From History to High-Tech: Budapest’s Unique Blend for Memorable Meetings

Today’s event attendee is no longer content with a simple lecture and a name tag. Successful conferences now cater to a generation that craves an experience. Engaging activities that spark lively discussions and workshops that offer practical applications are just the beginning. Attendees are hungry for opportunities to build meaningful connections, fosterig professional networks that extend far beyond the conference walls.

To truly stand out, event planners are constantly searching for destinations that ignites creativity, fosters collaboration, and leaves a lasting impact on your attendees. Budapest offers the best of both worlds: a rich historical tapestry woven with a modern, high-tech infrastructure. Budapest continues to foster innovation with its growing startup scene and innovation hubs, making it an ideal destination for meetings that seek to blend the past with the present and provide the experience attendees are looking for.

Budapest’s Historical Charm

Officially formed in 1873 through the unification of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, the city has a vibrant history best told through it’s architecture. Stand in the majestic shadow of Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine the footsteps of kings that once echoed through its halls. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, a neo-gothic masterpiece overlooking the mighty Danube River. Cross the iconic Chain Bridge, a symbol of unification and a testament to 19th-century engineering brilliance.

The city’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its physical. Budapest boasts a thriving startup scene and innovation hubs, reflecting a national spirit of ingenuity that gave the world the the safety match, color television, Microsft Word and Excel, the world’s smallest satellite, the Rubic Cube, and the ballpoint pen. This innovative culture of Budapest’s creativity is what keeps this destination honoring it’s past while providing opportunities that challenge the world as we know it.

Buda Castle

This historical setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an inspiration. Imagine hosting your next meeting in a venue steeped in history, where the echoes of the past ignite creative thinking and collaboration. Here are some captivating options:

  • Buda Castle: Buda Castle isn’t merely a meeting venue; it’s a journey through Hungarian history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on Buda Hill with breathtaking views ofthe city. Host a high-level meeting in the Hercules Hall of the Royal Palace, its grandeur reflecting the power of Hungarian monarchs. Or, envision a large gathering in the neo-baroque architecture of the Royal Riding Hall. Buda Castle offers a variety of meeting spaces to suit different needs, from intimate chambers perfect for focused discussions to expansive halls ideal for large conferences. Throughout the castle, modern technology seamlessly integrates with the historical ambiance.
  • Royal Palace of Gödöllő: Breathe in the air of Hungarian aristocracy at the opulent 18th century palace built by Count Antal Grassalkovich I. Picture yourself hosting a high-level board meeting in the The Grand Hall, a dazzling space adorned with frescoes and chandeliers. Intricate stuccowork and dramatic ceilings create an air of importance, setting the stage for impactful decisions. For more intimate gatherings, the Baroque Theatre offers a refined space for presentations or a performance.

Budapest’s High-Tech Infrastructure

Alongside Budapest’s historical treasures lies a modern infrastructure designed to meet logistical needs of international event planners. State-of-the-art conference facilities boast cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless presentations, high-speed internet connectivity, and crystal-clear audio-visual experiences. Here are some examples:

  • Corinthia Hotel Budapest: This luxurious hotel offers a variety of conference rooms equipped with the latest technology, including high-definition video conferencing, simultaneous translation booths, and digital signage.
  • InterContinental Budapest: This iconic hotel on the Danube Riverbank boasts a dedicated conference center and the largest ballroom in the city, with the size to accomodate 1,300-person capacity (theatre style). It features and auditorium ,and a variety of breakout rooms, all featuring the latest technological advancements.
  • Budapest Congress Center: This purpose-built convention center offers a vast array of meeting spaces, from intimate boardrooms to a 1,800-seat auditorium. The center features cutting-edge technology infrastructure and dedicated event support staff to ensure a seamless and successful meeting.

Budapest also boasts excellent accessibility and transportation options, making it a convenient and easily accessible destination for meetings and conferences. The city is well-connected by an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, which allow attendees to navigate the city with ease. With a comprehensive network of routes, attendees can easily reach their desired destinations, whether it’s the meeting venue or exploring the city’s attractions during their free time.

