According to revenue forecasts from the biggest destination management companies, business in 2010 should stabilize after a rough year in 2009. Overall, the DMCs polled by Special Events for its 6th annual "25 Top DMCs" list predict revenue this year will be a scant 4 percent under 2008 levels.

Taken as a whole, the 25 companies profiled on the Special Events predict they will pull in more than $350 million this year.

SOCIAL CONCERNS KEY

Notably, several of the DMCs profiled say they are adding special focus on corporate social responsibility, or CSR, into event programs for their clients. For example, GEP Atlanta describes an event program for a pharmaceutical client that included working with five local charities; attendees built furniture for those transitioning from homelessness, packaged meals for the terminally ill, and packed medical supplies for emerging nations. A reception back at the hotel allowed each group to share its experiences.

To see this year's list of the 25 top DMCs, click here.