Available online, the FutureWatch 2010 marks the transition of the meetings industry to a new era of creativity, flexibility and strategic relationship building. "The 2010 edition of FutureWatch empowers industry professionals with current data they can use to make critical business decisions," said Bruce MacMillan, CEO of MPI. Acoording the FutureWatch. The key findings of 2010 are:

- Good news: International event organisers predict a 2.8 percent increase in meetings and a 4.5 percent increase in attendance.

- A "strong appetite" for technology solutions. Planners prioritise improving the visual experience of the participants in an event, while suppliers prefer to give importance to a greater efficiency in the relationship with their customers through CRM software.

- As the most significant trend for next year, providers in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) point to the shorter delivery times, followed by a gradual growth of the industry.

- Conducting meetings closer to home continues to be a trend. Fewer participants will be willing to travel long distances to attend an event.

- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) will continue to be of interest to meetings and event management professionals. It will also be a potential differentiator for companies and associations that can demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable and effective CSR programs.

- This 2010, the suppliers and event organisers from around the world will seek to do more with less.

- An executive summary is available on the website of mpiweb.org. The full version is free for members of MPI, otherwise the cost is 299 dollars.