End Quote
MacMillan
“It’s been a very strong market for the last couple of years. [But if the economy weakens in the second half of this year,] people are going to be very cautious in making decisions about business travel and meetings and events.”
— Bruce MacMillan, CEO of Meeting Professionals International, on the possible decline of business meetings due to the economy, in USA Today
“10 being the highest — a nine. Nothing is ever perfect, but this was close.”
— Mark Squier, an executive producer of the Democratic National Convention, on the DNC’s success, on citizensugar.com
“Nothing has to match; there just has to be enough of everything. No one wants to use their salad fork for their dessert.”
— David Serrano, a Los Angeles interior designer, on how to set the perfect table, in The New York Times
Thomases
“Most companies aren’t even aware of the degree to which their reputation is managed online. It’s not until something goes wrong — either an underling or client brings it up — do they find out about it.”
— Hollis Thomases, president of Web Ad.vantage, on combating a negative Web image, in the Baltimore Business Journal
“I just think it’s unfair for nonprofits or other charitable organizations to have to worry about an admissions tax when we’re trying to stretch every dollar as far as it goes.”
— Karen Quanbeck, director of the Loudoun Museum, opposing a plan that would add an admission tax on events in Loudoun county, in The Washington Post
Blaschka
“Corporate business, especially, seems to be tightening its belt.”
— Amy R. Blaschka, president and CEO of the Tri-Valley California Convention & Visitors Bureau, on emerging trends due to a poor economy, in California’s East Bay Business Times
“We all recognize the current economic climate, but at some point that climate will change.”
— Michael Nutter, mayor of Philadelphia, on increasing hotel taxes and making expansions in Philadelphia’s hospitality industry, in the Philadelphia Business Journal
“2008 is a crucial point in the story of this great city and this event is essential for all those involved in, and with a stake in, its future success.”
— Edmund O’Sullivan, chairman of MEED Events, on how the MEED conference is contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on albawaba.com