The convention industry in Australia and the United Kingdom: Key issues and competitive forces

The purpose of this article is to examine key issues and competitive forces that will affect the conventions and meetings industry in two key markets, Australia and the United Kingdom, in the next 5 years. Using the Delphi technique, the study seeks to explore key issues that the industry in the two countries has to address to ensure its continued growth and competitiveness, as well as major competitive forces that may challenge their respective positions. The results of the Delphi surveys indicate that Australia and the United Kingdom face a number of similar issues relating to marketing, investment/infrastructure, human resources, and service quality. The competitive forces identified relate to specific countries: in the case of Australia, this was the Asian countries, specifically Singapore and Hong Kong; and for the United Kingdom, European destinations and specifically Ireland. Similarities and differences between the two markets are discussed, and a number of conclusions drawn.