The grassroots campaign for KeepAmericaMeeting is starting to gain momentum but still needs your help and support.
Make sure you visit the campaign Website today and do your part by signing the online petition. KeepAmericaMeeting has a goal of 1,000,000 signatures. The electronic petition will be delivered by organizers to the White House, every member of Congress, and to the leadership of businesses in the Fortune 200 with the end goal to promote and protect meetings, events and incentive travel.
The site has lots of good resources and tips on how you can help spread the word to colleagues, organizations, employees, vendors, friends and family.
Sign the petition today!
The US Travel Association is marshaling forces around its Meetings Mean Business campaign, a major initiative intended to push back against the political demonization of business meetings and events. The campaign comes as companies – most of whom have not received taxpayer assistance – cancel thousands of meetings and events, often out of fear that they will be singled out by politicians.
The travel industry is responsible for one in eight American jobs and the impact of cuts in business travel is evident:
* In December 2008, Las Vegas’ unemployment reached a 25-year high – 9.1%. Further, last month McCarran International Airport experienced a 15.7% drop in traffic. This is the worst monthly decline since the days after 9-11.
* The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the cancellation of Citigroup Inc.’s June conference has cost the city $55 million.
* The Phoenix Convention Center Department recently announced nearly $7.3 million in proposed budget cuts due to the loss of business convention and meeting bookings.
The US Travel Association is also a driving force behind the online petition, KeepAmericaMeeting (more about the petition in a future post).
Meetings Mean Business is supported by MPI and PCMA. The site has a good list of current news and resources as well as an excellent discussion of the issues and suggestions on how you can take action.
