The value of quality and consistency
When value is the key issue, customers need some kind of reference point to ensure they’re getting the most for their money. In today’s meetings industry, that value takes many different forms.
Cost is certainly a factor, but that’s just the beginning. Even more important are quality and consistency, because these mean you’re actually getting what you need in a predictable form. However, creativity and imagination are also important. These contribute to the overall event experience, the success of which will determine delegate satisfaction and therefore both present and future attendance – the life blood of most organisations these days.
Today’s convention centres are all about balancing these varied criteria; consistent and predictable quality on the one hand and innovation and flexibility on the other. But how is an event organiser to know which centres embrace these kinds of principles?
Your first clue: look for the AIPC (the International Association of Conference Centres) logo. Membership in AIPC means that a centre is committed to the principle of excellence in centre management and has invested in making that commitment through linking up with like-minded venues worldwide. This kind of exchange is absolutely critical, for two reasons.
First, it’s only by being aware of the full spectrum of possibilities that a centre can truly excel. Today’s meetings and conventions are increasingly complex and demanding affairs, with formats that are evolving on a constant basis. Being able to access the full range of experiences, represented in more than 170 centres in 54 countries, provides insight that is absolutely critical to understanding what can be done to enhance an event.
Secondly, AIPC members have access to services, resources and insights that enable them to deliver on organiser expectations in a practical, cost-effective and risk-free way. This includes the latest insights into client needs as well as the research, education, technology insights and standards that have to become a part of their product in order to prevail in today’s competitive environment.
In a complex industry, no centre can exist in isolation – there’s just too much information required to keep up. Yet many have to do just that because, unlike so many other kinds of businesses, there’s generally only one or at most a very few such facilities in any one destination. The solution is in linking up with colleagues from around the world and the benefit is the extraordinary range of experiences and insights this can deliver.
AIPC members know this and use it to their full advantage. The result? They are positioned to deliver the kind of expertise and flexibility major events demand.
How do you access all of this? From a planner perspective, it’s simple. When you’re considering venue alternatives, look for the AIPC logo. It’s your best assurance of getting exactly what you need to ensure your events deliver what your delegates want and need, as well as for your own peace of mind!
