International Meetings Statistics 2000 - Press Release

International Meetings in 2000

By Ghislaine de Coninck

 

 

Introduction

 

For the past 52 years, the Union of International Associations has undertaken, for the benefit of its members, statistical studies on the international meetings that took place world wide 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 IGOs 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 research compiled by the UIA Congress Department and using currently available information from international organizations selected according to specific criteria.

 

 

General picture

 

Overall, the 2000 figures show an increase in the number of international meetings organized worldwide in 180 different countries.

 

Over 9,400 international meetings have been taken into consideration in this survey in accordance with the criteria described above. This figure represents approximately 80% of the total number of meetings included in UIA's "congress" data bank for 2000. The remaining 20% has been excluded from the survey, as they did not meet the criteria.

 

The 2000 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 1999, the overall increase registered in 2000 amounts to + 0.54 %. If only the number of meetings organized by international associations are compared, than this figure reaches +5.05% and a decrease of national meetings with international participation of -0.51%.

 

Compared with the figures of 1998 the overall difference is -0.35% and vis-à-vis 1997: + 2.60%. On an aggregated basis the trend is recorded as follows: North America +1.06%, Australasia +0.61% South & Central America + 0.14%, Asia –0.22%, Europe - 0.45%, Africa - 0.60%.

 

When comparing the figures of 2000 with those of 1999, it clearly appears that the expansion in the number of meetings organized by international associations is important and constant in every continent except Africa. Australasia after a slight decrease in 1999 is confirming its regular progression, most probably thanks to the Olympic Games held in Sydney.

 

Tables 1 and 2 show the level of the various changes that occurred in 2000.

 

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, i.e. 56.19% in 2000 against 56.94% in 1999, 56.85% in 1998, 56.51 % in 1997, 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 2000 versus 1999

 

 

* Réunions internationals d’associations internationals / ** Réunions nationals à large participation internationale

 

 

Table 2: Worldwide breakdown of the variations registered in 2000 versus 1999

 

 

 

Table 3: Worldwide breakdown of the total number of international meetings in 2000

 

 

 

The “-“ or “+” sign indicates the evolution since 1999 / Le signe “-“ ou “+” indique l'évolution par rapport a l'année 1999

 

 

Table 4: Variation in 2000 versus 1999 - 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 2000

Percentage of the world wide 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 1999. The countries printed in bold letters are improving their ranking since 1999.

 

54.75% of the total number of meetings organized world wide took place in the top ten countries; 72.52% in the top twenty countries; in 1999 it was respectively 52.75 and 70.96%. In 1998: 52.59% and 71.49%; in 1997: 50.91% and 69.21%.

 

Not mentioned on the above table but occupying a significant place in the world wide ranking are in order: Russia, Poland, India, Czech Rep, Greece, Mexico, Turkey, Ireland.

 

The 2000 individual results compared with those of 1999 are showing that the greatest increases have taken place in the following countries: USA, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, Israel, Brazil, Spain, Korea Rep.

 

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, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Austria, Japan, Denmark, China, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Brazil, Hungary, South Africa, Poland, India, Russia, Israel, Greece.

 

 

Leading cities

 

 

Table 6: Leading cities hosting international meetings in 2000

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 1999.

 

Based on the total figures, in 2000, the top ten cities are sharing 15.95% of the world market compared to 15.79% in 1999, 15.85% in 1998, 16.48% in 1997, 18.07%in 1996, 18.58 % in 1995, 17.48% in 1994, 17.70% in 1993 and 19.46% in 1992. This result confirms a stable situation at this level: the top ten cities are slightly increasing their share of the total market.

 

The top twenty cities are sharing 25.77% of the total against 24.30% in 1999, 25.05% in 1998, increasing thus this tendency.

 

Analysis of this table also shows a variable evolution from city to city. The top three cities: Paris, Brussels and London are slightly increasing their leadership: respectively 2.93%, 2.21% and 2.07% (against 2.63%, 1.99% and 1.71% in 1999). London is once again occupying the third place, Sydney is now ranking at the sixth place and Geneve is back in the top ten.

