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Price now the over-riding factor

CONFERENCE BOOKERS are shopping around for the most competitive deals, according to research undertaken by Conferences UK among 350 venue bookers and managers. Many of the respondents are choosing venues that offer money-saving deals, such as free accommodation for delegates (32.8 per cent) and discounts for repeat or block bookings (32.3 per cent), benefiting venues that take a flexible attitude. As has been a trend in previous economic downturns, almost 60 per cent of venues reported that bookings were being made as late as possible.

Event managers say that web conferences and internal meetings have reduced demand for external space, and more than two-thirds of bookers polled confirmed that they are holding internal meetings to reduce the need for paid meeting space. However, despite these gloomy findings, it seems hotels and venues are maintaining standards and the survey found that eight out of 10 bookers think the service offered is either the same or better than this time last year.

"The results indicate that the hospitality industry is extremely adaptable," says Simon Thompson, managing director of Conferences UK.