Convention centers are normally THE venue for conferences and huge events like the sci-fi-themed MegaCon. Convention centers provide massive amounts of space and seating, audio-visual capabilities and dining options. However, the convention center trends for your next Florida corporate event are changing this year. Find out what conference event planners, exhibitors and attendees desire for a convention-center function.
Meeting Space for a New Generation
- Convention attendees, especially millennials, don’t want to be cooped up in a room for a long period of time. Their attention span is shorter and they prefer to move around, meet people and share ideas.
- Use the convention center’s foyer as the meeting room for networking and presentations. People have different comfort levels, so use the space’s chairs or encourage attendees to spread out and sit on the floor.
Convention City is the Pulse
- Millennial conventioneers want to experience the flavors of a conference’s city.
- The convention’s designated city should be celebrated as much as the convention with events at local destinations like attractions, restaurants and any business or venue that’s unique to that town.
Conventions are Economic Powerhouses
- Conventions boost local economies.
- Attendees book a hotel stay as well as visit area restaurants, nightlife venues, malls and shopping centers and attractions during their trip.
- Convention centers are undergoing expansions to accommodate events.
- Event planners book conferences in advance and keep up with the convention center’s growth spurts as they increase their size and capabilities.
Increase in Conference Costs
- Convention centers have budget restraints and as a result raise prices.
- Event planners received deals during the recession but the uptick will cause convention costs to go up.
Bountiful Buffets
- Personalized plates and picky palates are becoming the new norm during conventions.
- Event planners are satisfying attendee’s appetites by coordinating with caterers and in-house food and beverage departments.
- Plate service is out and buffets are in.
- Buffets allow caterers and in-house food and beverage departments with an opportunity to serve a variety of food instead of one to three options with plate service.
- Buffets provide conventioneers with a variety of lunch and dinner options.
If you’re looking for advice or assistance when planning your convention, contact the Florida corporate event experts at Fun Planners. We have the expertise to plan business to themed events for your conference attendees. View our rentals online for more fabulous event-planning options.
