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The latest Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, co-produced by Cvent and Northstar Meetings Group, indicates that planners are sourcing plenty of new business for this year, although optimism is slightly down from the same period last year. Note that the survey was conducted in late January and early February 2025, prior to most official announcements by the Trump administration to enact tariffs.
Good news for the US as inbound meetings (for groups outside the US) have increased over last year (54% vs. 42%), while Europe, which slipped a bit over 2024 (65% in 2024), remains the top destination in 2025 (61%). Mexico rounds out the top three, which is up slightly over last year (43% in 2025 vs. 39%).
No surprise, higher costs of goods and services and budget constraints were the top two issues again this year. Several other issues—political, cultural, and social issues; cybersecurity; weather-related events; and duty of care/emergency response planning—while still lower on the list of pain points, have risen in concern in 2025.
Of the concerns when choosing a destination city: cost, quality of venues, and quality of accommodations lead the pack. Based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “not at all important” and 5 being “extremely important,” accessibility (via ground transportation) ranked at 3.72. Lowest on the list was sustainable practices at venues, coming in at 3.02.
Key highlights from the report’s executive summary:
- The active business pipeline rose slightly since last January: More than 70% of respondents are either actively booking or currently sourcing.
- The pace of year-over-year meetings volume growth has slowed, but it’s skill skewing “net positive.” 52% of planners report they will plan more meetings in 2025 than they did in 2024.
- The number of US inbound programs are up, while Europe remains the outbound destination of choice.
- All concerns have grown in importance among planners. While costs and budget constraints continue to rank as planners’ biggest concerns, political and social issues jumped in important year-over-year.
- When choosing a destination, cost and quality are the most important attributes.
The full report can be downloaded here.
[03.11.25]
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MCI J4500 Motorcoach
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) highlighted enhancements to its market-leading J4500 motorcoach at several industry shows in February, including the United Motorcoach Association Motorcoach EXPO (UMA EXPO), held in Oklahoma City, Ok., and the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas.
According to a press release from the company, the MCI engineering team has incorporated more than 20 quality upgrades and new features to the J4500 to improve coach performance, increase uptime, and reduce operating costs. In addition to the product changes and extensive testing required for the new FMVSS 227 rollover safety standard, MCI has incorporated the following enhancements, among many others, to its model year 2026 J4500 coach:
- Improved front junction box door to better protect electronic components
- Modernized rear junction box to better protect against corrosion
- Completed a holistic review of all hoses and clamping systems to maximize longevity
- Relocated tag axle unload valve to better protect against corrosion
- Redesigned exterior lighting and sealing gaskets to prevent water leaks
Additionally, MCI has invested heavily in its manufacturing operations—radically redesigning and expanding its production lines to increase capacity and efficiency. The company now builds all J- and D-Series models on a common vehicle architecture for ease of maintenance, parts, and operation.
“We truly believe that being reliability driven requires placing product quality at the center of our focus,” said MCI Vice President of Private Market Sales and Marketing Brent Maitland. “We mine our data and listen intently to our customers to make sure we are bringing product improvements that have the highest impact in terms quality, reliability, and the user experience. Our customers place their trust in us to build a reliable coach, and I’m confident that our recent improvements are reflective of that effort.”
In addition to the coach enhancements, Team MCI is another pillar of the company’s promise to customers. MCI has recently expanded its customer support operations, adding new technical support specialists to its in-field and hotline support teams to resolve customer issues more quickly. MCI service centers have expanded their hours of operation in Dallas and added mobile service vehicles to support the Nashville and San Francisco markets. NFI Parts, which provides replacement parts for all MCI vehicles and others, has increased its inventory to better serve west coast markets, added new products, and is offering more competitive pricing on competitor coach parts. The MCI Training Academy has added more than 150 online courses to its programs. And MCI offers a wider range of pre-owned coaches with an enhanced inspection process.
“Buying a coach from MCI is not just about the vehicle but also the support, training, and service that comes with it,” added Maitland. “These are critical elements to maximizing coach uptime and achieving a lower total cost of ownership.”
In addition to serving as a Supporting Sponsor for the CD/NLA Show, MCI also supported the UMA EXPO welcome event and maintenance and driver competitions with a J4500 coach and volunteers, and presented and sponsored the UMA Environmental Leadership Award.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[03.11.25]
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L to R: VP of Operations Willie Cook, Affiliate Manager Renee Ferraro, and VP of Global Operations George Rains
The DTS Group, a leader in innovative and high-quality transportation solutions, recently announced its acquisition of ELT Limo, a premier luxury transportation provider renowned for its excellence in service across the Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia region. This strategic acquisition further cements The DTS Group’s position as a top provider of luxury and executive transportation in the area, according to a press release from the company.
With a shared commitment to exceptional customer experiences, The DTS Group and ELT Limo bring together two powerhouses in the luxury transportation space. This partnership will combine ELT Limo’s reputation for quality and reliability with The DTS Group’s cutting-edge technology, operational excellence, and expansive fleet to redefine the standard of premium transportation services.
The acquisition represents a bold step forward in The DTS Group’s mission to deliver unparalleled luxury and convenience. ELT Limo’s impressive legacy of providing chauffeured services for high-profile events, corporate travel, and discerning private clients aligns seamlessly with The DTS Group’s values and strategic goals.
“This is an exciting milestone for The DTS Group,” said The DTS Group Vice President of Operations Willie Cook. “By welcoming ELT Limo into our family, we are creating a powerhouse of luxury transportation that combines the best of both worlds: an exceptional client-first approach and an unmatched level of operational efficiency. Together, we are paving the way for a new era of luxury travel in the Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia area.”
This acquisition reinforces The DTS Group’s commitment to serving clients in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region with unmatched excellence. Whether catering to executives, VIPs, or special events, the expanded resources and expertise will enable The DTS Group to set a new benchmark for luxury transportation.
“ELT Limo has always been dedicated to delivering superior service with elegance and precision,” said ELT Limo Vice President of Global Operations George Rains. “Joining forces with The DTS Group allows us to expand our reach and continue with our commitment to quality and attention to detail that our customers have come to expect.”
“This acquisition represents an incredible opportunity to better serve our affiliates with enhanced resources and unparalleled service quality,” said ELT Limo Affiliate Manager Renee Ferraro. “I am thrilled to be part of this journey and look forward to collaborating with our affiliates to set new standards in the luxury transportation industry.”
The DTS Group plans to leverage advanced technology, including real-time tracking, streamlined booking systems, and eco-friendly initiatives, to enhance the overall client experience. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the newly unified company will prioritize providing environmentally conscious travel options without compromising on luxury.
Visit dtstransportation.com or eltlimo.com for more information.
[03.11.25]