The German Convention Bureau (GCB) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) have announced the launch of their new Research Centre for Future Meeting Studies (rcfms). The Research Centre builds on and continues the work of the ‘Future Meeting Space’ innovation network, which was initiated by the two organisations back in 2015.
With an expanded international focus, a new structure, and broader opportunities for partner participation, rcfms claims to pursue the central goal of advancing business events as a communication tool within organisations, using an evidence-based approach, while supporting all stakeholders across the value chain. Research will focus on how to create events that are sustainable, inclusive, and user-centred.
Taking business events to the next level
“Our aim is not only to analyse the event formats of tomorrow, but take an active role and set new future-proof standards,” said Matthias Schultze, managing director of the GCB. “rcfms is the natural evolution of the ‘Future Meeting Space’ innovation network for the exploration of trends and future perspectives in business events. With this new initiative, we are creating a central hub for pioneering research on the events ecosystem, providing a foundation for lasting innovation and transformation in Germany’s meetings and conventions sector.”
rcfms research topics are defined jointly with an interdisciplinary Advisory Board and in consultation with research partners. “Using the most appropriate research methods for each case, we will address a wide range of questions, including current developments and challenges such as generative AI or labour shortages and emerging trends like humanoid robots and new communication formats,” said Dr Stefan Rief, head of organisational development and work design research unit at Fraunhofer IAO.
