Leaner corporate spending budgets prompted many organisers to switch from residential to day events during the final quarter of 2007, according to the latest UK Conference Benchmark from ConferenceCare.
As a result, average 24-hour rates struggled in the provinces while most cities managed to increase their day delegate rates.
The average day delegate rate grew by 10.51% to £50.66 in 2007, compared with £45.84 in 2006. The average rate in London surpassed £65.
Accommodation rates have remained strong in London for the past two years, but have fallen in Leeds thanks to the large number of budget-type hotels on the outskirts of the city centre.
Thursday remains the most popular day for business, with a growing move towards Mondays and Tuesdays.
Fridays, however, are falling out of favour among corporates, who worry about delegates needing to leave early to travel home.
View the full report and tables for the fourth quarter of 2007 here >>
View the Conference Care report for October 2007 here >>
View the Conference Care report for September 2007 here >>
The monthly reports from Conference Care benchmark meeting and conference expenditure, reflecting bookings from the UK’s major corporations and industry sectors.
The statistics - based on figures from group and independent hotels, academic venues, dedicated training centres and unique venues - cover eight- and 24-hour rates, rates by key UK destinations, lead-in times for events, conversion times, and key days and months.
Midlands-based Conference Care provides event management, venue-finding and technological solutions - including on-line bookings - for corporate and public sector buyers.