IMEX has just announced the launch of their new meeting industry research library - the free Global Data Exchange.

It’s full of regional, global and market specific research…

…like surveys and up-to-date opinions, trends and analysis on the international level.  And best of all, it’s free!

Check it out - what do you think?  Do you reference industry studies and reports? Are they helpful?

What topic do you want to see more research conducted about?

If you’re going to be in the DC area next Tuesday, you should be attending MACE!2008 the Mid-Atlantic Conference & Exposition put on by the Potomac Chaper of MPI (Meeting Professionals International).

Meeting professionals and suppliers can check out ConventionPlanit.com in the exhibit hall…

…or at our Learning Experience Session “Using Search Engines to Your Advantage.” It’s full of valuable information!

Welcome back to the work from the long weekend!

Now that the holiday season is officially upon us, I bet we could all use some extra cash now more than before…

…and for meeting planners it’s as easy as sending us your open meeting specs.

We’ll send you a $50 American Express Reward card AND help you find the perfect venue!

Something we’ve talked about a few times before, but just won’t seem to go away…

Organizations are trying to be more cost-efficient at their yearly conferences given the state of the economy. From changing the menus and activities offered to the speakers presented, it’s no secret that organizations are cutting back.

How are you contributing? What has been the most difficult cost-cut for you?

Hope everyone is planning on voting today…

…regardless of your affiliation & in spite of the long lines.

Hey, at least you can enjoy free Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and Baskin Robbins afterwards!

Happy Halloween! What are your plans for today?

A new survey conducted by Four Points by Sheraton found that 60% of business parents feel guilty if they miss trick-or-treating with their kids and three out of four parents say their children would be disappointed if they missed Halloween…

…66% of moms and dads admitting they sneak out of work early in order to hit the streets for treats with their kids, and 76% even rearrange their business travel to make it home in time for the big day.

What do you think? Are you leaving work earlier today to trick-or-treat with your kids? Are you dressing up?

The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village is totally new…

it just underwent a $10 million renovation!

Highlights:

• All new furniture, flat panel LCD tvs, high speed internet access and accessories in guest rooms
• Check-in kiosks in lobby
• 10-story Atrium Lobby with waterfall
• Flex-back chairs in all meeting space
• New restaurant

Plus a lot of other great, new features…check them all out!

ConventionPlanit.com is now on Twitter…check us out and keep in touch!  (username: conventionplani)

We know travel has become more expensive - and many businesses and tourists have cut back, which is affecting luxury five star hotels.

This New York Times article sites a survey conducted by the National Business Travel Association on how businesses are cutting expenses…

…one way is staying at less expensive hotels: the brands of some of these hotels convey expense and luxury, and travelers are weary to seem extravagant at a time like this.

Do you normally plan meetings at five star hotels? Are you now investigating alternative locations and options? Or are your meetings simply on hold?