CSPI 2016 - Predictions for the meeting and events industry affecting destinations

Meetings and Events in 2026

Dan BergerFounder and CEO

Social Tables

a glimpse into the possible future of our industry

I am a participant.

I am a planner.

I am a believer.

I am a supplier.

#CSPIAnnual | @socialtables | 2016


2026

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

There are more meeting planners in the world.

Meeting planning is a more strategic function.

Meeting planning is a more organized, respected, and common field.


Live events are seen as a viable source of revenue for many companies.


Experiences are more common but also more expensive.

Meetings are smaller and more intimate.


Stacey KnoppelPresident, CSPI

Source: IBISworld, USA Today

The travel industry is more consolidated.

Meeting and event planning companies have also consolidated.

Source: IBISworld, USA Today

Event coordination is automated.

Meeting space is a commodity.

Group business is now predominantly booked online.

Our industry is more transparent than ever.


Hotels serve the group and luxury markets.

The meeting booking process has been revolutionized.

Most event software is free.

Hotel sales managers are now meeting success managers.


Meal replacements are available to make meetings more efficient.


Outdoor events must take place under tented structures.

Desired content is crowdsourced from attendees.

Peer-to-peer learning is the most popular education style.

Attendees discover events, sessions, and people seamlessly.

Some events will be crowdfunded.

Free events will be expected by consumers.


Meetings do not have education because content will be available online.

Face-to-face interactions are more coveted than ever.

Source: eMarketer, April 2014

There will be a subscription model for events.

Event apps no longer exist and their functionality is native to our devices.

Rooms are setup and torn down by robots.

Everything planners need is available on-demand.

1990s 2010s 2030s

Most events will have a virtual audience.

Attendees meet the right people and no business cards are exchanged.

Destinations measure their success by economic impact.


1. Time is the most valuable resource in business


2. Events are becoming a strategic marketing product


3. Software is eating the world


4. We’re transitioning from bureaucratic hierarchies to technology-driven networks


5. The sharing economy is not slowing down


6. Everything is a function space for meetings and events


7. Every industry is consolidating


8. Traditional education is losing significance, moving online, and becoming free


9. Business models are changing to due to increased competition


10. Technology is seamlessly integrating into our lives

#pcma #eventprofs | @socialtables | 2015

6. Everything is a function space for meetings

and events.

7. Every industry is consolidating.

8. Traditional education is losing significance,

moving online, and becoming free.

9. Business models are changing due to

increased competition.

10. Technology is seamlessly integrating into

our lives.

1. Time is the most valuable resource in

business.

2. Events are becoming a strategic marketing

product.

3. Software is eating the world.

4. We’re transitioning from bureaucratic

hierarchies to technology-driven networks.

5. The sharing economy is not slowing down.

10 global trends to be mindful of


Connecting | Q&A

email: [email protected]

twitter: @danberger

snapchat: danjberger

CSPI 2016 - Predictions for the meeting and events industry affecting destinations

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