There’s no doubt that Millennials are changing the workplace and shifting the world of event planning professionals. This generation, defined globally as people born between 1981 and 2000, is considered the most influential group changing the travel planning industry. By 2020, Millennials will make up half of the global workforce.
This being said, event planners need to evolve the way they think in order to keep the Millennial’s wants and needs in mind. These 5 strategies below will bring organizations successful and sustainable planning options.
Emerging Destinations with Corporate Social Responsibility: It’s not all about having ‘fun in the sun’ incentive trips anymore. This generation, more than any, get more out of exploring new cultures and giving back to those communities.
Selecting Destinations with Purpose: It used to just matter the size and capacity of the venue. Now, venues need to offer an ‘experience’ to enrich the lives of these Millennials. New themes and amenities with connectivity to wellness are important. Overall, unique and locally adapted properties are very much welcomed by this generation.
All About the Food & Beverage: Today, all attendees have well developed palates that care about where the food and beverages come from. Bringing in local food and wine with a back story can really help maintain the uniqueness and sophistication of the Millennial’s experience.
Interactive Entertainment is a Must: It is no surprise that Millennials want to be stimulated, inspired, educated and engaged. Additionally, being born into such a digital age, the new generation is accustomed to instant gratification. This leaves the challenge for the event planner to curate an experience that will impress a worldly, savvy audience.
Grown Up Party Favors: In the past, simple brand name gadgets and gifts would have satisfied as a parting gift. Now, younger attendees prefer to choose their gifts at an amenity bar, often set up right at check-in.
This formula for a successful incentive trip is ever changing. For an event professional to keep up, they need to change their practices as much as the generation allows. Crafting the right combination of destination, property, cuisine, entertainment and gifts will help you meet and exceed incentive traveler expectations.
Popular Destinations for Incentive Travel 2016
(information found on meetingstoday.com)
- Los Cabos, Mexico
- Panama City, Panama
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Las Vegas
- New Orleans
- Rio de Janeiro
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vietnam
- Europe River Cruising