizer is focusing on Baltimore as show host.

Convention services in the United States continue to be criticized for being wasteful in view of the economic crisis. Meetings held by firms who have received federal bailout funds have been viewed negatively. But meetings should not be discouraged as it puts the industry on a competitive disadvantage.

United States convention services have started feeling the effects of the economic downturn. The Moscone Center has lost two major corporate events. Convention center hotels are also to face uncertainty in 2009.

United States-based c onference management services groups have emphasized the importance of incentives to the industry's survival in view of the economic crisis . Meeting Professionals International has warned dailies against cancelling meetings and event. Meetings are still seen as the most valuable marketing tool.

An appreciation of the creative energy that is borne out of challenging times, which gives a resourceful planner the opportunity to shine, is presented. Hoteliers are expected to rethink their services, while everyone are likely to work harder and smarter in order to keep up with the challenging conditions. Other views on the challenging conditions are presented.

The most affordable meeting locations in the United States 1. Jacksonville, Fla.; www.jaxcvb.com 2. Columbus, Ohio; www.experiencecolumbus.com 3. Raleigh, N.C.; www.raleighcvb.org 4. Knoxville, Tenn.; www.knoxville.org 5. Nashville, Tenn.; www.knoxville.org 6. [...]

The war in Iraq caused rumbles in the meetings industry, as planners braced for cancellations and international travel was disrupted. Even before the war broke out, Austin, Texas-based Hospitality, Financial [...]