Today’s Top Five Convention & Meeting Trends

In a climate of smart spending and return-on-investment, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center takes a look at the top trends that are driving today’s convention business.  Generally speaking, lavish spending is out and strategic spending is in, making ROI for meeting planners more important than ever before. Here are the top trends we see as we work with meeting planners every day to exceed their expectations and earn their business:

Trend #1: Meetings are more focused. While some groups are smaller than they were in years past, savvy organizations still appreciate the important benefits derived from sharing information and working toward future success.  More time may be dedicated to working sessions, some social functions may be less elaborate than they were when the economy was booming and tighter budgets may not include golf outings and spa days. Meeting planners want a balanced program of productive meetings and socializing that keeps people informed and motivated in any economic environment.

Trend #2: Being green is a must. Eco-friendly business practices that reduce wastefulness and make our world a healthier place have become a requirement in the convention center business. We’re pleased to report that the SMG-managed Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is well on its way to becoming a certified green facility. We have registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Management certification with the goal of achieving certification for our 600,000 square foot Convention Center in late 2011. As the economy rebounds, the preference for green convention facilities will boom and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is determined to be well ahead of the curve.

Trend #3: Relationships are a powerful tool. When all is said and done, trust remains the most powerful business-building tool of all.  Here at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, our mission is to create trusting relationships and extraordinary experiences one meeting and one guest at a time. In person and online, personal contacts are powerful in solidifying convention center business. The increased popularity of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, provides new ways for business contacts to communicate and share feed-back through friendly and casual contact. Every new day presents fresh opportunities to make the most of every guest interaction.

Trend #4: Technology must be ahead of the curve. Meeting planners now expect convention centers to have state-of-the-art meeting technology available on site. The Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center stays ahead of the technology curve with an in-house Internet connectivity and telecommunications provider, CCLD, that’s the best in the business.  Our Center provides the best conference services such as Wi-Fi hotspots, a 1,300 square-foot Executive Teleconference Suite, superior video conferencing capabilities and two high-tech places to chill: the Breezin’ Java Cyber Cafés, featuring eight permanent terminals and eight additional plug-in terminals where visitors can check e-mail or surf the web while relaxing with Starbucks coffee and snacks. As technology continues to evolve, our convention center provides the necessary connectivity for online applications that keep our guests connected.

Trend #5: There's great appreciation for cuisine that’s fresh and seasonal.

Regardless of their budget, every group appreciates great food. The expectation that menu options will be fresh and healthy has become more important every year. The Food and Beverage Department at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center delights guests with stylish cuisine featuring the freshest seasonal fare. Since being named Executive Chef in 2006, Chef Jaime MacDonald’s passion for a diverse range of ethnic cuisines and American favorites delights guests at every meal.

“Today’s meeting planners want our facility and destination to evolve, and we continue to answer their call,” said Mark Gatley, regional general manager of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. "“Our reputation for knowing what guests prefer and then exceeding their expectations helps us develop great relationships with meeting planners throughout the U.S.” 

Sincerely,
The Convention Center Team

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.