There are no less than 10 definitions for "forecast" in The Random House College Dictionary. Some are more reassuring than others, running the gamut from merely guessing to actually contriving or prearranging. "Foresight in planning" is the definition that best describes what we are trying to accomplish in this annual issue.

This year, we did things a little differently than in the previous five years Convene's industry almanac has been produced in cooperation with Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). We reached out to more veterans in different areas of the meetings and conventions industry - lodging, travel, the economy, and exhibitions. We also sought out experts in a number of areas outside the immediate realm of our industry to include their insights about how legal issues, sponsorships, human resources, and technology will impact planners and meetings in the foreseeable future.

Their insights, along with the updated charts and tables in this issue, provide a snapshot of the state of the industry, which is healthy, thriving - and still full of challenges. We hope the foresights offered here will help you rethink your plans and explore your options moving forward. As Alan Kay said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

- Michelle Russell, editor