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SOURCE: MPI RESEARCH 6 Jul-Aug 2017 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS • MCMAG-ASIA.COM MPI: Security a Top Concern BUDGETS ARE RISING TO COVER RISK'MANAGEMENT COSTS The fall 2016 Meetings Outlook report from Meeting Professionals International shows an industry increasingly budgeting for more security and adding risk-management details to their events. "The No. 1 thing they are budgeting for in 2017 is safety and security," said Bill Voegeli, president of Association Insights, which conducts the survey for the organization. The quarterly report also found that 15 percent of meeting professionals have increased threat awareness and response preparedness, and 14 percent said security has in uenced destination selection. One-third of respondents (34 percent) expect budgets to increase to cover security. Still, the forecast projects moderate growth in overall business conditions for the near future, a nding that has been consistently positive this year. For the full report, go to bit.ly/2aQPQ24. "There is a greater need for transparency between venues and clients on security needs, and to create a proper balance to ensure safety for attendees without scaring them altogether." – Marcelo DeOliveira, Events Manager, The International Centre, Toronto; President, MPI Toronto Chapter FOR M&C RESEARCH, VISIT MCMAG.COM/RESEARCH 13% of respondents are coming up with more detailed and documented risk- management plans. 8% of meeting professionals believe that planners are making the most of event technology. 13% are providing more employee training on security issues. 10% are increasing their 2017 budgets to include virtual experiences. Fall 2016 67% Fall 2016 57% 2016 BUSINESS CONDITIONS Percentage of respondents predicting favorable conditions for the year Winter 2016 Spring 2016 Summer 2016 68% 70% 63% BUDGET TRENDS Percentage of respondents who predicted budget growth Winter 2016 Spring 2016 Summer 2016 55% 54% 59% NEWSLINE | OUTLOOK | By Sarah J. F. braley PHOTOS: ©ISTOCKPHOTO

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