 

Other cities occupying a significant place in this table are, in order: Montreal, Maastricht, Bangkok, Oslo, Edinburgh, Beijing, Tokyo, San Francisco, San Diego, Moskva, Chicago, Jerusalem, Orlando, Rio de Janeiro, Nice, Firenze; Den Haag, Lyon, Istanbul,Glasgow, Dublin, Boston, Athinai, New Orleans, Adelaide, Vancouver, Miami, Kuala Lumpur, Cambridge, Brisbane, La Habana, New Delhi, Birmingham, Bergen, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Toronto, Atlanta. 

 

With regard to the ranking of purely international associations' meetings, the ranking is as follows: Paris, Brussels, London, Wien, Geneve, Kobenhavn, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Budapest, Washington, Berlin, Barcelona Singapore, Roma, Strasbourg, Praha, Lisboa, Maastricht, Helsinki, Madrid, Melbourne, Montreal, Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Stockholm,Oslo, Bangkok, Tokyo, Beijing,Moskva, Seoul, Munchen, Rio de Janeiro, Jerusalem, Dublin, Buenos Aires,Nice, Firenze,San Diego, San Francisco, Orlando, Lyon, Istanbul, Chicago, Den Haag, Glasgow.

 

 

Breakdown by continents / regions

 

Africa

 

The situation in Africa is slowing down; a substantial decrease since 1999; this decrease is taking place mainly in Zimbabwe and Uganda.

The percentage of meetings organized in Africa is now of 4.03% (4.65 % in 1999, 4.67% in 1998, 5.41% in 1997 and 4.91% in 1996)

 

South Africa is consolidating its first place in Africa country with 25.26% (26.38% in 1999, 26% in 1998, 22.09% in 1997, 21.28% in 1996, 21.60% in 1995, 17.23% in 1994, 11.43% in 1993 and 5.51% in 1992), directly followed by:

The top ranking cities are in order of importance: Cairo, Cape Town, Durban, Nairobi, Dakar, Tunis, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Rabat, Marrakech, Accra, Abidjan.

 

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 non governmental organizations; it is a well known fact that the number of large national meetings with international participation organized in N. 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.

 

Share of the world market: 17.17%.

 

On a world wide basis, USA is keeping its leadership with 13.81% share of the world total against 12.81%/’99,12.53% /981, 11.46%/’97, 11.79%/’96, 11.52%/’95, 14.75%/’94, 15%/’93, 11.38%/’1992 and 10.70%/’91.

 

Canada is stable with, as in 1999, a share of 2.56% (2.42%/’98, 2.47%/’97, 2.33%/’96).

 

Leading cities in North America are in order of importance: Washington 6.17%; New York 6.05%; Montreal 4.01%; San Diego & San Francisco 3.15%; Chicago 3.15%; Orlando 3.02%; Boston 2.41%; Vancouver 2.28%; New Orleans 2.41%; Miami 2.22%; Atlanta & Dallas 1.73%.

 

South America

 

In 2000, the situation is stable in South America:

The share of the world market is now: 5.12% against 5.01/99, 4.95%/’98, 5.46/97, 4.71%/’96 and 5.21% /95.

 

Leading countries in South America are:

Leading cities are in order of importance: Buenos Aires 15.32% (14.68%/’99); Rio de Janeiro 9.52% (5.11%/’99); La Habana 7.04% (6.17%/’99); Santiago 4.76% (4.68%/’99); Sao Paulo 4.76% (2.18%/’99).

 

Asia

 

The results achieved in 2000 are confirming a very slight down turn in the upward curve registered until 1998 in Asia:

Asia is however, always the third area in importance in the world, with a share of 13.08% (13.37%/’99, 13.46%/’98, 14.07%/’97, 14.32%/’96, 13.72%/’95), behind Europe and North America.

 

Japan, is occupying the 13th place on the world ranking with an increasing share of 18.40% of the Asian market (17.53%/’99, 18.68%/’98), followed in order by:

The remaining 19.38% are spread over the entire Asian continent.

