A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Catering Executives, found that more than half the respondents – 60 percent – indicated that corporate holiday party business will increase this year. This compares to two years ago, when only 30 percent indicated that the corporate holiday party would show growth.
In addition, in 2011, 51 percent of the respondents indicated that they are seeing an increase in the number of corporate clients that are planning holiday or end of year events, compared to last year. In 2009, only 18 percent said that were seeing an increase when compared to a year earlier.
And, in 2011, more than 16 percent of the survey respondents said that clients were increasing their budgets, compared to fewer than one percent that were increasing their budgets in 2009.
In addition, 11 percent of the respondents said that they were seeing an increase in the shared holiday function, in which several companies join together to share expenses.
“Despite continued uncertainty in the economy, companies do see the value in gathering to celebrate the achievements of the year and in sharing that enthusiasm with employees as motivation,” said Bonnie Fedchock, Executive Director of the National Association for Catering Executives. “We do see it is well as an indicator that companies are looking forward to a more profitable 2012.”
The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), www.nace.net is the oldest and largest professional association dedicated to all aspects of the catering industry. Dedicated to promoting career success for its members and the professionalism of the industry, NACE offers educational programs, professional certification (CPCE), chapter initiatives, networking opportunities, recognition and awards programs, a job bank, community service projects and the industry’s most prestigious annual conference. In helping its members enhance their business and careers, NACE helps the industry reach its highest potential.
