Report: Meeting Planners Stressing Personalization, Sustainability

In a recent interview with Associations Now, Charlene Rabideau, SVP and Managing Director for North America at BCD, emphasizes the importance of creativity in agenda planning. This includes offering personalized gifts and extending breaks to enhance networking opportunities. The report advises planners to ask strategic questions during the registration process to facilitate greater personalization without exceeding budgets.

Sustainability remains a central concern, with the report noting that while costs are rising, budgets often stay flat. Planners are encouraged to analyze their meetings’ size, activities, and overall spending to manage costs effectively. Rabideau points out that flights represent a significant expense and a major opportunity for carbon savings, advocating for organizing events closer to attendee locations to minimize travel costs and emissions.

The report also notes a decrease in hybrid event enthusiasm due to associated costs, leading planners to focus more on in-person gatherings. Additionally, it stresses the importance of utilizing data to understand spending patterns and improve negotiations with suppliers, ultimately fostering better partnerships and enhancing meeting effectiveness.

BCD Meetings & Events remains committed to helping planners navigate these trends, balancing personalization and sustainability while delivering impactful events.