UK – With public spending reduced and increased VAT following the budget, professional conference organisers (PCOs) are likely to come under yet more pressure to reduce fees and deliver more for less, according to the Association of British PCOs, (ABPCO).
ABPCO chair, Rebecca Cadman-Jones, urges organisers to stand firm: “PCOs have already been hit by the recession, with buyers looking to squeeze budgets and reduce fees where possible, yet expecting the same levels of service delivery. With the new VAT increase, non-VAT-registered organisations, such as charities and some public sector bodies, will have to carry additional cost. We will be urging our members to stand firm when it comes to fee cuts in order to avoid price wars that hurt everyone.
“ABPCO member fees are often covered by cost savings on negotiating better supplier deals on behalf of buyers,” says Cadman-Jones. “We will be encouraging members to draw on that pedigree, communicating the benefits of using professional organisers who can deliver high-quality conferences and events that make a difference.”
