The nuts and bolts of planning and creating meetings changes constantly. It’s a challenge to stay on top of which way the wind is blowing. To help you stay ahead of the curve, here are five trends that are changing the way that meetings are conducted.
1. Attendees want personalization.
Increasingly, attendees want to be given options that appeal to their interests and preferences. In turn, planners should think about creating an event agenda that gives attendees the chance for personalization when possible. Letting attendees make choices invests them in the content and the outcome. When they can choose topics that pertain to them, they’re more engaged and interested. In addition to providing more choices for the content, think about building in options for food, activities, and other items.
2. There’s an emphasis on the 'experience.'
Parallel to the travel industry, the meeting industry also has been gravitating toward “meeting as experience.” Asking attendees to sit in a ballroom for hours is yesterday’s meeting. Today, events with meaning, innovation and insight are the trend. Interesting themes and relevant content are almost expected. In short, attendees want meetings to have a purpose. Increasingly, event planners say that their jobs involve creating more experiences than even three years ago. Purposeful meetings are here and they’re not going away.
3. Technology has more potential than ever.
Event technology continues to evolve quickly and keeps accelerating. The good news is that technology is doing its job and enhancing the meetings experience. Technology has been shown to decrease costs, increase planners’ productivity and improve event attendance. Better technologies help event teams to market better, manage guests more efficiently, plan their events in greater detail, engage with the audience in real-time, track ROI, and more.
4. Meetings must have a conscience.
Sustainability and DEI are definitely on today's agendas. In terms of sustainability, there will continue to be a focus on reducing waste and energy consumption, and on the use of sustainable materials. But sustainability has expanded its reach, and includes issues like human rights, local economic impact, political implications of the destination and ethically sourced materials. The starting point is a full understanding of your company’s stated strategy and policies. Then make sure the program committee is diverse and committed to creating DEI content and options for attendees.
5. The choice of destination is key.
The concept of “bleisure” — adding leisure to a business event — has become huge trend in the meetings industry. Bleisure continues to grow in popularity and it follows that the choice of destination is a key to that. It’s also understood that the destination choice is intrinsic to the meeting and its message. A meeting with purpose is reinforced by a destination that aligns with that purpose. Millennials, in particular, are interested in bleisure trips. Many post-event surveys show that the destination is a top factor in the decision to attend an event. That inclination is driving demand for more appealing destinations and authentic, local experiences in the host locations.
A Truly Unique Destination
As the choice of destination has become more critical than ever, one destination is standing out as an ideal place to hold meetings, events and incentives. "Lisbon is the perfect destination to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It has a rich cultural heritage and a great variety of UNESCO sites, combined with mild climate all year around and great gastronomy and wines," says Patricia Correia, Lisbon's Convention Bureau Manager.
Here are five reasons that Lisbon should be a leading choice for your next event.
Lisbon features ease of access. The city is just a short flight away, 1-3 hours from most European cities and 5-8 hours from North America (it’s the closest European capital). The Lisbon Airport is centrally located, only a 15-minute transfer from city center and 30-45 minutes to Cascais or Sintra. The airport is served by all major airlines with daily non-stop connections to all major European cities as well as the US.
It offers tremendous value. Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, is consistently one of the top value options in Europe. "Value for money is a key factor in the success of attracting events to Lisbon," says Correia. Planners can stretch their budget dollars and then reallocate that savings to enhance other aspects of the event. In addition, Lisbon has a Financial Support Program for events with over 50 people. You can apply for the program at any stage of the event's preparation; contact the Lisbon Convention Bureau for details. International events such as congresses, conferences and meetings are eligible.
Lisbon rewards visitors with a variety of experiences. Unique meeting experiences are in great demand, and Lisbon delivers. Consider these assets, just a brief look at what the country offers:
• UNESCO - World Heritage Sites
• Lively entertainment and nightlife
• Unique gastronomy & wines
• Fado music
• Colorful shopping
• 23 golf courses
• World surfing reserve
• Natural diversions including rivers, ocean, mountains and beaches
In keeping with its care of its natural attractions, Lisboa is a sustainable city. It's inclusive, open, innovative and respectful of the environment. Tourism industry and event professionals are finding Lisbon easy to integrate sustainability into their programs and agendas.
It’s meetings-ready. Savvy meetings and event planners know Lisbon offers resources they can rely on. Lisbon’s growing roster of world class venues, hotels and incentive choices make it a smart choice for events of all sizes. Lisbon has many opportunities to create unique lifetime event experiences, to fit the expectations and energies of your group. "There are a great variety of plans for the upcoming years. Around 50 new hotel openings in Lisboa, from deluxe properties to charming new hotels in downtown area. There are expansions being planned for meeting facilities and venues," notes Correia.
It's recognized & awarded. Lisbon is honored to be:
• Recognized by ICCA in 2019, 2021 and 2022, ranked 2nd worldwide as one of the best cities to hold International Association’s conferences and congresses (International Congress and Convention Association)
It was awarded by WTA (World Travel Awards) as:
• World's Leading City Break Destination 2019
• World's Leading City Break Destination 2020
• Europe ́s Leading City Tourist Board 2019
• Europe ́s Leading City Tourist Board 2020
• Europe ́s Leading City Destination 2023
• European Capital of Innovation 2023
Take the next step. The Lisboa Convention Bureau was founded in 1987 and currently has 200 members. Planners can also count on the expertise and creativity of the city’s local DMCs, for a program their guests will never forget. The Lisboa Convention Bureau provides expert local advice to event organizers, and its services are free and impartial.
Services include:
• Bid assistance
• Liaison with local suppliers: DMCs, PCOs, meeting facilities, hotels and venues
• Host and assistance for site inspections
• Expert local knowledge
• Lisbon Financial Program
• Promotional support
Let the Lisboa Convention Bureau team help you discover why Lisbon can be an extraordinary experience for your event!
Contact the Lisboa Convention Bureau – www.visitlisboa.com /[email protected]