Results from a recent survey “continue to paint a positive picture” for international association meetings, despite the current financial pressures surrounding the MICE industry.

The survey was carried out by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) at the tenth annual Worldwide Exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events (IMEX) in Frankfurt during May.

Over 28 percent of respondents reported higher attendance for 2012 events than in previous years, while less than 3 percent reported a significant fall in numbers.

The unpredictable and volatile nature of the travel and meetings industry caused 60 percent of survey respondents to admit these conditions had a negative impact on their events in 2012, compared with 43 percent the previous year.

Almost 22 percent of associations will be running more meetings in 2013 than in 2012, while only 11 percent plan to organise fewer meetings.

More than 40 percent of respondents are projecting higher attendance levels for 2013.

The results of the survey paint a very positive forward forecast, despite challenging economic conditions, according to the ICCA.

IMEX 2013 will be held on 21-23 May next year, while the 51st annual ICCA Congress will run from 20-24 October 2012.