| Must Read What Do Attendees Want Most? Event planners can make conferences and conventions more appealing by giving attendees what they’re craving. Some of the most-requested offerings at business events include: Webinars ....................................................................................... 62% Meetups and networking opportunities ......................54% Online roundtables ..................................................................50% Live chat ........................................................................................49% In-person roundtables ...........................................................46% Podcasts ....................................................................................... 40% On-demand content access ............................................... 39% Resource libraries ..................................................................... 33% Promos can point people to these offerings and drive registrations for roundtables and other events. Most Popular Meeting Types According to the American Express Global Meetings and Events Forecast, attendee numbers are increasing the most for: • Internal team meetings/trainings • Product launches • Small/simple meetings If event organizers see their budgets expand, 32% say they will focus on improving the on-site experience. A great way to do this? Promo. Incorporate custom barware at networking events or give branded laptop bags at breakout sessions. Adding Value To Virtual Events Virtual events can’t replace IRL experiences, but they do provide benefits like greater accessibility and lower costs than in-person conferences and conventions. A LinkedIn poll reveals that 62% of people would consider attending a virtual conference for the education, while 26% would log on for networking opportunities. Promos like branded notebooks and mugs add a personal touch when people participate from afar. Relax: You’ve Got Promo When people travel to conferences and conventions, they’re increasingly taking time for themselves. It’s estimated that about 60% of business travelers add vacation time to their work trips. Companies can enhance employees’ experiences with promo. Branded items like beach towels come in handy when travelers want to unwind poolside or seaside after a corporate event. Pick Your Promo By Location Many factors go into a conference destination, from travel logistics to a venue’s amenities. Some of the most popular cities for U.S. conferences include Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Dallas, Washington and Chicago. Consider where a convention is being held when selecting the most helpful promo. For example, branded umbrellas may come in handy for a springtime conference in D.C., while logoed lip balm makes a useful giveaway for Las Vegas conference-goers. Or, go with perpetually functional items for traveling, like luggage tags or hand sanitizer. Attracting Event Pros Conventions, conferences and other business meetings don’t just happen – they require the skillful coordination and creativity of event planners. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for these professionals to grow faster than average through 2032, with more than 15,000 job openings every year. Promo can help organizations recruit talented event professionals and retain them. PPAI • MAY 2024 • 59
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