Budapest is served by an international airport, Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which offers direct flights to numerous major cities around the world. This allows attendees from different countries to travel to Budapest conveniently and efficiently, ensuring smooth and hassle-free arrivals and departures. For those who prefer private transportation, Budapest also offers a reliable taxi service, as well as car rental options for added convenience and flexibility. attendees can easily hail a taxi or rent a car to explore the city at their own pace, enjoying the freedom to visit attractions or indulge in local cuisine at their leisure.

But Budapest’s commitment to the future goes beyond its city design. It is embracing the spirit of innovation with the Millenium Concept, a large-scale project to revitalize the city center with even more contemporary spaces. This forward-thinking approach underscores Budapest’s dedication to providing a platform for businesses to thrive in the 21st century, all while preserving its historical soul.

Buda Castle Bazaar

Blending the Past and Present for Impactful Meetings

Venues have a powerful way of elevating the event experience, and Budapest’s historied past provides an easy way to create an impactful atmosphere. From the architectural design that tells a story to modern tech that provides a seamless experiene, here are some top options for historic venues in Budapest:

  • Budapest Castle District, or Budavari Palotagyed in Hungarian, isn’t just a single building; it’s a sprawling complex that crowns Buda Hill. In 2014, the Hungarian government initiated the National Hauszmann Plan to meticulously reconstruct structures that were demolished during 20th century wars and revitalize Hungary’s national identity in the modern era. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles, from the Gothic flair of Matthias Church to the neo-Baroque grandeur of the Royal Palace. Imagine your attendees walking through these historic courtyards, steeped in the echoes of Hungarian monarchs, before entering a modern conference room equipped with the latest technology. St. Stephan’s Hall in the Royal Palace has undergone a restoration of its famous baroque style, and is the second-longest hall in Europe.
  • Buda Castle Monastery. Steeped in history, this serene sanctuary offers a welcome respite from the city’s bustle, fostering focused meetings and creative brainstorming sessions. Imagine your team collaborating amidst the peaceful ambiance of the ancient cloisters, where centuries of history whisper inspiration and ignite problem-solving. The monastery offers a variety of meeting spaces to suit your needs, from intimate rooms in the former monks’ quarters for focused discussions to larger halls ideal for presentations and workshops.
  • The House of Hungarian Music This architectural marvel, designed by Sou Fujimoto, seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, inviting attendees on a unique exploration of sound and music. Opened in 2022, it offers a multi-faceted experience, from its permanent exhibition showcasing the rich history of Hungarian music within a broader European context, to interactive displays that bring music to life in a whole new way and foster a deeper appreciation for Hungary’s vibrant musical heritage.
  • Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts isn’t just a collection of masterpieces; it’s the perfect backdrop for engaging meetings. Imagine delivering a dynamic presentation in the museum’s acoustically-perfect halls, surrounded by works by Renaissance masters, El Greco, and Hungarian icons. But the Museum of Fine Arts goes beyond inspiration. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment ensures your message is delivered with crystal clarity, while strategically placed screens and discreet lighting systems keep presentations engaging. Breakout sessions can be held in smaller galleries, where attendees can delve deeper into artistic movements or engage in stimulating conversations alongside world-famous works of art.
  • Budapest’s Ethnographic Museum is both a window into Hungary’s cultural heritage and it’s a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation. Envision attendees working together on challenges facilitated by tablets loaded with interactive content about Hungarian traditions and customs. Spark creativity by incorporating museum artifacts into problem-solving exercises or scavenger hunts. Social events take on a new dimension with digital projections that weave the museum’s stories into the experience, transforming the space into a living tapestry of Hungarian culture. The Ethnographic Museum allows you to break away from traditional meeting formats, fostering connections and igniting imaginations through the lens of Hungary’s rich heritage.

