ISES delegate poll uncovers inside info

DELEGATES attending the 'State of the Industry Leadership Breakfast' organised by the SA Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) - a forerunner to the country's first Incentives, Conventions and Business Travel Exhibition which opened last Thursday - took part in a Digivote initiative which uncovered some interesting statistics.
The largest sector of the 175-strong audience comprised a 25% event representation, followed by venue management personnel (19%).
86% of those voting had a Website, though appeared unsure as to the success of such an activity - an issue which MC Brian McDonald, md of Global Conferences, said necessitated a separate discussion platform.
57% had no facility for online registration and payment: and 75% of those who did, did not offer online registration facilities that incorporated safe, secure, encrypted credit card processing.
Other results included:
- The peak months for event management was October - December, followed by July - September while 50% of conference organisers stated that their busiest period was between July - September. Food services, travel and transport sectors voted October - December as their most active months.
- 50% said that the average lead time for the planning of inbound events was six-12 months, with 29% responding between one and three years.
- 45% of event organisers provisionally held two or more venues until a decision had been made, 25% held three or more.
- The important factors when determining a choice of venue were location (70%): price (16%) and inquiry response time and follow up (14%).
- Inexperienced staff was by far and away voted the biggest pitfall when dealing with venues (80%).
- 57% said that marketing would prove their major investment this year followed by technology (16%), training (15%) and staff (13%).

(Elizabeth Sheridan)