This document discusses trends in the meetings industry. Major trends include increasing competition, the rise of second and third tier destinations, cities becoming economic drivers over countries, growing demand for meetings, content driving associations, a focus on ROI/ROO, recognition of the industry's economic importance, and cuts to government spending in Europe. Buyer selection criteria prioritizes accessibility, price/flexibility, facilities quality and range, service quality, safety, novelty, and technology infrastructure. Current buyer focus is on flexibility, compact destinations, sustainability, difference, quickness, transparency, and subvention norms. Regional destinations face challenges like needing a convention venue, airlift, competing with major cities, and long-term collaborative marketing strategies.