Cultural Activities and Attractions

Aside from its historical charm and modern infrastructure, Budapest offers an array of cultural activities and attractions that attendees can enjoy during their free time or take part in as a group activity. One popular option is visiting the city’s renowned thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi Baths or the Gellért Baths, where attendees can relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters. For those who prefer outdoor exploration, a leisurely stroll along the Danube River provides breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge.

Additionally, Budapest boasts a vibrant classical music scene, with numerous concert halls and opera houses offering world-class performances. attendees can indulge in the melodies of renowned orchestras or attend operatic masterpieces, immersing themselves in the city’s rich musical heritage. Whether it’s soaking in thermal baths, exploring the Danube River, or attending classical music concerts, Budapest offers a diverse range of cultural activities and attractions to create engaging experiences and opportunities for connection during the event.

Where History Meets Innovation

In Budapest, history isn’t a barrier to cutting-edge technology, it’s the canvas. As international event planners navigate attendees hungry for impactful experiences, the Hungarian capital offers a compelling proposition: a vibrant city where the echoes of history are still alive through architecture and culture, yet modern venues and inftrastructure cater to the today’s pressing business events need. Contact our team at info@marketidny.com to get connected and learn more about hosting your event in Budapest.

The Best AI Hacks to Help Your Next Event Run Smoother

The rising complexity of events has led to a surge in the adoption of artificial intelligence. Its incorporation in events can simplify and streamline the entire process, from the initial planning phase to the execution and analysis of the event. If you’re looking to harness the full potential of AI in events but aren’t sure where to begin, look no further. This guide outlines 25 clever ways to leverage AI technology for your events. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites to optimize your event management strategies with AI:

  1. Use technology to develop personalized itineraries for attendees using their own data
    By incorporating cutting-edge AI technology, event organizers can enhance the attendee experience by offering personalized recommendations based on their individual interests and preferences. With the help of AI-powered recommendation engines, eventgoers can receive tailored suggestions on relevant sessions and speakers, ultimately increasing their engagement and attendance. This innovative approach not only provides a more dynamic and enjoyable event experience, but also drives higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  2. Speakers forgot to send over their bio? No Problem!
    Crafting impactful speaker bios and introductions is a crucial component of event organization. This sets the stage for an engaging session and captivates attendees right from the start. Thanks to the advancements in AI, generating impressive speaker bios and introductions has become a breeze. One of the most significant advantages of utilizing AI in this process is the time-saving aspect. In cases where a speaker has not shared their bio, the AI system can automatically extract relevant information from their LinkedIn profile. By scraping their profile, AI extracts key details about their professional background, skills, and accomplishments, thus creating a bespoke bio that highlights their expertise and resonates with the theme of the conference or event.

  3. Generate event graphics and visuals without constant back and forth
    With technological advancements, event organizers can now leverage AI-powered tools to generate event names and logos. These tools analyze the event’s theme, its intended messaging, and the tone that the organizers aim to convey. By using AI, organizers can come up with a variety of options, enhancing their creativity and resulting in better event titles and logos that are consistent with the overall branding of the event.

  4. Easy way to create event titles and descriptions
    With the rise of technology, promoting events has become easier than ever. Thanks to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, creating catchy headlines and descriptions has become a breeze. By using natural language generation technology, you can now produce high-quality content without having to put in too much effort. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your messages are attention-grabbing and effective in driving potential attendees to your event. With ChatGPT, you can now leverage the power of AI to make your event promotion more efficient and successful.

  5. Land more sponsorships with data-backed partnership presentations
    By harnessing AI in events, event planners can create sponsorship and partnership presentations that are both compelling and demonstrate the value and benefits of working with their brand. The capabilities of AI to analyze and interpret data enables it to develop innovative ideas for the presentation’s structure and content, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the event’s objectives. With AI on board, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating amazing events.

  6. Create targeted audiences that are primed to attend your event
    The use of advanced technology in the field of email marketing can prove to be highly beneficial for businesses, especially those planning events. With the help of artificial intelligence tools, it is now easier than ever to reach out to specific groups of people who are likely to attend the event. These tools can assist in the creation of unique and innovative content for invitations, registrations, and reminders. Additionally, they can adapt the communication style to suit the preferences of the target audience, thus enhancing engagement and building stronger connections with the public. Overall, leveraging the power of AI in email marketing can lead to more successful events and ultimately, greater business success.

