International Meetings Statistics 1997 - Press Release

International Meetings in 1997

by Ghislaine de Coninck

 

 

Contents:

 

Introduction

 

For the past 49 years, the Union of International Associations has undertaken, for the benefit of its members, statistical studies on the international meetings that took place worldwide in the preceding year.

 

The statistics are based on information systematically collected by the UIA Congress Department and selected according to very strict criteria maintained over the years, this enabling meaningful comparison from year to year.

 

Meetings taken into consideration include those organized and/or sponsored by the international organizations which appear in the Yearbook of International Organizations and in the International Congress Calendar, i.e.: the sittings of their principal organs, congresses, conventions, symposia, regional sessions grouping several countries, as well as some national meetings with international participation organized by national branches of international associations. Under this last category are included meetings which are not collected systematically but which have been brought to our knowledge and which meet the following criteria:

Excluded from the UIA figures are: purely national meetings as well as those of an essential religious, didactic, political, commercial, sporting nature such as religious gatherings, courses, party conferences, fairs, sales meeting, contest etc. Also excluded are: meetings strictly limited in participation such as committees, group of experts etc. most of these being held at an intergovernmental level and taking place mainly at the headquarters of the large IGO's in New York, Geneva, Rome, Brussels, Vienna.

 

Corporate and incentives meetings are not included; the survey of these specific markets being not within the scope of activities of the UIA.

 

This survey is indicative; it is based on the researches compiled by the UIA Congress Department and using currently available information from international organizations selected according specific criteria.

 

 

General picture

 

Overall, the 1997 figures show an increase in the number of international meetings organized worldwide in 192 different countries.

 

Over 9,200 international meetings have been taken into consideration in this survey in accordance with the criteria described above. This figure represents approximately 79.3 % of the total number of meetings included in UIA's "congress" data bank for 1997. The remaining 20.7% has been excluded from the survey, as they did not meet the criteria.

 

The 1997 evolution is illustrated in the tables below. In each table, international meetings organized / sponsored by international organizations and national meetings with large international participation are indicated separately.

 

Compared with 1996, the overall increase registered in 1997 amounts to + 3.37 %. If only the number of meetings organized by international associations are compared, than this figure reaches + 2.72% and an increase of national meetings with international participation of + 0.65%.

 

Compared with the figures of 1995 the overall difference is + 5.54% and vis-a-vis 1994: + 2.41%.

 

On an aggregated basis an upward trend is recorded as follows: South & Central America + 0.94%; Africa + 0.69%; Australasia + 0.64%; Europe +0.56%; North America + 0.32%; Asia + 0.22%.

 

In 1997, contrarily to other years, it clearly appears that the expansion is constant in every continent; however, the increase registered in Asia is not as high as in previous years. In South and Central America, the positive results are making up for the decrease registered in 1996. Australasia is confirming its regular progression while the upward trend is consolidating the situation in Europe, Africa and North America.

 

Tables 1 and 2 show the level of the various changes that occurred in 1997.

 

The figures in Table 3 show that, despite the fact that the majority of meetings recorded in this survey took place in Europe, this percentage is continuously decreasing, ie 56.51 % in 1997 against 57.85 % in 1996, 58.61% in 1995, 58.95% in 1994, 59.76% in 1993, 61.42% in 1992 and 62.30% in 1991.

 

 

Table 1: Worldwide breakdown of the variations registered in 1997 versus 1996

 

 

 

Table 2: Worldwide breakdown of the variations registered in 1997 versus 1995

 

 

 

Table 3: Worldwide breakdown of the total number of international meetings in 1997

 

 

 

Table 4: Variation in 1997 versus 1996 - Continent by Continent

 

 

 

Breakdown by country

 

An analysis of the most active host countries is indicated in Table 5 below.

 

 

Table 5: Leading countries hosting international meetings in 1997.
Percentage of the worldwide total.

 

 

 

In this table countries are listed with regard to the total number of International meetings registered in each one.

 

The figures in the third column indicate the percentage of international associations' meetings and the classification is thus different.

 

The sign + and - opposite each figure indicates changes with respect to 1996. The countries printed in bold letters are improving their ranking since 1996.

 

50.91% of the total number of meetings organized worldwide took place in the top ten countries; 69.25% in the top twenty countries; in 1996 it was respectively 51.09% and 70.41%.

 

Not mentioned on the above table but occupying a significant place in the worldwide ranking are in order: Brazil, Poland, Czech Rep, Russia, Israel, Thailand, Mexico, Argentina, Malaysia, Turkey, China, Ireland and Philippines.

 

The 1997 individual results compared with those of 1996 are showing that the greatest increases have taken place in the following countries: Australia, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Canada, Japan, India, South Africa, Greece, Sweden, Brazil, Korea, Turkey and Poland.

 

When considering only the number of international association's meetings the ranking is slightly different; number one to five are the same: USA, France, UK, Germany, Italy, followed in order by Belgium, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, South Africa, Greece Hungary, India, Portugal, Singapore, Norway, Poland, Brazil.

