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.
To read the full report, go HERE.
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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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