Conference Matters 144

Is the conference industry experiencing a 'Trump Effect'?

EXPERT PANEL

With Donald Trump as the new US president, the world is facing turbulent times. What does his policy mean for the meeting industry in Europe, and is there anything noticeable yet?

By Evelien Baks

' Stock prices are generally good indicators'

keep their wallets closed due to uncertainty. It can be for a short time, but also for a long period if the economy is doing badly. The association market is less sensitive to these shifts. Planning is often done per continent and usually a long time in advance. It therefore doesn’t immediately follow econo mic fluctuations. We will see how it develops further in the global economy. Fortunately, we’re a resilient sector and have often shown our ability to adapt to these kinds of develop ments.” “We don’t see any direct impact yet – the conference season has just started – but we do expect it to happen. I expect we will see fewer participants and fewer abstracts from the United States. It is certainly something we discuss with our clients. Questions like how much sponsorship can be expected from America, how many participants, and so on. If fewer abstracts are submitted, that means less income. Maybe we should focus more on promoting on the European market. I’m currently assuming a small decline, but every abstract lost is a

“Reaction, backlash, and uncertainty: we know from history that the industry is often affec ted. Companies always wonder what it means for their own business. Uncertainty sometimes means putting things on hold or cutting extras or programme parts. It’s a way to keep costs manageable. We’ve seen that happen a few times recently. Economic growth figures and stock prices usually provide a useful indication. If the stock market is doing well, then expenditures follow suit. When there’s a headwind, people tend to

Kim van Velzen CCO at Postillion Hotels

'Fewer abstracts means less income'

shame, especially in terms of sponsorship. We’re also hearing reports that there will be fewer exhibitors and that people are buying fewer American products. The United States recently announced that American scientists working with national government organisa tions are having difficulties travelling to Europe for work. What consequences will it have? These are the matters that we consider inter nally as well as with our clients. It may be a minor setback, but it’s something to take into account.”

Marije Sant Project Manager at Congress by design

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