The results that follow suggest that 2008 was a good year for most organisers in comparison to 2007, and the experience of cancellations or other problems as a result of the global economic situation has only been felt very recently. However there is real concern about business levels for next year with 64% saying the economic climate and pressure to reduce costs is the key factor of influence for next year. 39% already see a decrease in budgets for next year and over 30% are predicting fewer events or are unsure whether the volume of events will remain consistent. However the number of elegates attending and the duration of events are expected to remain very similar to this year.