This study presents an importance-performance analysis of multi-level attributes (event, facility and destination) evaluated by delegates attending an exhibition event in a 'complex meetings, incentive, convention or exhibition (MICE) venue' in greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). The study's findings expound the relevance of various attributes in light of the emergence of complex MICE venues and destination resorts and, in particular, emphasizes the relative importance of destination -vis-à-vis facility -and core event-related attributes towards determining exhibition attendance.

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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which price competitiveness accounts for the observed precipitated decline in the number of meetings taking place in Macau from 2009 to 2012, in spite of the rapid growth in overall tourism, diversification in its tourism offering, and the sizable expansion of its capacity and facilities for hosting business tourism over the same period. Design/methodology/approach – Analyzing historical as well as comparative data in a cross-section analytic design, the study suggests an implied competitive price range (using comparative accommodation prices as a proxy) beyond which financial incentives may be ineffectual in attracting meetings Findings – Examination of price levels as a proxy of competitiveness in attracting meeting events in the single case of Macau proved inconclusive. Other factors beyond mere price competitiveness likely account for the declining number of meetings in Macau from 2009 to the end of 2012. Originality/value – Overall, the above findings pose a challenge for the continued general development of MICE industry in Macau and its meetings industry in particular. Despite the noble and generous efforts of its government agencies to arrest the decline in the number of meetings and maintain Macau’s position as a meetings industry hub through monetary incentives and subvention packages for organizers, it would benefit them and the private sector to explore channeling more resources toward addressing the fundamental and structural factors that can improve long-term competitiveness in attracting more meeting events.

Conference and event organizers are becoming increasingly competitive in choosing venues that are designed to make an impression. Visitor attractions are, therefore, no longer as much of an unconventional choice as they once were. In light of this realization, such venues have marketed themselves not only on the provision of cultural/entertainment facilities, but also conference and event facilities. Drawn from a wider survey population undertaken in 2001, this research is based upon a postal questionnaire of 75 visitor attractions from across the UK. The survey results identify that many visitor attractions first entered the market place to diversify their revenue base and did not invest heavily into providing a complete conference and event product. Indeed, the research identifies that cosmetic changes remain the most common refurbishment activities undertaken in order to initially create such facilities offered by many visitor attractions. However, the results highlight that since opening, visitor attractions have changed their strategies and are now willing to invest in their product. Such venues are increasingly aware of the intense competition within the market place and the need for investment to maintain a place in the ever-growing competitive environment and to be able to supply a unique product. As such, the extent of structural changes involving the conversion and/or extension of the physical building increased in popularity once the conference facilities had opened. Exponential smoothing identifies that between the decades