Venues are including more bang for their clients’ buck, according to a survey carried out among venue sector members of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Alec Gilbert of the Adelaide Convention Centre said: “There’s no doubt about it, venues are upping the ante in response to the global economy. There is more being offered in the price today than in 2006; 35 per cent now include carpeting in the hire price of an exhibition hall, whereas previously it was only 19 and 58 per cent now include first aid, compared with just 48 per cent before.”

Additionally, 84 per cent of venues said they negotiate on published rates and 61 per cent have a subvention policy for large congresses, with cash support offered by 40 per cent.

Meanwhile, 67 per cent of venues have established a half-day rate and 75 per cent are prepared to offer a discount on the ballroom when F&B is used. However, venues continue to invest in their facilities with 30 per cent having recently refurbished or extended, or just about to.

Gilbert said: “Despite everything centres are improving and expanding all the time - 40 per cent actually plan to build a hotel on site in the near future.”

A more informal show of hands at the venue sector's meeting at the 49^th ICCA Congress, currently taking place in Hyderabad, India, showed only a relatively small number of venues plan to increase prices in line with inflation in 2011.