#Takethetimefor5 in February

What’s been going on in February? From hearing what event planners are really thinking, to a new survey set to uncover how the hybrid working movement is impacting the industry, we’ve made it easy to digest a month’s worth of news in just five minutes. 

1. Event planner insights 

Most planners expect to hold more meetings this year, although they are less satisfied with suppliers in all areas of events, research by Northstar and Cvent has shown.   

According to the results of the Northstar/Cvent Meetings PULSE Survey in January, 58% of event planners in the US intend to produce more events in 2024 than they did in 2023.

Nevertheless, satisfaction levels around delivery have fallen across the board. Planners started the year feeling less satisfied with the support from suppliers in all areas of the events chain – from DMOs to venues and technology providers – than the previous year.  

Europe is the most popular destination for events in 2024, with 65% of planners currently planning, sourcing or researching MICE activity in this region. The Caribbean, The US, Canada, Mexico and the UK were also of high consideration.  

For more information and to download a copy of the survey click here. 

2. Going for Gold  

Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre is celebrating success in sustainability after achieving a gold ECOsmart award from Greengage.  

The ECOsmart award for its commitment to the environment comes on the back of the venue winning a gold Green Tourism award in 2023. To achieve the ECOsmart award, which involves a comprehensive survey covering six areas outlined by Greengage, Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre implemented a number of initiatives, including the introduction of a seamless waste management system, improving energy efficiency, stocking sustainable drinks and using eco-friendly chemicals and refillable toiletries.  

Krishna Pastakia, director of sales at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, said: “Being part of the hotel’s sustainability journey has been truly rewarding. This achievement not only recognises our progress but also gives us motivation to continue leading the way in sustainable business practices.” 

3. Ditch the orange juice! 

Mindful drinking movement Club Soda is urging event planners to review the range of drinks offered to their attendees to make events more inclusive to non-drinkers.  

Research shows that ‘moderation is mainstream’ with 87% of 25-34-year-olds, 84% of 22-24-year-olds and 79% of 45-54-year-olds looking for non-alcoholic options at events.  

 To help event planners better cater for all, Club Soda has published top tips in its guide Ditch the Orange Juice How to Provide Great Drinks for Everyone.  

Pointers include ensuring there are non-alcoholic equivalents of alcoholic versions on offer; making non-alcoholic drinks visible and promoting the fact that drinks will be available for everyone.   

To view the full article click here. 

4. The impact of hybrid  

Northstar Meetings Group has launched its latest FirstLookResearch to find out how hybrid working has changed the MICE industry.  

Event professionals are encouraged to answer a range of questions around current working arrangements for a chance to be entered into a prize draw. 

Those completing the survey have the chance to win one of five HelloFresh vouchers worth £45.99 or a £250 Airbnb voucher.  

Click here to complete the survey.   

5. International Women’s Day  

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, leading women within the MICE sector have shared their thoughts on what inclusion means to them. 

Leigh Cowlishaw, managing partner at Black Box Partnerships and The Meetings Show advisory board member, says: “Inclusion means that we are able to be unapologetically ourselves, within an environment where we are empowered, regardless. 

“We need to have a sense of belonging, embrace diversity and know we have equal opportunities to develop and feel valued.  

The events industry is about creating lasting experiences and therefore we need to encourage ourselves and everyone to thrive not just on IWD2024, but every day.” 

Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of Meetings Industry Association (mia), adds: “Gender inclusivity to me is about recognising, highlighting and addressing the diverse needs, experiences and contributions of all to foster equality and empower everyone, regardless of their gender. Our aim at the Meetings Industry Association is to embrace and encourage inclusivity in the business meetings and events sector irrespective of differences such as gender, age, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, culture or race. That’s why one of our new Peer Groups, which are designed to tackle relevant industry issues, is Identity. It’s dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the sector, regardless of their background or identity, feels welcome, respected and valued.”