Cost and transport issues are chasing corporate events out of the capital, according to a new survey for Center Parcs.
Responses from 110 of the company’s corporate organiser clients revealed 85 per cent were planning to move their events out of London during the Olympic season.
Center Parcs’ survey researched the impact of summer 2012’s high profile events, with respondents including Vodne, HSBC and the NHS.
The research revealed 15 per cent of those who plan meetings, conferences and events in the capital will postpone any activity to later in the year.
Over half (58%) cited an increase in costs as their reason for hosting events outside of London and 17 per cent indicated the transport issues as their reason for migrating their meetings and events.
Center Parcs’ research is also underpinned with research carried out by the European Tour Operators Association which is predicting an average 90 per cent downturn inbookings in London during summer 2012.
Head of Corporate Sales for Center Parcs, Ian Linley, said: “Some months ago we noted an increase in demand for summer events. Subsequently we carried out the researchwhich clearly underlines the huge opportunity for venues outside the capital’s perimeter to benefit from the displacement of business events from London.”
Meanwhile, exhibitor venues at the new UK Venue Show, to take place in Olympia in February 2012, have also predicted transport disruption in London and difficulties in finding competitive prices for corporate events in London during major UK events next year.
“Major events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games will challenge venues to balance price and offering,” said UK Venue Show Exhibition Director Tanya Cohen who carried out the interview research with the venues.
Millbrook Events Head of Events Kevin Leaver said: “Conferences and events are being moved into the early part of the year, away from June and July, and those that would have taken place in London during the summer months are looking for alternative venues due to lack of availability and accommodation and accessibility concerns caused by the 2012 Games.”
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