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Based on input from more than 180 corporate, association, the predictions from the Destination Hotels & Resorts State of the Meetings Industry survey are:
Location: Survey results indicate that rate is no longer the clearcut feature in determining which hotel to pick for a meeting. Although still not an overwhelmingly dominant factor, 43.4 percent of the survey participants lists location as the top priority, suggesting a steady switch towards increased interest in what the destination has to offer.
Technology: The increased need for a more encompassing technology service to suit the needs of globally expanding companies and organizations will be prevalent this year. Nearly half of meeting planners say 2014 meetings will have more of a technological footprint than in the past.
Flexible Meeting Spaces: Planners seek out meeting spaces, as well as public areas, that can be utilized creatively in different ways for varied functions, from sit-down gatherings and ice breakers to brainstorming sessions.
Team Building: As supported by the 92 percent of the survey participants, team building continues to be a strong industry trend, which IACC Certified Conference Centers naturally provide. In addition, planners will also seek unique locations where there is an opportunity to link corporate social responsibility with team building activities, not only to benefit the meeting group, but the community in which the meeting takes place. Food and Beverage: Diverse culinary offerings from local products and healthy choices to Generation Y menu offerings are paramount to groups.
Money and Time: 26 percent of planners expect spending on meetings to be greater in 2014, up 20 percent from last year; another 55 percent expect budgets to remain the same. Another core change is longer lead time, expected to range between two and six months in advance for 2014 bookings.
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