Meeting planners are looking to break from the traditional boardroom conferences. Trends are to get outside, experience a destination or neighborhood. Hotels and meeting venues are going out of their way to find out how they can best assist meeting planners put on great meetings. The following are some of the latest meeting trends and ideas that are IN and OUT…
IN: Make Meetings an Experience
Cooking classes, community service projects that benefit the local community and cultural food tours are all great option to boost camaraderie. Destination focused experiences in team building are hot. Attendees are tired of the usual brainstorming sessions, they want experiences to remember and reference.
IN: Outdoor Activities
Meeting attendees will appreciate the opportunity to get fresh air, explore and the team building. Meet at a park, have a scavenger hunt, golf, putt-putt, volleyball, etc. Mix in team building with the meeting. Make sure to cater in food and drinks. Coffee is good in the morning and after lunch or dinner. Smoothies are a cool and health choice for breaks and throughout the day.
IN – Healthy, Local Food and Beverages
Attendees are more health conscious with meal and snack choices. Thirty percent of people in a recent survey reported a decrease in requests for soda and an increase in demand for healthier options such as water, smoothies and organic juices. One of the dietary preferences most requested was vegetarian menus. People like to eat local. They want what is freshest in that area and they want to try what the locals eat and drink.
OUT – Formal Events
Formal black-tie events are on the decline. Attendees prefer more casual gatherings. Through these casual events do not work for every group, they occasionally offer a nice change of pace from the traditional suit and tie gathering. The increased flexibility to mingle and network is why it’s a better choice.
OUT – Traditional Meeting Rooms
Ballrooms and event venues serve a purpose, but they are just a bit boring. In the past few years planners are beginning to embrace more flexible, experimental and unique venues. Bringing creativity to the concept of events and creating one of a kind event experiences. The indoor outdoor space and renovated classics such as a repurposed brewery are in.
Please keep Valet Coffee in mind when you are planning your next meeting! Specialty coffees and smoothies are always a hit and appreciated by meeting attendees.
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About Valet Coffee
Valet Coffee is a full service, mobile espresso and smoothie bar. It’s a unique way to impress customers, appreciate employees and kick up any special event to the next level. Our professional baristas will bring the taste and feel of an authentic European coffee house. We do all the work, all you have to do is entertain. Valet Coffee’s mobile espresso and smoothie bars are one of Greater Cincinnati’s best marketing tools.
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