MPI Conference Outlook

Recently released Second quarter of 2024 version MPI Conference Outlook revealed three main factors that influence the success of recent meetings and events: destination appeal, networking opportunities, and spontaneous conversations.

While in-person meetings continue to thrive, that momentum has slowed to a slower but more stable pace post-pandemic, according to second-quarter earnings reports. Conference Outlooka compilation of research compiled by Meeting Planners International (MPI). Expectations for a favorable business environment in the year ahead also fell slightly as the pace of meetings slowed, while there were reports of full-time hiring stagnating and a majority of people believed it was still a seller’s market.

But is this bad news or market normalization? The report believes it is the latter, as the survey results are closer to the situation before the outbreak.

The good side

Meanwhile, respondents cited the report’s highlights – destination appeal, social hospitality and impromptu conversations – as the top three factors that contribute to successful meetings.

When it comes to destinations, planners say creativity is needed Site Selection; For example, as one planner did, choose unique, independently owned properties rather than the typical hotel conference setting.

Capabilities provided Planning Network That brought more business to planner Adam Sloyer, CEO and co-founder of Sequence Events in New York, who noted in the report that fully remote companies are looking for ways to get employees together in person.

“Even if you’re using Zoom, you’re wondering, ‘Are they looking at Zoom or are they responding to email?’” Sloyer said in the report. “When you bring people together in a room, you have the greatest opportunity to capture their attention and keep them present. For brands and organizations, the importance of this has taken on a new perspective, whether the meeting is internal or external.”

When you bring people together, dialogue Surely that will follow, right? Maybe. The report notes that more event organizers are using gamification to make it easier for attendees to strike up conversations (rather than the potentially awkward practice of quietly walking up to someone they don’t know and saying hello).

One planner who created her own “connection cards” says more planners are using things like decks of cards with prompts to guide conversations, and it’s working. She estimates that clients who have participated in her events over the past six years have generated $22 million in new business through the cards.

Of course, all of these ideas are tied to budgetary realities, which the report explores. See the report here: mpi.org/media/meetings-outlook.

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