Print PageSurvey pinpoints industry optimism
Survey pinpoints industry optimismNew Zealand members of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) are overwhelmingly positive about the year ahead – though many of them still rate factors such as business confidence and the general economy as major challenges.
A Meeting Newz - EEAA survey of members conducted late last year also indicates that a number of events have had date changes in 2011 to avoid the Rugby World Cup (RWC). However, some respondents say that they are involved in new events during the tournament. None of the members surveyed say they are involved with events that have been cancelled as a result of the RWC.
Of the event organisers, venues and suppliers who responded, 50% say they are expecting both the overall exhibition sector and their own business to be stronger this year than in 2010. The other 50% expect results to be the same. None of the EEAA members who responded expected times to get worse.
The positive feeling translates to employment in the sector – with 43% expecting to increase the number of permanent staff members in their company this year. Only 7% expect a decrease.
Meeting Newz editor and EEAA board member Stu Freeman says that although the number or respondents (14) was small, the results were still significant. ‘It is worth remembering that the EEAA members who responded are among the leading decision makers in the exhibition field. They include organisers, venues and suppliers – reflecting the EEAA’s membership.’
Freeman says the results back up anecdotal evidence he hears in his role with Meeting Newz magazine. ‘I don’t think anyone has an unrealistic view of the trading conditions but it is generally accepted that the worst economic times are behind us for a while.’
The survey asked members to identify the biggest issues facing the growth and health of the exhibition industry in New Zealand. Respondents were welcome to highlight more than one issue. Business confidence came in as the most identified challenge (71%), followed by the economy (64%), lack of venues (43%), lack of skilled staff (29%) and competition with other media (21%).