The next of our guest blogs comes from the team at Warwick Conferences who are looking ahead at ways to improve their offerings in 2018
With 2018 upon us, Warwick Conferences have reflected on the constantly changing landscape of the conference and meetings industry, and we thought it would be apt to explore what trends are likely to emerge over the next twelve months.
Interactive spaces designed to inspire, innovate and collaborate
Our commitment to creating exemplary and experiential spaces for clients, saw us become the first academic venue to introduce a suite of innovative ‘creative spaces’ that enhance workplace learning and organisational performance. We recognised a demand for inspirational and thought-provoking training environments that re-define the traditional meeting experience. Designed to spark conversation and inspire artistry, our creative environments have been revered as spaces which foster learning and develop creativity.
Focus on wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is becoming a major consideration across all sectors so it is anticipated that this will also be worked into the conference experience. Whether this be through content encouraging more focus on personal wellness, healthier refreshments or breakout areas that allow time for delegates to pause and reflect, wellbeing will become a bigger focus for both venues and event organisers.
At Warwick Conferences we have a number of relaxing breakout areas, as well as ping pong tables and a croquet lawn, reflecting the growing need for time out from corporate conversations. Following the announcement that Coventry will be the UK’s City of Culture 2021, we will be focussing on exploring and implementing cultural opportunities and initiatives as part of the event experience in order to allow visitors to take a break and immerse themselves in the rich arts scene that the City offers.
Cultivated catering
As we all know, food fuels the mind so it is important that the catering stands out at any conference or meeting to increase productivity and motivation. Forget traditional sandwiches, venues need to create sustainable, locally sourced offerings that will further add to the delegate experience. Food is also a major conversation starter so catering of a higher quality will result in increased networking as well as happier, refreshed, more engaged delegates.
The events industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, and we expect 2018 to be another big year in the industry when it comes to new trends and developments. Companies are brimming with big ideas to enhance delegate wellbeing, and motivate and engage individuals, so it is likely that business events will become even more creative, with a greater focus on return on experience, digital conversations and ways in which to enhance the generation of ideas and learnings.
If want to motivate your delegates with our creative spaces at Warwick Conferences call Justine Meek on 07876 217822 or email on J.K.Meek@Warwick.ac.uk