Article courtesy of The Townhouse Hotel, Cape Town.
The conferencing services market is in a constant state of transition, and no more so than in the present day. With the growth of hosted audio, web and video conferencing as well as a tightening of budgets across the board and an increase in demand for sustainable conferencing facilities, there are many influences that are having an effect on the industry.
The Townhouse Hotel’s general manager Jacqueline Williams talks about the five major conferencing trends emerging in 2016 in the heart of Cape Town’s business district.
- Informal conferencing in a laidback setting
Delegates have become more aware of what it is they expect to get out of an event, especially considering it is time out of the office or away from their businesses. They want an experience that provides true value, while still adhering to tighter budgets. In recent months we have seen a growing demand for smaller venues with a unique offering that can provide an overall experience. This trend is for more informal conferencing in a laidback setting. Facilitators want comfortable seating that will enable delegates to network outside the formal conferencing format. This helps to put people at ease straight away and goes a long way to encouraging creativity.
- An increased awareness around greening
At The Townhouse Hotel, we have make sustainability a priority and were recently awarded our Fairtrade Tourism certification, which encourages and raises awareness around responsible hoteling. This is close to our heart and is implemented through all of the hotel’s operations, including conferencing. We are seeing a slow rise in the local conscientious consumer who requests green conferencing options, or at least asks what we can offer in the way of sustainable products and services. For example we provide only recycled paper, make use of natural light instead of switching on electric lights, use filtered water instead of bottled and have recycling bins in the foyer of the venues.
- Considered catering
Lighter lunches and snacks are now very well thought through, as health and energy sustaining options are taking precedence over large meals. We are receiving more requests for snacks and meals to be served in a cocktail set up to get delegates interacting and networking in between sessions.
- Digital and video conferencing
Social media has become a huge focus, with delegates tweeting comments live at events. Apps are launched prior to events so that delegates can get information on to their mobile devices relating to agenda, location, venue layouts, information on presenters etc. With this we are seeing a reduction of printed materials distributed at events – notes and presentations have gone online, another nod to increased sustainability awareness. From an AV point of view, the synchronisation of an app on your phone or tablet and the house PA systems means delegates are able to post questions to speakers who respond accordingly. Being a fast paced world and with the access to technology that we have, conferences are able to attract a wider audience with Skype calls, TED sessions and so on. Specially events that draw a crowd from a broader geographical spread. That said, there will always be a need for face-to-face interaction.
Says Williams; “Trends by their very nature are constantly fluctuating, so the key lesson to be learned from this is that you and your team should remain easily adaptable and stay flexible.”
