Latest Global DMC Partners Survey Finds Hybrid Format Most Popular Choice for 2021
November 23, 2020
Nearly three-quarters of the meeting professionals surveyed in the most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners (GDP) expect their events to be held in a virtual or hybrid format in 2021. The surveyed planners also see having a coronavirus vaccine in place as the most important factor in bringing back face-to-face events.
Conducted Sept. 14-30, the Q3 survey polled 447 people in the meetings and events industry including third-party/independent planners and those from the pharmaceutical industry, associations, technology, finance, insurance and law.
More than 90 percent of those surveyed indicated that some or all of their 2020 events have been postponed, with 72 percent indicating they expected to move their face-to-face events to virtual or hybrid in 2021. Even those respondents that thought their events might return to a face-to-face format next year said they planned to include a virtual option, making the hybrid model a popular choice.
In terms of what it will take to bring face-to-face events back, 82 percent of the respondents indicated that a vaccine was the most important factor and that financial and budget constraints, and safety and security issues, were among their top concerns.
“While the majority of the industry feels that a COVID-19 vaccine is the key to being able to resume hosting in-person events and meetings, there are a lot of health protocols that can be put into place to ensure a safe, successful event in the meantime,” said Catherine Chaulet, president and CEO of Global DMC Partners.
According to those surveyed, many companies are still not allowing employees to freely travel for business, with 47 percent of U.S. companies and 40 percent of non-U.S. companies not allowing travel. Some — 16-18 percent — indicated that their C-level executives and other select personnel were traveling, with 55 percent stating they believed their companies would start to allow employee travel in Q1 or Q2 of 2021.
More than half of those surveyed also thought that their companies and/or clients will host in-person meetings in the first half of 2021, providing that travel markets are open, flights are available and health protocols are in place.
“Once travel resumes more broadly, I am confident that we can tackle any new challenges as an industry to resume hosting and attending in-person meetings and incentive programs,” said Chaulet. “I look forward to the innovative solutions and creative approaches that planners around the world will no doubt implement as we fully rebound.”
To see the full results of GDP’s Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, go here.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment