New meeting planner toolkit launched

New formats, virtual spaces and digitalised services are all part of the meetings of the future. That’s according to a new study from the German Convention Bureau (GCB). The bureau teamed up with the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), Europe’s largest application-oriented research organisation, on an extensive research project, creating a new toolkit for meeting planners. This free toolkit is the first outcome of the ‘Future Meeting Space’ study, examining trends, innovations and developments in society as well is their potential influence on the events sector. The results so far of the two year study have been compiled into an innovation catalogue highlighting 30 key innovations that are of vital importance for meetings and events. These include trends which are set to impact the industry immediately as well as insights that will shape the future: · Sharing economy – this increasingly impacts on the way people travel and do business. This shift towards a more collective mindset has resulted in delegates wanting to share experiences and interact, with networking no longer a fringe activity but increasingly becoming the main focus of events. · Personalisation – traditional programme formats don’t cut it, participants at meetings and events expect the programme and content to be tailored to their individual needs along with opportunities for participation. For example, delegates want to input into the choice of speakers and follow a personalised schedule at the event, helping to boost both professional and personal development. · Multi-generation content sharing – the inter-generational exchange of information and experience between industry veterans and newcomers is becoming increasingly important in order to maintain the existing level of knowledge and foster new ideas. · Technology – technological innovations will continue to shape the meetings and events sector: 3D presentations, digital interpreters and holograms all enable communication and co-operation across vast distances, create virtual spaces and expand the reality that people can experience. · Security – participants at events will give greater consideration to the issue of security in the future, both in virtual and real settings. · Mobility – alternative mobility concepts and means of transport, for example car-sharing, electric mobility (including public transport) or even drones, are set to make an impact. · Infrastructure – sustainable materials and designs, remote area Wifi access, innovative payment systems and entrance controls will play a major role in the future in the infrastructure for events. Matthias Schultze, managing director of the GCB, explains: “In order to build on our expertise and continue to provide a relevant offering for meetings and congresses, it is vital to look ahead to trends and developments that will affect our sector. Our extensive study has delivered some truly insightful results which will prove to be a valuable resource for planners, enabling them to build new thinking and best practices into their upcoming programmes.”