Meeting and event spending increased in 2000

Pharmaceutical meetings and events continue to grow as integral elements in overall promotion of prescription drugs, according to Newtown, PA-based Scott-Levin's "Physician Meeting & Event Audit," a survey of more than 3,400 doctors. The survey found that pharmaceutical companies spent $1.9 billion on events for physicians in 2000, 14% more than in 1999.

By comparison, the industry spent the same amount on direct-to-consumer ads for prescription products between January and September 2000.

The survey also found that pharmaceutical companies devoted an average of 17% of their promotional budgets to meetings and events, about the same proportion as in 1999. Total promotional spending for prescription drugs rose from $9 billion to $10.4 billion in 2000.