  7. Use event data to generate new, qualified leads
    One way event planners can efficiently acquire new leads is by utilizing advanced data analysis technology such as AI, machine learning, and predictive modeling. By processing extensive volumes of data on consumer behavior, social media habits, and online interactions, AI can pinpoint potential leads and identify individuals who may have a high likelihood of attending a particular event. By effectively mining data from multiple sources, event planners can reach out to those who are most likely to be interested in attending their events.

  8. Easily create post event reports that save you time and effort
    One significant advantage of leveraging AI for post-event reports is the time and effort it saves. Compiling and organizing data for larger events can be a daunting task. However, AI can accomplish this task quickly, accurately, and efficiently. By providing a general report template or framework, AI can assist in summarizing key event elements, such as its goals, leads and sales generated, attendance rate, and participants’ feedback. Plus, AI algorithms can quickly analyze this information and provide concise summaries with critical takeaways from the events so planners can focus on other key aspects.

It’s evident that incorporating artificial intelligence into event planning and management can yield numerous advantages for organizers and hosts. The utilization of such innovative tools can streamline the event organization process, enhance the satisfaction of attendees, and ultimately elevate the success of the event. These were just our favorites, you can view the full list of 25 ideas by Timely here.

Everything Meeting Planners Need to Know About the Future, According to the Skift Meetings Forum

The Skift Meetings Forum brought together leading meeting professionals and high-level suppliers to delve into the theme of “Connection in the Age of AI”. This forum explored the transformational impact of advanced technology, evolving attendee preferences, changing work environments, and generational transitions that are rapidly evolving the business events landscape. 

The Skift Meetings Forum covered a range of thought-provoking topics that are top of mind among event and industry leaders. Key takeaways included: 

  • Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of AI 
    As technology continues to evolve, it is important for suppliers and planners to stay ahead of the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). While AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, it also presents some challenges that must be considered. There is a need to balance AI efficiencies with ethical concerns regarding privacy. 
     
  • ESG as a commitment and branding tool 
    The integration of ESG policies into the planning and execution of events is a proactive approach that not only benefits the environment and society but also enhances the reputation and credibility of the organization. Thus, it’s important for companies to adopt a sustainable approach in their event management strategies to ensure that their actions align with their values and commitments to the greater good. 
  • New ways to use technology as digital assistants 
    In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of event management. With the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is important to go beyond just having a seamless technology platform. Instead, we need effective digital assistants that can help us manage events efficiently. These assistants can take care of everything from scheduling appointments to sending out invites and reminders, making the entire process much smoother and hassle-free. 
     
  • Expanding different ways to engage  
    Engagement can’t be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality. There are numerous ways to engage with people and top planners need to be experts in all of them, from in-person to virtual  
     
  • Edutainment influences from museums and theme parks 
    Drawing upon the creative approaches used in museum and theme park experiences, planners are revolutionizing meeting design by incorporating interactive elements and touch points that enhance the event experience and create a more engaging and memorable atmosphere for attendees, combining elements of entertainment and education. 
     
  • Events that appeal to a diverse workforce 
    As the workforce evolves to include individuals from different generations, event designers must consider how to create experiences that cater to everyone. This involves understanding the unique preferences, expectations, and communication styles of each generation to ensure that events are engaging and effective for all attendees. By embracing diversity and adjusting event design, organizations can foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that maximizes productivity and innovation. 
     

The Skift Meetings Forum is an influential event that explores innovative approaches to shape the future of the meeting and event industry. Against the backdrop of a constantly changing landscape, the forum delved into key themes such as sustainability, technology, and interpersonal connectivity to enhance the experience of live events that unite people. Learn more here.

Take an Adventure on Your Next Event

“We’re seeing a surge in revenge experiences.”

