Barriers and Tensions
For the third year, cost of investment and product storage issues remain the greatest barriers to investing in new furniture/equipment. Opting for stackable conference chairs offering ergonomic seating that is now widely available from leading suppliers can help venues overcome these barriers. It is particularly difficult to find creative and trendy furniture (especially lounge furniture) that is economical and easy to store. Outsourcing rental of furnishings can offer an opportunity to address this challenge while simultaneously enhancing experience creation for attendees. On the bright side, slightly fewer venue operators report experiencing each of the barriers listed. While a larger share, 26% (up by 8% compared to 2018 and 2017) report that they face ‘no barriers’ to flexible meeting space. In the face of tight budgets and tight spaces, multifunctional spaces and furniture can help venues overcome a multitude of barriers. Mariela McIlwraith of EIC further adds that venue operators who consider the environmental impact they have on the planet, considering the circular economy when re-purposing old furniture and equipment, will be heightening their social impact.
What barriers are there, if any, to your venue offering more flexible meeting spaces which would provide your clients with different types of layouts? (Please select all that apply).
2017
2018
2020
Cost of investment
58%
65%
56%
Product storage issues
50%
56%
46%
No barriers
18% 18%
26%
13% Product innovation
16%
8%
22
IACConline.org & IACCmeetings.com
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