IACC has identified the top meeting package trends in 2016. The keywords are flexibility, creativity and innovation.
IACC, the International Association of Conference Centres, has conducted a survey about the most common requests for meeting packages.
The results of the research, conducted with members from 22 countries, reveal 5 main trends that are currently influencing venue operators around the globe in terms of all-inclusive offers.
Here they are:
1. Flexibility is a must
95% of venues have been offering flexible meeting packages that meet the specific needs and requirements of the single client for over 5 years. Rates are also customised.
2. Collaborative meeting packages
While two-thirds of meeting packages are still crafted by convention centres, venues and clients have been increasingly collaborating to create custom-made offers.
3. Creativity and innovation
65% of convention centres stated that planners are starting to ask for packages that go beyond the normal requests of meeting room, food&beverage, and technical equipment.
The top additional items requested are: teambuilding, cultural trips, coaching and assistance.
4. Customised packages
76% of venues reported that the top components included in customised packages are: indoor or outdoor teambuilding, specific meeting room configurations, culinary team building activities.
5. Per person meeting package
35% of interviewees stated that “per person” packages are becoming of extreme importance for planners.
As these 5 trends show, flexible meeting packages, built directly with the client to meet their specific needs, are definitely here to stay for the long term.