Wunderman Thompson, an agency, consultancy and technology company, zeroed in on people’s longing for a “thirst for the unusual, for authentic experiences, for newness,” as described by shares Kenneth Carter, Interim Dean of Oxford College and Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Emory University. And this is no different for the meetings and events industry.

Delegates, now more than ever, are looking for unique destinations and once-in-a-lifetime activities. Recent conversations with meetings planners point to this. Beyond price, accessibility, and local presence, a host destination also needs to be exciting and offer “a sense of discovery and escapism from the everyday,” expressed by design agency Sybarite co-founders Torquil McIntosh and Simon Mitchell. Depending on the attendees, this sense of adventure can look like something thrill-seeking, deeply cultural, extravagant, or even giving back to a destination.

What experience are you taking your delegates on next?

New Incentive Research Foundation Study on Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel

Released last May 18, Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) came out with a study on Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel: How the Right Destinations and Good Program Design Boost Employee Motivation.

Rick Garlick, former Chief Research Advisor to the IRF, who was involved in the research, shared some key highlights with MarketID.

  • Incentive travel has rebounded nicely coming out of the pandemic. In a marketing sizing study conducted last year by the Incentive Federation Inc., 61% said they were spending ‘somewhat’ or ‘much’ more on travel awards to incentivize sales in 2022 than the previous year.
  • While Hawaii remains the overwhelming first preference of incentive participants, Hawaiian bookings have continued to decline in 2022 and 2023. The reason for the decline in Hawaiian bookings is largely due to cost and availability.
  • Cruising has made a VERY strong comeback. Data provided by 3-D Cruise partners shows that quotes were up by 76% in 2022 compared to 2019—prior to the pandemic.
  • Despite the recession of the pandemic, incentive travel participants have a strong preference for activities that provide open spaces—beaches, adventure travel destinations, and mountains.
  • Conversely, large city destinations have become less appealing.
  • Incentive travel bookings (US based) have trended toward Mexico and the Caribbean in 2022-23. Based on current CVENT data, four of the five top booked destinations are in Mexico.
  • The challenge is that while Mexico is a top destination for planners, a fairly significant number of people have been to Mexico and its novelty may be wearing off as many want an incentive trip to a destination to which they have not been before.
  • Nine of the Top 20 most booked 2023 destinations are located in the Caribbean, led by Nassau in the Bahamas.
  • Having the opportunity to experience a unique culture is a high priority for most incentive travel participants.
  • Given all the dynamics previously mentioned (e.g., desire for new destinations, having the opportunity to experience a unique culture, avoiding overcrowding, etc.), there is an opportunity for emerging destinations to claim market share from the more ‘traditional’ incentive destinations.

Read the full report here.

—

Rick Garlick, Ph.D. is the founder and principal consultant for Richard Garlick and Associates, a consultancy and market research firm that does a significant amount of work in both the travel and hospitality industry and the incentives industry. He has previously served in research leadership roles for the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

For additional information, Rick Garlick can be reached at rickmgarlick@gmail.com.

Global Events Visionary: Ms. Caitlin Harris

The meetings and events industry is built on connections and relationships. Being part of a team that manages supplier relations for an organization of over 1,500 people must not be an easy feat. That is exactly what our latest Global Events Visionary (GEV), Ms. Caitlin Harris, does!
 
Caitlin has not only been a supportive partner of MarketID and our international clients through the years, she is also a perfect example on how one can grow in the industry. She was recently promoted to Director of Global Supplier Relations, starting out as a BCD Meetings & Events (M&E) intern 10 years ago.
 
Learn more below about our latest GEV, the value her team contributes to her company (and the world!), and what it takes for her to continue being successful.
 
Can you share what role you and your department play at BCD M&E?
CH: I’m responsible for managing the overall strategy and activation of BCD M&E’s global non-hotel supplier program. This comprises of curating a diverse portfolio of partners to support the various markets and lines of business BCD M&E services worldwide. Within the Supplier Relations team, our goal is to find opportunities to connect our partners (both hotel and non-hotel suppliers) with our colleagues through education, marketing efforts, and relationship building, in order to drive compliance, grow business together, and ultimately produce successful events for our customers.
 
