IACC External Meetings Demand Report 2022

person meetings will likely see a decrease for the foreseeable future, compared to pre-COVID-19. Most of the clients hold sustainability and carbon neutrality as important factor, which influences their booking decision. Sharing the same values with these venues is a way for the clients to also respect their own organisational culture and their commitment to their employees. Furthermore, effective communication is also of essence. Currently, most clients are working from home and meeting online. The clients want someone to listen carefully to their wishes, and the venues to come up with new innovative ideas. Good communication which makes the clients satisfied by the end of their stay will ensure long-term loyalty. A recommendation for IA CC’s venues is to maintain loyal customers. This entails effective communication and shared values between the venue and the company. Another recommendation is to focus on the creation of experiences , which is achieved by focusing on the look and feel of the overall environment instead of just the four walls of the meeting room. Venues that are situated in a natural environment are recommended to promote outdoor meetings, which can support meeting participants' concentration and motivation throughout the meeting. Additionally, some meeting participants will feel safer meeting in an open-air environment as this will decrease the chance of contamination. Against this background, collaboration and flexibility will remain essential. Fluidity and flexibility in the workplace are essential for fostering collaboration and teamwork (Kashyap, S, 2021). Flexibility aids in the creation of an environment, culture, and habits that promote cooperation and long-term creativity. People may flourish in the post-pandemic workplace by focusing on flexibility and hybrid work that accommodates both in-office and remote employees. Many organisations have adopted a virtual style, and not everyone expects to return to a traditional office atmosphere when pandemic fears fade. Maintaining effective collaboration is critical for the future of work. 5.2 Answer to the Management Question “What are the current trends and factors affecting future demand for the external meeting venues that will enable IACC to predict and adjust to the changes brought on by a decentralised work environment?” After giving an answer to the research questions, the management question can be answered. According to the participants and the conducted desk research the following trends and factors have been identified as relevant. Below a description of the trends and factors which influence the demand of the meeting industry can be found: Trends influencing the meeting industry As long the necessary safety precautions are considered, most employees feel safe returning to the office. Another trend is personalisation, most companies want to have the flexibility to accommodate the different kinds of meetings as well as the different kinds of meeting participants. Many companies are looking towards making meetings more sustainable and reducing their ecological footprint. Venues that fail to do so might not be perceived as, as attractive to potential clients. Thus, the conclusion is that safety measures, personalisation, and flexibility are the trends that are influencing the meeting industry. Factors influencing the meeting industry The office will have a different purpose after COVID-19 because of the decentralisation of the work environment and the implementation of the hybrid working model. The office will be utilised less for individual work and more for collaboration with others. Employees that work in a hybrid environment have more flexibility, as they can choose which types of work best suit their needs. Due to the changing work

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