Trend Report: What Meeting & Conference Planners Crave
This week, IACC -- the only global professional body representing small to medium sized venues focused on meetings, training courses and conferences -- released the 2024 Meeting Room of the Future Trends Report, highlighting global trends for conference attendee behavior. This detailed report dives into what meeting planners and conference attendees crave from their vendors and partners including food and beverage experience, technology enhancements, and social impact for conference attendee behavior.
The report shows that flexibility for attendees is key -- whether that means ensuring a seamless hybrid experience or comfortable seating for breakout sessions. It's clear that today's consumer is casual and wants to enjoy their meeting experience, while maximizing opportunities to feel creative and encourage team building. Some other key findings include:
- 45% of venue operators consider digital signage in the venue spaces as essential.
- 56% agreement that venues need to add greater value to offset higher pricing of food and beverage.
- Venues are using AI to run their businesses in areas such as marketing (27%) and data analysis (21%).
Our very own FLIK Conference Centers & Hotels President and IACC Americas Chair, Neil Gardner says "This year's report underscores our members' commitment to prioritizing investment as a cornerstone of their strategy. The significant global advantages of fostering social responsibility while offering welcoming meeting environments, enticing food and beverage offerings, and cutting-edge technology are valued by both meeting planners and attendees alike."
Check out some key highlights from the report and how the FLIK Conference Centers & Hotels division is one step ahead on meeting these trends:
FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS
Food and beverage service, with a focus on sustainable and local sourcing and the flexibility to accommodate the dietary preferences for guests, is a priority for attendees. Flexible menus that highlight local vendors demonstrate greater value to guests, but must demonstrate the ability to remain within client budgets.
- Highlight programs that reduce food waste, like FLIK's Root to Stem promotion which finds creative ways to use traditionally discarded kitchen scraps like Crispy Parmesan Potato Peels and Kale Stem Pesto.
- Partner with local food recovery systems and pantries. At UVA Darden, FLIK has helped combat food waste with Food Assist.
- Take sourcing hyper local with your own onsite honey hives and gardens like the team at the IBM Louis V. Gerstner Center for Learning in Armonk, NY.
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
Consumer technology continues to evolve at the speed of light and meeting AV and IT are expected to adapt with these elements. Strong internet connection, clear projectors and screens, and high quality speakers/audio systems are all essential room requirements for today's meeting planners.
“In this era of hybrid meetings, historic benchmarks regarding meeting room space planning are being rewritten," said Scott Walker, President of Waveguide LLC. "Prior to designing new spaces and experiences, many clients first need better data analytics on their current space inventories, age/lifecycle of equipment in those spaces, and utilization rates of meetings, especially hybrid meetings."
RESPONSIBILITY TRENDS
Sustainability is a "must", not a "nice to have." Venues implementing programs to reduce food waste, remove single-use plastics, source locally, and give back to their communities are critically important to today's consumer.
“Sustainability is increasing in importance across the conference venue space as both venues and event planners make progress on their commitments," said Marissa Golison, Senior Director of Sustainability. "At FLIK Hospitality Group, we give priority to where we can have the biggest impact: reducing waste, balancing our menus with plants central to the plate, engaging suppliers, and influencing guest behaviors. We’re excited about the continued momentum of sustainability in partnership with our venues.”
Our teams also commit to volunteering their time to helping give back to the communities we live and serve in.
It's clear from this years report, the behaviors and preferences of attendees continue to evolve and meeting venues are challenged to find innovative and exciting ways to stay current and competitive in today's market.
Read the full report and understand the methodology here.
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At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.
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