Who are the industry players that you engage with on a daily basis?
CH: Being that my focus is on the non-hotel partnerships, the majority of my time is spent with suppliers supporting those categories: anything and everything from DMC, AV/Production, Ground Transportation, Merchandise, Air Charter, Virtual Solutions, Tourism Bureaus- you name it! I also spend a large portion of my day meeting with internal team stakeholders, listening to their client activities and supplier needs, sharing partner updates, and brainstorming ways their operations team and our Supplier Relations team can continue to address client initiatives via our partner program.
 
My understanding is that you are the gate keeper at BCD M&E for suppliers. Do you have advice to suppliers to best access your organization’s resources.
CH: I can’t tell you how important partnership is for BCD M&E, and something we hope the supplier finds reciprocated and they, too, feel equally valued. Because of this mindset, we tend to be quite methodical on who we bring into our portfolio and the number of partners within each category. With that being said, there’s typically the need to balance honoring the loyalties of our long-term relationships and keeping an open mind to unique or emerging supplier offerings that allow us to enhance program experiences. My advice to suppliers is be patient with us – we will be transparent as to whether or not we can foresee a strong business case to incorporate a new supplier into the portfolio, based on the trends of the business or potential volume anticipated. It might take some time to get to this point, but if the opportunity is right, we will certainly be open to the engagement!
 
How do you manage to sustain these relationships? And, based on your experience, what is the best way to make new ones?
CH: A lot of time and efforts are spent with our partners, explaining the complexities of our organization and where the strongest opportunities exist. And as the business continues to evolve, we want to make sure we’re both staying at the forefront of ways to successfully support client needs – this is completed through periodic check-ins, communications, and attending industry shows throughout the year.   
 
Building new relationships would go hand-in-hand with the comments above. We will never shut a door on a potential opportunity and always open to listening to ideas.
 
We know, from our own personal interactions with you, that you move mountains to facilitate business between your team and suppliers, but what is it that does not fall under your scope of responsibilities?
CH: As the saying goes, ‘you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.’ My role doesn’t comprise of making the end decision of which suppliers will be selected for the client’s program. Within the Supplier Relations team, our goal is to equip our colleagues with the best options by consulting and educating, but the decision is in the hands of our operations team to select the program’s suppliers based on the scope of the opportunity and who they ultimately feel is the best option for their client’s engagement. It’s so important that the suppliers take the time to nurture the relationships with our local teams for this reason!  
 
Over the years connecting suppliers with the BCD M&E team, you must have received many interesting inquiries. Which one was the strangest or funniest?
CH: A unique request – we had recently been tasked with finding the appropriate supplies for a Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony, a celebratory event to wish for a prosperous life or business endeavors. The caveat, however, was our team needed it within two weeks for a program operating in a small New Jersey town. We certainly leaned on our network of industry colleagues to make it happen!
 
On a separate note, and not strange nor funny, but one that’s worth sharing… at the beginning of the Ukraine war, a European client requested that BCD M&E assist them with a mission to help evacuate their employees and families—and urgently. We had reached out to our supplier community looking for support in finding long-term housing and transportation to move this group of 1,900 people. Within 24 hours we had an overwhelming number of options from partners across Europe, some even offering up additional supplies for the children or volunteering their staff for assistance. It was incredibly humbling to see the support and impact from our industry network on what can be achieved in a time of need.
 
What advice can you share with those who aspire to be in the position you have worked hard to be in?
CH: For me, it was a couple components: say ‘yes’ – put yourself out there and find ways to participate in unique projects, attend networking events, join in on industry educationals. There are some great opportunities for continuous learning and growing relationships with industry colleagues. And the second is just to be your authentic self!

ChatGPT in the Events Industry

ChatGPT is technology developed last November 2022 and has been making headlines since then. And it is no surprise, given how revolutionary this new chatbot is.

