Meetings & events
ORGANISING EVENTS AND MEETINGS IS A PROCESS WITH SO MANY WORKING PARTS that it can be difficult to work out how costs fluctuate between one year and the next – after all, every event has its own unique requirements and characteristics. CWT/GBTA has at least had a go at assess- ing how these costs, per attendee per day,
may change in 2017 and has estimated that they will remain flat in Europe, with only “modest increases” in North America and Asia Pacific. It also predicts that average group sizes will go up by between 3 and 6 per cent in all major regions, including Europe, apart from Latin America where groups are set to stay the same as 2016.
Advito says that the UK had been “leading European growth in demand for meetings” with strong forward bookings for both 2017 and 2018 before the Brexit vote – although some of these bookings have now been cancelled following June’s referendum result. “Because of the devaluation of the
pound, UK companies may be more inclined to hold meetings in the UK, rather than travel to Europe. At the same time, currency weakness will make the UK a more attractive option for European meeting planners,” argues the research firm. “Brexit aside, 2017 is likely to be similar
to 2016, with rates rising steadily and buyers facing challenges negotiating discounts and finding availability. They will try to hold down costs by choosing destinations closer to home.” Relative stability in prices seems to be
the main message from those brave enough to make predictions for 2017, but we live in volatile times and other currently unforeseen factors may come into play. This time last year, few believed the UK would really vote to leave the EU despite the looming referendum.
Q&A
What one change would you like to see in 2017? Toby Guest
Global procurement manager, congress and events, Bayer “For suppliers and corporates to meld their focus on corporate travel, meetings and events, so that they combine their strategies, processes and offerings into one focal point. The bookers, travellers and attendees all crave simplicity. Unfortunately, this point is not so readily grasped by many in the industry on both sides of the fence.”
Paul East Chief operating officer, UK/Europe and Americas, Wings Travel Management “As around 60 per cent of our clients are in the energy sector, we would like to see the price of oil return to US$60-70 a barrel. It has been a very
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tough time for our clients due to the fall in oil prices, which obviously has had a knock- on effect for us as their travel management company.”
What will be the main priority for corporate travel programmes in 2017? Sue Reeves
Head of global business management, CTM (Corporate Travel Management) “There will be a shift in terms of travel buyers’ approach to being cost-conscious – having looked at all the usual means, such as policy, advance booking and supplier relations, they will focus more on compliance to achieve the savings.”
Jason Geall General manager, American Express Global Business Travel “With increased concerns around travelling, such as
terrorist attacks, severe weather conditions and political unrest, we expect to be asked more about how can companies further ensure they are meeting their duty-of-care to travellers.”
What will be the big trend of 2017?
Christian Gleave CEO, Review Travel “Traveller security will continue to be a significant industry focus. Travel buyers and HR departments are under added pressure to ensure the safety and security of employees, and this is likely to give rise to more accurate tracking technology and real-time feedback of travel itineraries.”
Paul Wait
Chief executive, GTMC “I hope to see a return to customer-centric business
strategies from airlines, hotels, rail operators and other service providers but this must be aligned with channel parity. For the business travel market to grow in 2017 my ambition is for a policy that reflects channel parity, thereby ensuring that the products and prices available are consistent across all channels.”
Paul Tilstone Managing partner, Festive Road “More corporates and suppliers will be creating innovation in their delivery to the traveller. Artificial intelligence will also begin to become mainstream with the chatbot trials presently in play coming to fruition, and machine learning and personalisation leading the way on enhancing the travel booking and on- journey experience.”
BBT November/December 2016 61
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