 

Newcomers in this top table are South Africa, India, Portugal and Korea Rep. All other countries were already in this "top table" but with different rankings.

 

 

Leading cities

 

 

Table 6: Leading cities hosting international meetings in 1997.

Percentage of the worldwide total

 

 

 

Please note again, that the ranking is different if one considers only the international association meetings or the total ranking. Cities printed in bold letters are improving their ranking in comparison to 1996.

 

Based on the total figures, in 1997, the top ten cities are sharing 16.48% of the world market compared to 18.07%in 1996, 18.58 % in 1995, 17.48% in 1994, 17.70% in 1993 and 19.46% in 1992.

 

This result confirms the trend experienced in previous years: the top cities reducing their share of the total market to the benefit of a wider distribution worldwide. The top twenty cities are sharing 25.79% of the total against 27.71% in 1996, increasing thus this tendency.

 

Analysis of this table also shows a variable evolution from city to city. Paris is slightly decreasing its leadership: 2.71% (against 3.15 % in 1996).

 

Hong Kong is now in the top ten; Orlando and Munchen in the top twenty-five.

 

Other cities occupying a significant place in this table are, in order: Lisboa, Melbourne, Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Manila, Edinburgh, Montreal, Jerusalem, San Francisco, Oslo, Kyoto, Dublin, Istanbul, Vancouver, Kuala Lumpur, Maastricht, Adelaide, Lyon, Luxembourg, Toronto, Warszawa, New Delhi, Beijing, Athinai, Cairo, Capetown, Den Haag, Thessaloniki, Moskva, Birmingham, Oxford, Rio de Janeiro, Antwerpen and Harare. (Cities underlined = new entries in the list)

 

With regard to the ranking of purely international associations' meetings, the ranking is as follows: Paris, Brussels, London, Wien, Geneve, Amsterdam, Singapore, Kobenhavn, Barcelona, Washington, Strasbourg, Roma, New York, Budapest, Stockholm, Helsinki, Praha, Lisboa, Sydney, Madrid, Hong Kong, Berlin, Tokyo, Munchen, Manila, Seoul, Melbourne.

 

 

Breakdown by continents / regions

 

Africa

 

The situation in Africa is showing a substantial consolidation of the increase registered in 1996:

The percentage of meetings organized in Africa is now of 5.41% (4.91% in 1996).

 

South Africa is consolidating its first place in Africa country with 22.09% (21.28% in 1996, 21.60% in 1995, 17.23% in 1994, 11.43% in 1993 and 5.51% in 1992), directly followed by : Egypt 9.23% (10.39% in 1996, 13.10% in 1995); Zimbabwe 7.02% (6.63%/96, 5.74%/95); Morocco 5.42% (7.55%/96, 5.51%/95); Kenya 5.42% (6.40%/96, 6.20%/95); Ethiopia 4.21% (2.74%/96); Tunisia 3.21% (5.72%/96); Senegal 3.21% (2.74%/96); Uganda 3.21% (3.66%/96); Ghana 2.81% (2.74%/96); Benin 2.61%; Ivory Coast 2.20% (3.66%/96); Cameroon 2.20%.

 

The top ranking cities are in order of importance: Cairo, Nairobi, Harare, Capetown, Johannesburg Abidjan, Dakar, Rabat, Tunis, and Accra.

 

North America

 

In North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), an upward trend is again registered:

As in previous years, one wishes to stress again the fact that the meetings taken into consideration in the survey are primarily those organized/sponsored by international nongovernmental organizations; it is a well known fact that the number of large national meetings with international participation organized in North America is much higher that the figures mentioned in this analysis (especially in the USA); the survey of this specific market is not within the scope of activities of UIA.

 

On a worldwide basis, USA is keeping its leadership with 11.46% share of the world total against 11.79% in 1996, 11.52% in 1995, 14.75% in 1994, 15% in 1993, 11.38% in 1992 and 10.70% in 1991. Canada that had gone down in 1996 has registered an upward trend with a share of 2.47% of the world market (2.33% in 1996).

 

Leading cities in North America are in order of importance: Washington 7.38%; New York 6.57%; Orlando 5.09%; Chicago 3.69%; Montreal 3.54%; San Francisco 3.39%; Vancouver 3.10%; Toronto 2.80%; Mexico City 2.14%; Atlanta 2.14%; San Diego 2.06%; Boston 1.92%; Ottawa 1.84%. 2.03%.

 

On the world ranking, Washington is 9th and New York 12th.

 

South America

 

In 1997, the highest progression was experienced in South America:

The share of the world market is now: 5.46% against 4.71% in 1996 and 5.21% in 1995.

 

Leading country in S.America are: Brazil 18.12% (18.66% in 96; 17% in 1995); Argentina 13.35%; Cuba 8.37%; Chile 6.18%; Colombia 5.78%; Costa Rica 5.18%; Peru 4.78%; Venezuela 4.58%.

