The list to the left makes a great jumping- off point for Convene's 7th annual Meetings Industry Forecast. We've cast a wide net to get experts from inside and outside of our industry to pinpoint what's changing - and how you should prepare for those changes. For those whose eyes "glaze over" in the presence of numbers, the tables, charts, and graphs that accompany the expert commentaries include explanatory notes that highlight the value of the information. Because of its critical role in all stages of meeting planning and execution, "Technology" rightly earns its own section, with a focus on the "smashing" of (real and virtual) boundaries. At the same time, we're more closely addressing important economic implications for Lodging, Travel, and Exhibitions within each of those sections. We've worked hard to put this knowledge at your fingertips (and online at www.pcma.org). Now, it's time to put it to work for you and your organization. ° Contributing Editor Maxine Golding is an award-winning writer, editor, and publishing consultant.

Contributing Editor Maxine Golding is an award-
winning writer, editor, and publishing consultant.

Macro
Globalization in commerce - shifting power away from
the United States.
Increased competition
among more nations around the globe for resources.
Increased global outsourcing to
an equally skilled, but lower-cost workforce.
The rise in consumerism -
both greater consumption and more market power.
The Internet revolution -
24/7 operations and pricing transparency.
Wireless broadband and
mobile technology.
Changing demographics
and psychographics.
The rising awareness
of the impact of human actions
on the planet.

Micro
Globalization in audiences -
with greater impediments to entering the United States.
More competition among venues - new destinations and
no destinations (virtual events).
Greater outsourcing of logistic functions, while retaining higher-level strategizing.
The rise in information - greater access to diverse tools for better decision-making and control.
Time pressures and
the expectation of obtaining instantaneous results.
Connections anytime,
anywhere.
Adapting events and media to new needs, attitudes, experiences.
Tempering the stress on the environment from exhibitions
and meetings.