Meetings & Events Future Trends Report Predicts 2019 Market Increase

October 2, 2018

Demand for meetings and events is on the rise. According to the recently released CWT Meetings & Events 2019 Meetings & Events Future Trends report, the meetings market will see an increase of five to 10 percent in 2019. 

“The global meetings and events industry can look forward to a buoyant 2019,” said Kurt Ekert, president and CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). “On top of growing demand worldwide, we also expect global hotel rates to rise 3.7 percent, and flight prices 2.6 percent.”

In most regions, meeting attendance numbers are also projected to grow, with a 14 percent increase predicted for North America. However, in the tech sector, the smaller roadshow model is also on the rise to provide more customized, experiential events.

The report examines the current global outlook for events, including ranking the top destinations for meetings and events within each region. It also includes top industry trends identified by CWT’s research plus insights and ideas to help event organizers hold successful meetings. 

Contents include:

  • Global landscape
  • Regional forecast
  • Ground transportation
  • Venue trends
  • Meeting technology
  • Attendee experience
  • Strategic meetings management (SMM)

Attendee experience is top of mind for planners, whether it’s delivered and tracked through innovative applications of technology, unique venues or “festivalization,” more engaging and interactive content or memorable moments. 

SMM is predicted to gain traction in regions outside North America, where it is more mature. The data shows that SMM can cut the time spent on sourcing by 22 percent and deliver an average 19 percent additional savings on room nights.

“SMM tips the scales back in favor of clients by shifting sales towards preferred suppliers and analyzing demand to work out the optimum times to secure the best venues, hotels and flights – and lock in the best prices,” said Cindy Fisher, senior vice president and global head for CWT Meetings & Events.

From a practical standpoint, key insights include planning ahead to do more with a smaller budget; booking space last minute means forfeiting potential savings — as much as 10 percent on average. Small groups are recommended to have everything booked for their meetings a minimum of one month in advance, with at least two and a half months’ notice for larger events.  

meetings trends

To read the full report, go HERE

 

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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