Recently, event tech company InEvent announced the addition of ChatGPT, making it directly available on their platform. The event management software offers this function as a way to save time when it comes to creating content like emails and promotions.

Read more about the integration here.

Do you think we will be seeing more of ChatGPT and other AI technologies in future meetings and events?

Top Trends for the Future

A relevant forecast report by Wunderman Thompson, part creative agency, part consultancy and part technology company, published “The Future 100: 2023”. It provides a list of 100 trends that cut across all industries, while having inclusivity, diversity, adaptability, and being forward thinking in mind.

PCMA Convene highlights three trends that are relevant to the meetings and events space.

  • Indigenous Innovation
  • Temperate Travel
  • Ageless Play

To read more, check out PCMA Convene’s article.

Global Events Visionary: Ms. Shay Farmer

When you think of someone that is well-rounded in experience and knowledge in the meetings and events industry, Ms. Shay Farmer would be an absolute example. Her many years in the industry contribute to Shay being curious, supportive of industry colleagues, and passionate – all of which are what makes a Global Events Visionary (GEV).

Read more on our chat with Shay below about establishing relationships, maximizing your resources, and being involved.

When it comes to understanding meetings, your experience proves that you truly do – having been in the catering, conference space, airline, and hotel sides. Being a third-party meeting planner allows you to marry all the knowledge you have gathered to offer the best experience to your current and future clients. What are your recommendations to work efficiently with the different stakeholders and vendors when planning an event?

SF: This is industry is all about relationships. Be respectful and understand that you may need a favor one day, so treat everyone with kindness and grace. Provide detailed and transparent information to set your partners up for success.

The meetings and events industry is all about people. We also believe in the value of personal contact with decision makers such as you. How do you suggest we maintain and nurture contact with you without being disruptive?

SF: I enjoy attending industry-organized events (including MarketID’s!) and interacting face-to-face with destination experts, feeling the passion they bring to their role. Email newsletters are very helpful, and I store them for future reference.

MarketID values SITE as an industry partner, and we know that you are heavily involved with the Minnesota chapter. What are the benefits of being part of a leading industry association?

SF: The benefits to being a SITE member and chapter board member are vast. The connections made through this network reach across the globe, making me feel as though, no matter where I travel, I’ll have a SITE family member to give me advice and recommendations. These connections broaden my industry knowledge and relationships making me a better resource for my colleagues and clients.

If you have one advice to give to planners of international events, what would it be? 

SF: Use your resources. There are a wealth of services available when planning international events, from convention and visitor bureaus to VAT reclaim organizations, DMCs and hotels. Your industry colleagues are also your resources – you may not be able to travel everywhere, but you probably know someone who has.

Panama, a destination closer to home

In times where travel is still in question for some, going closer to home seems to be a popular option. According to the 2022 Incentive Travel Index, where 1,417 North American meeting professionals were surveyed, 24% of more buyers are looking at Central American destinations than they were in 2019. While decreasing distance of travel and increasing resort use, buyers are still looking for new destinations they haven’t visited before.

With direct flights from 89 cities worldwide, including more than 15 from the United States, Panama is the best-connected destination in Latin America. A quick 5-hour flight from New York or under 7-hour flight from Los Angeles and you can find yourself in Panama, a wonderfully unique destination with plenty to explore.

Perfect for both work and play with 20,000 rooms ranging between 5-star hotels, to all-inclusive resorts or small boutique hotels there is a plethora of options for any group. Rewarding exploration, the Visit Panama team offers many on-site event incentive & support for groups of 100+ guests (50% international participants) or 10-100 guests (75% international participants).

Exclusively, the only country in the world where you can watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and watch it set over the Pacific Ocean. Get your adrenaline rush with ziplining across mountain tops, relax and soak in the sun on one of the 1,400 islands or take your taste buds on a ride with the incredible local gastronomy that is to die for. Not to mention the lively culture including 7 indigenous tribes which can be visited without disturbing their natural habitat.

Panama, where you live for more!