Four proven tactics to modernize your meetings
Now is an incredibly energizing and exciting time to work in the meeting and events (M&E) industry, and Hilton is eager to equip planners with the tips and tools you need to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
Read on to uncover real-time insights into the corporate M&E landscape, plus four surefire strategies to deliver exceptional customer experiences with each and every event.
Tactic no. 1: Infuse your event with a healthy balance of FOMO and JOMO.
These days, time is widely viewed as the world's most valuable commodity-which means event professionals face the challenge of concepting a meaningful, entertaining meeting experience that sparks a desire for in-person participation and empowers attendees to unwind in their own ways. Modern meetings must justify not only a company's financial investment, but the collective investment of each attendee's time, energy and physical presence.
JOMO, or the "joy of missing out," means taking pleasure in the freedom of not having to be everywhere at once.
"With so many companies adopting a hybrid, or fully remote, business model, building culture on the road has become key to successful team building," said Eduardo Galvao, Hilton Worldwide Sales Executive Director for Specialty Markets & Canada. "Corporate meetings are fast becoming the only opportunity for some employees to meet and spend time with one another, and companies are valuing this culture- building time as a top priority."
Just as office spaces around the world are evolving to reflect how (and where!) team members are showing up to work, shifting employee preferences-coupled with current travel trends-are also prompting big changes in M&E.
Attendees today want more choice built into their meeting agendas, and they also appreciate a fluid itinerary that organically incorporates opportunities for downtime, exploration and staying on top of their day jobs. Translation? Work/life balance is non-negotiable, even on the road, and participants need to feel empowered to "choose their own agenda" within the larger event. Meetings that successfully deliver on this idea can bank on a higher level of attendee buy-in, engagement and loyalty.