Hospitality Outlook 2018


Turning their thoughts to planners of meetings, events, trade shows, conven- tions and group outings, hospitality suppliers and professionals from a range of industries look into the proverbial “crystal ball” to offer up some of their top predictions and expectations for what lies ahead in 2018.


Engaging Events


According to Lani Baird, executive director of sales at Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA, in the year ahead, the trend toward experiential meetings and events will continue. "Experience is key,” she says. “A meeting isn’t just a meeting anymore.”


Baird says that planners in 2018 will continue to search out new ways to attract attendees that go beyond merely the content of seminars and availability of networking opportunities. She explains, “We offer options for after meeting activities and team building.”


In the year ahead, the trend toward experiential meetings and events will continue.


5­ 8 January z February­2018


"At Valley Forge Casino Resort,” Baird continues, “we say ‘The House is Yours,’ because we believe in making our guests feel at home. On the meetings and event side, this is about recognizing that each of our clients has a unique vision of what they are looking to communicate, and we help them bring it to life with our services, such as: custom menus; lighting; and special touches. We are throwing away our cookie cutters and creating from scratch, and we cannot wait to take this exciting journey with our event clients."


What’s more, technology is changing at meetings and events, too, observes Baird. “It is no longer a one-way method of information communication at conferences; it has evolved to incorporate audience engagement. Conferences have their own apps to keep their attendees engaged and through which to communicate information in real time outside of the meeting room.”


Hotels are on board with this change, she notes. “Meeting attendees can per- sonalized their stays - even before they arrive on-site! It isn’t about increasing efficiency; it’s about connecting people and making people feel at home.”


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