According to a Europe-wide survey of approximately 100 executives in the real estate industry, which was conducted by the Urban Land Institute (ULI), European real estate companies will be sending fewer staff to trade fairs in 2009 as compared to 2008.
59% of those surveyed indicated that fewer of their employees would participate at this year's MIPIM than was the case in 2008. 32% will maintain the same level of staff at the MIPIM as in 2008; only 9% will be sending more staff than in the previous year. 45% of executives are currently expecting fewer of their company's employees to go to the Expo Real, and almost as many (43%) will be represented at the fair with the same number of employees as in 2008.
87% of respondents whose companies were represented at the 2008 MIPIM are also planning an exhibition stand for 2009. 95% of respondents who had a stand at the 2008 Expo Real indicated that their companies are also planning a stand at the fair this year.
"The financial market crisis is also visible in company planning for trade fairs. Many will decide to wait it out for 2009 and observe developments in the market. The survey results reflect the uncertainty that is present in companies", said Alexander Otto, Chairman of ULI Europe.
Source: ULI
