IACC Blog

Our recent survey of more than 180 meeting planners from around the world for the IACC Meeting Room of the Future  report delivered many interesting insights. We heard from people who are new to event planning as well as long-timers, and many provided candid comments.  Some of their remarks were anticipated, but some certainly surprised us. 

So what do meeting planners say venues need to do to appeal to the changing nature of today’s meetings? Here are ten of my insights into the most essential elements of sought-out venues. Read More

When it comes to creativity and innovation, it’s hard to say what is most likely to stimulate new ideas. Is it the setting, the food, the weather, or the wall colors? But one thing that can be certain, a relaxed atmosphere fueled by open sharing and a sense of fun is the key to sparking the imagination.    Read More

Hospitality and entrepreneurialism and are two words that don’t sit together in the same sentence too often. After all, being hospitable is about your personal approach to others and how you make them feel. Good hospitality has existed for centuries on these values right? Read More

The Spring 2017 edition of the IACC industry research white paper ‘Meeting Room of the Future’ shines an interesting light on a growing trend in food and beverage provisions at conferences, meetings and events. The trend is centred on the increasing realisation by meeting planners that the food and beverage offering has a direct link with attendee satisfaction. Delegates expect a personalised experience from their event attendance and what they eat and drink while there is a core aspect of how this is delivered. Read More

It’s probably no surprise to you that new technology and a changing delegate demographic are having an impact on the way meetings are planned and delivered. The continued trend toward experience creation and a shift toward more individual learning and personal development are also becoming important influences. 

How are these and other factors changing the approach that meeting planners take in their jobs? And what effect is it having on the way conference venues select technology and design the meeting spaces they offer?  The 2017 Meeting Room of the Future Report answers these questions and more. Let’s take a look at some of the key findings. Read More

Most meetings and conferences today go beyond the traditional style of lecture-hall sessions with podium-based presentations and rows of listeners.  In fact, in a survey of meeting planners and conference industry experts, IACC found that over 77% thought access to collaborative communication tools will become the most important element of meeting venue selection in the next five years.  Read More

You may have noticed a trend toward more interactive meetings and conferences with shorter programs, frequent shifts in activity and more breakout sessions.  Likewise, more event planners are seeking meeting spaces that are flexible enough to accommodate a more dynamic, hands-on approach to meetings.  Read More

In the era of virtual offices, online companies and remote work teams, hosting meetings or conferences that allow audience members to connect and interact in meaningful ways is more important than ever. That may be one reason that today’s event planners are focusing more and more on creating experiences rather than just organising meetings.    Read More

1. Look out, here comes Gen Y, The Millennials! More fluent in technology, this new generation is addicted to social media, is even more environmentally conscious than their predecessors--the Gen Xers, and has high expectations of connectivity, interactivity, and the ability to influence and engage in dialogue. They know how to seek out free Wi-Fi, and as they enter the workplace and start attending meetings, they expect Wi-Fi to always be free and fast!
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The 2014 IACC-Europe conference provided one IACC member with creativity in Sweden, which shaped their latest venue opening in London. It's a perfect example of why you invest in membership of associations, to learn, share ideas and improve as a community! For this one member, opening their 15th venue in London, you might think they have learned all they can learn, but this is not the case!
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