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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Following extensive research among the 400 members of the International Association of Conference Centres, the organisation released its Top 10 Conference Foods Trends for 2015, which are influencing meeting planners across the globe. Read More

By Cindy Novotny – Master Connection Associates

Selling today has become even more complex than in the past. Disagree? Although the Internet has made life easier for some, it has confused the sellers that don’t understand speed and how to compete in today’s hyper fast world.

Master Connection Associates in partnership with IACC spend a great deal of time with meeting planners, corporate travel managers, leisure travel agents and special event planners and without a doubt there are a few essential elements needed to compete effectively.

Here is our list: Read More

By Derek Grimaldi and Al Morgan, Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre.

Chaos is a common scenario for a lot of Meeting Planners. It’s not the easiest job and sometimes you tend to lose perspective. That’s why we picked the brains of several members of the IACC community and came up with some effective insider tips. We only gathered from the best, so use our information wisely! Read More