Cvent

We read about the public backlash against meetings and events everyday, but is it really affecting planners' decisions to host events? Yes, according to a recent Meetings & Conventions survey.

The survey questioned 135 people, only nine percent of whom actually work for a company receiving bailout funds. About 21 percent said that their company had canceled events as a direct result of the bailout backlash against meetings and travel. About 15 percent said that it was unclear whether concerns about perceptions motivated their cancellations.

The survey also found that over half the respondents (52 percent) believe that mass media backlash against meetings is extremely or moderately influential in the company's decisions to hold events. In terms of the new federal guidelines, only seven percent of respondents are adopting new policies to meet federal requirements. However, 24 percent said they are adopting new policies "to demonstrate good faith and intelligent spending."

If your organization is looking for better ways to stay accountable with your meetings spend, make sure to check out some of our previous posts on Cvent's Strategic Meetings Management solution.