With inflation hovering over everything at the time of this writing and no sign of it abating soon, people obviously want to get the most they can for their money, whether that’s at the grocery store, the gas pump or when putting on an event.
Value matters.
Live meetings and events have returned in force following the COVID-19 pandemic. But the isolation, remote and hybrid work that emerged during the health crisis are having a lingering effect on how people view their industry conventions and company functions.
They want value out of their meetings too.
Event planners know their clients have budgets, and when it comes to the cost of things, especially food, they are trying harder than ever to put on the best event they can for the money they have to spend.
But it’s not just about money.
The pandemic and its effect on how we work is leading people to reevaluate what their time is worth and how to make the most of it. Younger workers were already showing an interest in flexible time, and more and more that’s being seen as a perk a company can offer to prospective employees.
In the relentless pursuit of work/life balance, the pandemic came along and further blurred the lines between home and work.
If someone is being asked to leave home for a company function these days, they want to know it’s worth their time, that it will be a fulfilling and valuable experience, and if they can bring work/life balance to the events they are being asked to attend.
In this edition of the Arkansas Business Meeting Planner we examine the concept of the transformative meeting. Planners and their clients are rethinking how to make the most of their events and how to help people return home feeling like their attendance had been worth the effort.
Family matters more than ever, and Meeting Planner takes a look at the trend toward turning events into family trips in which the kids are welcome, and how planners can make their events kid-friendly, keeping them entertained and cared for in an event environment.
As noted, with the cost of food spiking, Meeting Planner examines the way planners and their caterers are being creative with a budget while following current trends (like locally sourced food) and meeting the dietary needs and restrictions of guests.
We also offer floor plans of major event venues around the state and facility listings to help you find the location that best meets your needs, as well as attractions and things to see and do during the downtime of your function. Scan the QR code below for a full list.
Remote attendance is here to stay, but for those who show up live and in person, the effort continues to make every aspect of an event informative, enriching and entertaining, to make meetings meaningful.
In short, to add value.
We hope your meetings are successful this year and thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
Todd Traub
Managing Editor
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