 

Leading cities are in order of importance: Singapore 10.04%; Hong Kong 6.16%; Seoul 6.0%; Bangkok 5.02%; Beijing 4.46%, Tokyo 4.29%; Jerusalem 4.05%; Kuala Lumpur 2.84%; New Delhi 2.59%; Tel Aviv 2.43%; Kyoto 1.62%.

 

Europe

 

The consolidation registered in 1999 is confirmed in the year 2000 as follows:

The trend experienced in previous years showing a reduction in the percentage of meetings taking place in Europe is confirmed: 56.19% (56.94% in 99, 56.85%/’98, 58.61%/’97, 57.85%/’96, 58.61%/’95, 58.95%/’94, 59.76%/’93; 61.42%/’92 and 62.3%/’91.) Of these 49.78% were organized by international associations.

 

Positive results recorded in Europe took place in order of importance in: Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Iceland, Turkey, Portugal, Monaco, Ireland, Slovenia, Norway, UK and Malta. Other countries are either status quo or decreasing slightly.

 

As in previous years, France is always ranking second in the world, with a share of 6.70% (6.75%/’ 99, 6.88%/’98 7.03%/’97) and leader in Europe with a share of 11.92% (11.85%/’99, 12.14%/’98, 12.45%/’97) and 11.56% (6.48% and 11.38% in 99.

 

Percentage shares of other countries in Europe, in ranked order from the second highest, are as follows:

Leading cities in Europe are in order of importance: Paris, Brussels, London, Wien, Berlin, Amsterdam, Geneva, Kobenhavn, Budapest, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Strasbourg, Praha, Munchen, Stockholm, Lisboa, Helsinki, Maastricht, Oslo, Edinburgh, Moskva, Nice, Firenze, Den Haag, Lyon, Istanbul, Glasgow, Dublin…

 

Australasia

 

Once again, the figures reached in 2000 are showing an important upward trend:

Australia is now ranking 6th in the countries' top table with the following development:

This situation is easily explained by the organization in Australia of the Olympic Games which attracted several satellite’ meetings – notably in the sportive disciplines.

 

Leading cities in the continent are in order of importance: Sydney 29.09%; Melbourne 18.03%; Adelaide 9.13%; Brisbane 8.41%; Perth 4.09%; Auckland 2.88%.

 

 

Other important statistics

 

 

Participants

 

The analysis of information related to the number of delegates attending these meetings confirms that the existing trend, i.e. a majority of meetings with participants below 1000.

 

However, the percentage of meetings with over 1000 participants is increasing from year to year.

 

The percentages of different sized meetings follows:

 

Exhibitions

 

The number of exhibitions organized jointly with international meetings analysed in this survey amounts to 15.95% (13.40%/’99, 12.16%/’98, 12.64%/’97) showing a constant increase each year.

 

 

Monthly breakdown

 

The months May, June, September, October, November are always the most popular with 59.66% of the total number of meetings taking during these months in the year 2000.

 

 

 

Duration

 

The average duration of the meetings taken into consideration in the survey remains the same: 4 days.

 

 

Conclusion and future trends

 

As indicated at the beginning of this analysis, the number of international meetings organized around the world is stable with a slight progression of 0.54%. The variations - upwards or downwards - are not very important.

 

North America, Australasia and South America are the areas where the most significant upward trends have been recorded.

 

From the analysis of the various tables published above, it appears that the countries with the highest increases are United States of America, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, China, Singapore, UK, Brazil, Argentine, Israel and Thailand.

 

Cities with the highest increase have been: London, Geneva, Paris, Barcelona, Brussels, Munchen, Sydney, Melbourne, Madrid, New York.

 

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 187 countries.

 

Future trends

 

Based on the information available to day, trends for future years are showing a situation that is stable. "Electronic meetings" have been announced regularly 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 co-operations which in turns creates new needs for face to face contacts and meetings.

 

 

GdC. Brussels, July 2000.

 

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