We’ve been talking a lot about conferences lately because now is the time to start planning for next year’s conference traffic. (See our Conference Internet series and 11 Ways to Boost Conference Business.)
Appropriately, HotelsMag.com recently published this article on the features and services that motivate meeting planners to recommend your venue. The article highlights results from a 2012 global survey of 10,000 respondents and over 400 hotels. Their findings and further research from another 2012 survey, support 6 key opportunities for venues to consider:
- High quality food and beverages: healthy and allergen-friendly diets are no longer a trend, but a new way of life for many.
- Knowledgeable and well-trained staff: good event staff is essential to a successful and smoothly-run event.
- Reasonably priced A/V equipment rentals: according to those polled, the range of equipment and pricing were inconsistent.
- Electronic communication rules: planners prefer to communicate with venue partners via laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Online surveys are mainstream: when giving feedback 97% prefer completing surveys online rather than on paper.
- High Speed Internet is a must. 80% of planners say Wi-Fi is required to gain their business.
What do you expect to be the next “must have” for meetings and events?