Buyers with meetings spend responsibility jumps 5%

The number of travel managers with responsibility for meetings spend jumped 5 per cent in 2014 compared to the previous year, according to the Business Travel Show’s annual buyer survey.

The study found buyers looking after meetings management rose 52 to 57 per cent in 2014, and those with a strategic meetings management programme (SMMP) increased from 27 to 34 per cent.

Jef Robinson, global category manager (meetings and events), Citrix Systems, said: “An increasing number of travel managers may be taking on responsibility for meetings management but that doesn’t mean the transition is without its challenges.

“It’s tricky to develop a meetings and events process that reduces risk and reduces company expenditure but without planners losing ownership.

“Selling the concept of SMMP technology within an organisation is also a difficult task but, done well, it’s a transition that will not only help companies to leverage better deals with suppliers but also improve their duty of care.”

The study of 179 travel buyers from the UK and Europe were asked two questions: Does your remit include meetings management? Do you have a strategic meetings management programme in place?

(1) Does your remit include meetings management?

(2) Do you have a strategic meetings management programme in place?

The Business Travel Show takes place on 25-26 February at Olympia Grand in London. Register for a free visitor pass at www.businesstravelshow.com/register