The Meeting Room of the Future The past three years have been transformational for the global meetings industry, changing how we meet, communicate, and what we prioritise from our time on the road. What then, does the next three years have in store?
Top projected venue service changes in the next three years
1. Evolved technology
2. Hybrid
3. Higher costs
4. Sustainability
5. Staff shortages
The continued evolution of technology was the most popular change cited by the respondents. One predicts venues will offer “more integrated AV capabilities” and “more automated ordering services.” Another also predicts we will see increasingly “integrated AV support”. Some respondents predict that the growth of AI could play a role in the future of events: “I do wonder about the future impact of ChatGPT or Bard (AI-directed programs).” Another common technological change predicted is the increase of self-service in venues: “Similar to Southwest Airlines, where you check yourself in and tag your own luggage, I believe there will be more for attendees to do for themselves.” A major contributor to this evolving technology, the second most predicted change in venues over the next three years is the increased role and sophistication of hybrid meetings. One meeting planner says, “hybrid models will continue to evolve and become a staple”. Another says there will be “built-in plug-and-play Zoom capability in every meeting space.” Many planners project the costs of meetings to increase in the next three years. One respondent expects “trends to continue...prices to increase and quality of service to decrease”, while another sees “F&B prices increasing” and “AV costs increasing due to limited competition”.
35
IACConline.org
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator