AMI Forum

James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 04/01/2012

Are London's hotels failing the international congress market?

Hotels in the UK capital are not doing enough to offer organisers of large association congresses decent room allocations, attractive forward rates and realistic terms and conditions. That's what we're being told. What's your experience?


James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 13/12/2011

What are the main challenges facing your association in 2012?

Falling membership? Competition? Social media? The Eurozone debt crisis? What are the biggest problems/challenges facing your association in 2012? Let us know.


James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 10/10/2011

Do you get the credit you deserve?

A new survey by the International Association of Congress Centres shows the industry is struggling, but association business remains strong. So, are suppliers treating the not-for-profit sector with the respect it deserves? Or do you feel you're being taken for granted? What has been your experience?



James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 24/08/2011

Are 'hybrid' events the beginning of the end for convention centres?

Do venues which install web streaming technology, allowing stay-at-home delegates to participate in events, risk undermining their basic business model?

James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 10/08/2011

Should venues provide free Wi-Fi for delegates?

ABPCO - the Association of British Professional Congress Organisers - has launched a campaign urging venues to provide free Wi-Fi access. What do you think?

Marlene VERLAECKT of EVER 12/08/2011

Providing free Wi-Fi to delegates in convention centers and congress hotels is a must at this time.
Venues will be chosen in function of this service offered.
Sue Harrison of H2 Events 12/08/2011

I think it is an essential service that this is offered free by venues and is certainly a major consideration both from clients and PCO's when making decisions to which venues to choose for your event.
James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 15/06/2011

Have interpreters had their day?

Is English now the default language at international association events, or do you still employ interpreters? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using simultaneous interpretation at congress? Thoughts please....

Thomas Day of Edinburgh Conference Centre 22/07/2011

Having just hosted the 34th World Congress of the Girl Guides and Girls Scouts with delegates from 124 countries who made considerable realtime use of interpreters in French, Spanish and Arabic the answer would have to be no. Agreed to ensure that the delegates received the maximum benefit the venue needs to be able to offer the technical support relating to multiple language presentations and suitable audio feeds - so to deliver professional interpreting you do need a suitable venue.
Without th interpretation delegates would not have achived as much and numbers would undoubtedly have been down.
James L Lancaster of CAT Publications 31/05/2011

Why don't London hoteliers want our association business?

Block-booking hotel rooms for international association meetings is a nightmare in London. Try booking 500 rooms four or five years in advance and most hotels in the capital just don't want to know. That's what readers of AMI are telling us. What's your experience? And what can be done to change attitudes?