The Importance Of Meetings And Conferences

2341 Words5 Pages

The conference and meetings sector is highly complex, containing a variety of buyer and supplier organizations and businesses. For conference organizers (the buyers), the business of conferences is a part of their job. The suppliers include conference venues and destinations, accommodation providers and transport companies, and specialist contractors. Both buyers and suppliers work together and are supported by national bodies and associations, the trade press, and educational institutions, each contributing to the structure of this fast developing, global industry. (Timothy Jeonglyeol Lee, 2009) According to Volkshandel (1984), conference delegates are generally the ones which opinions could influence others about the place that are best to be visited. With their positive word-of-mouth opinions, international attendees could help to promote tourism in the place where the conference takes place by giving it a valuable impression. Needs of Association and Corporate delegates Conferences are a source of knowledge and inspiration to many professionals and employees. Conferences usually consist of a session of 15–40 minute presentations followed by 5–10 minute time for questions and answers and a break for refreshment and networking. Corporate organisations are companies founded mainly to make a profit. The types of corporate companies are AGM, board meeting, sales conference, and training courses/seminars. Today, the corporate conference and meeting planners organise a limited number of employees in high-priced classrooms usually at inconvenient times and the sessions usually are mandatory. (Marcia Conner, Dan Pontefract, and Kerry Brown, 2013) Associations are organizations that are not work related, and suppo... ... middle of paper ... ...uld be considered also, other factors such as: where the venue is located, the infrastructure of the place, parking, safety and emergency exits, the accommodation around, food and beverage facilities, staff training and customer service. Conclusion To deliver a successful conference, the important element should be the conference program itself that can fulfil the delegate’s needs by proposing them an opportunity to learn new skills, to keep up with new changes in their specialised trade and to listen to industry experts and well-known speakers. A right selected place can offer a positive effect and/or a better service, which could result in a higher quality conference. When conference organizers design a conference, they should concentrate their efforts on conference related factors, such as career development, knowledge, and opportunities for communication.

Open Document