British Conference Venues Survey

1) There were an estimated 1.37 million conferences in the UK in 2006 - an average of 392 conferences per venue. 2) This compares to 1.58m conferences in 2005 – a decrease of about 13%. 3) Hotels and conference / training venues typically hosted more conferences than other venues (hotels an average of 464 conferences; universities, and conference / training centres an average of 649 respectively). 4) Unusual venues and multi-purpose venues tended to host the least number of conferences (an average of 183 and 253 conferences respectively). 5) The majority (61%) of conferences were held in hotels. 6) The average conference duration was 1.7 days, although most conferences (62%) lasted a day or less. This varied from 1.4 days for non-residential conferences to 2.2 days for residential conferences. This was similar to the previous two years. 7) Peak periods for conferences in 2006 were autumn (September, October and November), and, to a lesser extent, spring. The quietest months were July and August, followed by December and January 8) The average daily delegate rate achieved by venues for conferences was £35 (inc VAT), compared to £43 in 2005 and £37 in 2004. 9) The average 24 hour / residential rate was £121 (inc VAT) compared to £136 in 2005. 10) Approximately a quarter of conferences (27%) were residential at the conference venue – this is on a par with 2005. A further 8% were overnight conferences, with delegates staying in the wider destination but not at the conference venue itself. The remainder (65%) were non-overnight conferences. Copies of the ‘British Conference Venues Survey 2007’, priced at £125, may be ordered from BACD (email: sarahm@bacd.org.uk or visit: www.bacd.biz).