CIC Highlights Meeting Industry Issues

November 26, 2014

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) welcomed the leadership of 33 member organizations and industry partners for their November 3–4 Council and Board Meeting where they shared industry insights with education sessions. Following the popular TED format, speakers from Brand USA, Social Tables, Smith Travel Research and ASAE, among others, spoke on industry issues and trends.

“CIC’s role is to be the place where collectively, the latest breakthroughs and challenges from every facet of the industry are brought to the forefront and discussed,” said Karen Kotowski, CEO of the Convention Industry Council. “Convening with thought leaders from outside CIC’s membership helps drive important conversations regarding the meetings industry, its issues and the coordination of efforts to ensure quality meeting experiences to all those invested.”

Highlights include:

Carroll Rheem, vice president of research and analytics for Brand USA, shared plans for the Great Outdoors — a brand campaign focused on U.S. outdoor landmarks, which are easily accessible to major cities where meetings are held.
Jan Freitag, senior vice president of Smith Travel Research, shared hotel industry data and trends that point to continuing increases in rates and occupancy as fewer buildings with meeting space are being built, and current occupancy rates are at 66 percent (2 out of 3 nights sold out) in the upscale market and 75 percent in the luxury market (3 out of 4 nights sold out).
Dan Berger, CEO of Social Tables, shared insights on the growth of technology for the meetings industry through the use of mobile apps, hybrid meetings and automation. He said, “software is eating the world…and the unconnected population is shrinking.”
ASAE Foundation’s Susan Robertson, executive vice president, shared ASAE’s events accessibility policies so that all individuals needs are met whether its visual, mobile, hearing, food sensitivity, nursing mothers or religious practices.
Exiting Board Chair Bob Gilbert, president and CEO of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) talked about pursuing a global presence and how to plan and grow on a global scale.
Vicki Hawarden, president and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) talked about the importance of diversifying membership and the introduction of a new group rate model, which has been successful at IAVM.