#TakeTheTimeFor5 in March

Hybrid model works for events professionals, research finds

Remote working is now a permanent feature for event professionals, according to the results of the latest First Look Research survey. 

The survey by Northstar Meetings Group, sponsored by IHG Group, found that only 13% of the 358 event planners who responded described themselves as office based, while 60% said they work on a hybrid model. Over a quarter (26%) now work from home or remotely all the time. 

Other key findings revealed that most hybrid workers are in the office two or three days per week, with the majority saying this type of working has made them more productive. 

There was also evidence that hybrid working makes for a more harmonious workplace with 71 per cent insisting hybrid working has improved collegiate relations. 

To see the full results, download the survey here: Remote Possibilities | Association Meetings International (amimagazine.global)

Positive outlook for meetings and events sector, reveals Insights report

Positive revenue forecasts and confirmed future business provide an optimistic financial outlook for the business meetings and events industry, says The Meetings Industry Association (mia). 

The trade body’s latest quarterly mia Insights report shows that 73% of organisations are forecasting greater revenue in 2024 compared to last year, while 59% are reporting more confirmed future business than in January 2023. 

It’s not all rosy, however. Costs were found to have risen by 14%, which 87% are combating by raising their prices by an average of 10.5%. 

The report also found that more work needs to be done to prepare for the introduction of Martyn’s Law. 

It’s time to celebrate future talent

The 10 winners of Tomorrow’s Talent, The Meetings Show initiative designed to put the spotlight on emerging talent within the industry, have been revealed. 

The winners are:  Becky Carter, event director, Bray Leino Events; Benedicta Asante, founder, Events 101; Charlotte Tattersall, event lead, People’s Partnership; Dominic Richards, director, Zentive Agency; Ellie Armitt, event manager, Bray Leino Events; Hayley Nicholson, owner & event content specialist, Nuff Said; Iulia Zorzoana, events executive, The Meetings Industry Association (mia); Megan Earl, conference and events manager, HTS (Hotel and Travel Solutions); Sarah Davitt, senior project manager, DRPG and Shanice Mckirgan-Sobers, event co-ordinator, Quadrant Events. 

As well as being involved in profiling opportunities, winners have the chance to attend The Meetings Show as VIPs and to celebrate their win at the M&IT Awards in September. 

The initiative is open to all UK based planners aged 30 and under or who have worked in the industry for less than three years. 

Activity calendar ramps up for The Business of Events

The Business of Events (TBOE) says 2024 is set to be ‘a critical year for the global events economy’ as it publishes its plan of activity for the next 12 months. 

With several high-profile elections taking place around the world - including in the UK - in 2024, the think tank and advocacy network for the global events economy said it would be expanding its ‘schedule of work and activity’ to engage politicians and policy makers to ensure they understand the value and benefits for a strong business events economy.

Its activity will include a programme of events designed to connect event planners with TBOE partners and an expanded programme of regional, national and international events to improve connections. 

“The need for increased advocacy to highlight the opportunities available by having a strong event economy has never been greater, which is why this year we are significantly expanding our sphere of activity; more research, more events, more insights and more engagement,” says Martin Fullard, director of news and content at TBOE. 

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific gears up to open

Destination bureaux, venues, hotels, technology providers, and suppliers and buyers will convene at the inaugural The Meetings Show Asia Pacific next month. 

The show, which takes place at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on 17-18 April, will showcase the latest MICE offerings and solutions from global exhibitors and host a series of network events. 
Buyers will also be able to brush up on their industry knowledge The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2024 Theatre. 
Conference sessions will focus on five topics: Sustainability, Technology, Workforce Management, Experience Design and Wellness with speakers including Michael Shoory, head of APAC, Tourism Analysis Tourism Economics (An Oxford Economics Company) and Kaori Pereyra-Lago, head of strategic meetings management, APAC & EMEA, global business development & strategy, American Express Global Business Travel.

“The Meetings Show Asia Pacific promises to be the largest organic event launch – by every measure in the history of Northstar,” says David Blansfield, executive VP and group publisher, Northstar Travel Group. “The performance of the event alone is a testament to the current importance and the future potential for MICE industry growth throughout the APAC region.”