
Trend #1 Steady As She Goes ... Meeting demand is improving at an encouraging pace to start the New Year. Many organizations have a positive outlook for 2013, but still remain cautious with long term meeting commitments.
Trend #3 CMP=Completely “Customized” Package … Expectations are heightened for the creative and unique delivery of the industry’s Complete Meeting Package. It's not that meeting planning professionals don't like packaging or see its value. They just want that CMP acronym to now mean "customized meeting package" - customized to their unique meeting needs and budget. Gone are the days when a CMP was one size fits all.
Trend #5 Wireless EVERYTHING! … Whether it's a nod to green meetings or just convenience, note pads & pens are taking a back seat to iPads and electronic tablets as the preferred means of taking notes and documenting learning in the meeting room. Conference facilities are responding with charging stations throughout to juice up conferees' devices during breaks. Meetings are increasingly active with texting and tweeting exchanges with meeting-related content. Smart, interactive meetings are here to stay!
Trend #7 What’s New With Meeting Room Demand? Today's meeting technology brings a stronger need for secure environments in which to conduct business and learning when off site. And meeting planning professionals are demanding that meeting facilities respond accordingly. There's just too much at risk in this competitive business environment. Guess what else is in high demand -- more breakout rooms … what we've been hearing for 20 years! Demand for smaller and more intimate attendee interface is increasing after a lengthy period of deferred meetings. Some things never change, including demand for more space!
Trend #9 21st Century Meeting Planning Professionals are Busier, with increased multitasking responsibilities than ever before. Fewer have planning as a primary function within their job responsibilities, and due to their hectic schedules, they have less time to be educated and even less patience to wait for a response. Interface with meeting professionals is increasingly done through RFP, e-mail communication and in some cases texting. Know your meeting planning professionals, understand their needs, and help them be heroes to their attendees and organization leadership! It makes a difference and helps your venue stand out from the crowd!
Bonus Trend Value, Value, Value, including plenty to do on property for attendees, up to date fitness & recreation, and strong WIFI signals throughout! It’s all expected today. Social responsibility and sustainability are important, but not game changers – they’re a part of the mix and not an end in themselves.
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels represents the finest in lodging, dining, recreational and meeting accommodations in unique destinations throughout the United States. Each is a Four Diamond property with award-winning service and exceptional accommodations. Most Benchmark Resorts & Hotels are certified by the International Association of Conference Centers, the leading professional organization governing the multi-billion dollar conference center industry in five continents. Benchmark Resorts & Hotels deliver highly specialized service that anticipates guests needs and ensures a hospitality experience unsurpassed and long remembered. For additional information and the location of properties, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.