Ready to level up your Meetings and Events in 2024? Meeting Professionals International (MPI) interviewed three event pros to discuss the three most important components on which people are increasingly focused. These are the three crucial areas that demand keen attention: staffing, inclusivity, and wellness. Let’s dive in and see how you can ace these focal points with flair and finesse.

Staffing: Working Smarter, Not Harder

While there seems to be a need for more staff, many don’t seem to have the budget or resources to onboard more personnel. Molly C. Marsh, CMP, Director of Education and Events at AMR Management Services states, “Our company has struggled to find, specifically, qualified individuals in the program development side of the industry. Those who work with speakers, planning committees, and do our event marketing have been hard to come by, while our events team that focuses on project management and logistical execution for meetings and conferences has remained very strong.” So, with rising hospitality costs and stagnant budgets, it’s time to get creative. Cue the “not so new” kid on the block, AI! Let’s tap into some “creative efficiency” and lighten the load without breaking the bank.

Inclusivity: It’s About People

When it comes to inclusivity, event professionals are being more aware and intentional. So, how do we shake things up? It’s simple: start with people. Jennifer Lazarz, Events Planner and Tradeshow Manager at Medical Informatics Corp says, “Our industry is poised to make a positive impact by ensuring that we work with each other to have inclusivity in our speakers and presenters event-wide [as well as] diverse representation in thought leadership to drive inclusivity and planning strategy.” Forget the RFP jargon for a sec and focus on fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Let’s make inclusivity the heart and soul of our planning strategy!

Wellness: Healthy Events = Happy Attendees

Thomas Counts, Director of Sales at GettinLocal, is preaching the wellness gospel loud and clear. “The meetings themselves should be part of a wellness plan,” he asserts. Imagine kicking off the day with a refreshing yoga session or organizing an afternoon team walking tour around the city hosting your event. These activities not only promote bonding but also contribute to overall health and well-being.

It’s no secret that many corporate meetings start off on the wrong foot with unhealthy breakfasts, followed by equally unhealthy lunches and dinners, topped off with cocktails after a long day of sitting. However, there’s a better way forward. Wellness initiatives like quiet rooms, designated workspaces, and offering healthy food options can help cut through the noise of these bustling events. 

Thomas recounts a recent trade show experience where a booth encouraged visitors to unleash their creativity with watercolor. It was a simple yet effective two-minute break that left him feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Molly adds another layer to the discussion, noting, “With continuing education a primary focus for many association meetings and conferences, it is very difficult to get buy-in to take away a breakout room to use for a quiet space, or to have longer breaks to allow participants to decompress between sessions. But those are outdated ways of thinking that we really need to continue to chip away so that we can provide healthier experiences for all.”

Event Pros: Level Up for 2024!

In a nutshell, whether you’re harnessing the power of AI to streamline your operations, championing diversity and inclusivity from the get-go, or adding quiet rooms to your next meeting, change is on the horizon for the events industry. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get creative, and make 2024 the year of unforgettable events!

Download MPI’s full comprehensive Meetings and Events 2024 report by visiting their website.

To see how Heroic Productions can help you plan your next event, contact us.

To learn about marketing events in 2024, visit our blog.