More than one-third of meeting planners are scheduling on-site events this year with 40% planning meetings into 2022, according to a new survey from Greenwich Hospitality Group’s Delamar Hotels.
The majority of future gatherings include networking receptions, while the number of board of directors, executive leadership and sales training meetings as well as employee retreats were evenly split. The online survey was conducted in October among a cross section of 500 corporate meeting planners in the Northeast. It found:
- 44% split their time between home and office
- 34% are planning meetings now with 40% scheduling into 2022
- 35% of the meetings will be networking receptions
- 79% cited hybrid meeting capability and technology among the most important factors in choosing a meeting venue
The survey showed that COVID-19 precautions remain top of mind with 46% responding that:
- attendees must show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test
- hotel staff must wear masks
- social distancing must be practiced between tables and at receptions
- 38% expecting hotel staff are tested regularly or have been vaccinated
- 30% saying that attendees must wear masks
Regarding team building and recreational activities, more than 30% placed importance on having access to progressive culinary programs, outdoor spaces and on-site spa services.