 

Leading cities are in order of importance: Buenos Aires 9.96%; Rio de Janeiro 6.17%; La Habana 5.58%; Santiago 4.58 %; Sao Paulo 4.38%; San Jose 3.59%; Caracas 2.99%.

 

Asia

 

Japan, is keeping its 12th place on the world ranking with 19.32% (18.13% in 96), followed in order by : Singapore 10.66% (10.67 in 1996); India 8.19% (6.82%); Hong Kong 7.73% (9.02%); Korea Rep. 7.34% (6.59%); Israel 6.26% (10.75%); Thailand 6.18% (6.59%); Malaysia 5.18% (5.72%); China.

 

Australasia

 

This continent is enjoying since 1993 a very steady and important increase in the number of international meetings:

Australia is now ranking 9th in the countries' top table with the following development:

Leading cities in the continent are in order of importance: Sydney 23.43%; Melbourne 16.29%; Adelaide 11.43%; Brisbane 6.86%; Perth 4.57%; Auckland 2.86%.

 

Europe

 

The progress recorded in 1996 is confirmed in 1997:

The trend experienced in previous years showing a reduction in the percentage of meetings taking place in Europe is confirmed: 56.51% (57.85% in 1996, 58.61% in 1995, 58.95% in 1994, 59.76% in 1993; 61.42% in 1992 and 62.3% in 1991.)

 

Of these 47.21% were organized by international associations.

 

The positive results experienced in Europe took place in order of importance in: Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Finland, Greece, Sweden, Malta, Monaco, Turkey, Poland, UK, Estonia; other countries are either statu quo or decreasing slightly.

 

As in previous years, France is always ranking second in the world, with a share of 7.03% (7.22% in '96) and leader in Europe with a share of 12.45% (12.50% in '96).

 

Percentage of other countries in Europe are as follows: United Kingdom with 11.41% (12.42% in '96); Germany 9.99% (9.24%); Italy 7.29% (7.30%); Netherlands 6.56% (6.00%); Belgium 5.68% (5.69%); Spain 5.77% (5.15%); Austria 5.00% (5.56%); Switzerland 5.00% (5.13%); Finland 3.35%; Sweden 3.04%; Denmark 2.81%; Norway 2.19%; Greece 2.10%; Hungary 1.98%; Portugal 1.94%; Czech Rep and Poland 1.73%; Russia 1.81%.

 

Countries increased or decreased shares are indicated on Table 5 with the sign "+" or "-".

 

Leading cities in Europe are in order of importance: Paris, London, Brussels, Wien, Geneva, Amsterdam, Kobenhavn, Berlin, Barcelona, Roma, Strasbourg, Budapest, Stockholm, Madrid, Helsinki, Praha, Munchen, Lisboa, Edinburgh, Oslo, Dublin, Istanbul, Maastricht, Lyon, Luxembourg, Warszawa, Athinai, Den Haag, Thessaloniki, Moskva, Birmingham, Oxford, Antwerpen.

 

 

Participants

 

The analysis of information related to the number of delegates attending these meetings confirms that the existing trend, ie. a majority of meeting with participants below 1000. 11.45% less than 100 participants (14.19%/'95)61.22% between 100 and 500 Part. (55.58%/'95)

 

Exhibitions

 

The number of exhibitions organized jointly with international meetings analyzed in this survey amounts to 12.64% (11.66% / 1996; 12.51% /1995) showing an increase on both 1995 and 1996.

 

 

Monthly breakdown

 

The monthly breakdown indicates that the percentage of meetings taking place in January, February, May, June and December contrarily to the other months of the year.

 

The periods April/May/June and September/October are traditionally the most popular with over 57% of the total number of meetings taking place in 1997.

 

 

 

Conclusion and future trends

 

As indicated at the beginning of this analysis, the number of international meetings organized worldwide has gone up in every continent in 1997. South America, Africa and Australasia are the areas where the most significant upward trend has been recorded.

 

From the analysis of the various tables published above, it appears that the ten countries with the highest increases are Australia, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Finland, Canada, India, Japan and South Africa.

 

Cities with the highest increase are London, Kyoto, Strasbourg, Orlando, Barcelona, Trondheim, Adelaide, Lisboa, Lyon, Oxford, and Sydney.

 

As far as the geographical distribution of meetings is concerned it appears that the number of countries host of international meetings is growing from year to year.

 

The meetings covered by the survey took place in 192 countries (187 in 1996, 185 in 1995 and 180 in 1994).

 

Duration: the duration of the meetings taken into consideration in the survey is confirmed: an average of 4 days.
Once again, when applying the criteria for the selection of national meetings with international participation, a large proportion of these meetings had to be excluded due mainly to the fact that the 3 days limit fixed by UIA's criteria, was not reached. This confirms the tendency for these events, to concentrate the work into a shorter period of time.

 

Future trends

 

Based on the information available to day, trends for future years are showing a situation that is stable. For the first time "electronic meetings" have been announced in the "International Congress Calendar"; at this stage this is still not very frequent; it is however evident that this method of meeting is creating more active international links and cooperations which in turns creates new needs for face to face contacts and meetings.

 

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