Survey: Technology Is No Substitute for Face-to-Face Meetings
September 08, 2009
Although it can sometimes help them execute meetings that are more affordable and more convenient, a majority of meeting and event planners agree that technology is no substitute for face-to-face meetings and events, according to a pre-conference survey of attendees by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), which will host its annual HSMAI Affordable Meetings National and Event Technology Expo this week in Washington, D.C.
The survey, conducted by J. Spargo & Associates Inc. and independently analyzed by 20|20 Assessment, found that 76 percent of meeting planners attending this week's event use technology mostly for marketing, followed by making presentations (68 percent) and networking (56 percent).
Still, attendees and survey respondents reported that technology cannot replace the following six elements of the face-to-face conference experience:
1. Socializing and networking spontaneously 2. Helping attendees best put names with faces 3. Allowing more free and open dialogue between attendees and vendors/presenters 4. Training effectively via live and personal interaction 5. Paying greater attention to others when face-to-face 6. Engaging in real-time conversation that is not interrupted by technical glitches
"While the 'always on the job' mentality of meeting planners tends to rely on the latest technological tools for marketing, presentations and networking, there is clearly a 'man over machine' mindset when it comes to other elements of meetings and conferences," 20|20 Assessment's Dr. James Houran said in a statement. "Thus, the popular push for more teleconferences or Internet-based meetings, even for smaller groups, may ultimately not meet critical needs of attendees."
Along with technology, HSMAI attendees were also asked about their business pipeline; generally, they revealed that they're planning smaller events—with 51 percent of respondents servicing between 101 and 1,000 registrants, and 38 percent planning events of 100 attendees or fewer—and fewer events, with 43 percent planning five or fewer meetings in 2009 and 25 percent planning six to 10 meetings.
Hosted buyer programs
that offer career-enriching accredited education with industry experts and pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments with destination suppliers
RSS