This video series invites meeting professionals to view a recap of Northstar Meetings Group's global content team meetings. This month's discussion features Elizabeth West, editorial director of The BTN Group; James Lancaster, editorial director of NMG U.K,; and Loren Edelstein, NMG's vice president and content director.
Positive indicators for recovery, and musings on future opportunities that will allow hotels to capitalize on ad-hoc meetings space needs are among the topics addressed.
Here's what we talked about at a glance:
0:25: The Cvent/Northstar Meetings Industry PULSE Survey shows general optimism as well as pain points for planners.
3:35: Signs from South Africa are very positive, as Omicron has subsided, and protocols have been lifted.
4:18: Airlines are optimistic about business travel, even after a combination of factors — omicron, weather and staffing — caused thousands of flight cancellations in January.
5:00: Strong leisure demand could lead hotels to prioritize high-paying vacationers, who are less likely to cancel plans than groups or business travelers.
9:15: Covid-related travel restrictions are gradually being lifted in many European countries.
11:15: A venue in Liverpool is offering commissions at the time of booking to encourage business from cash-strapped event planning agencies.
16:35: Planners expect smaller crowds for in-person events, but those who do attend are highly motivated to do business.
17:25: Pandemic shifts could benefit the longer-term sustainability of the meetings industry.
18:30: Newcomers to the industry — both buyers and suppliers — will need to be well versed in digital and hybrid events, among other skills.
20:40: With more people working from home, the need for small-meetings spaces will increase significantly, presenting hotels with an opportunity to form a new type of partnership with clients.