15 Research
TIPSY TURVY TURVY TIPSY
Cameron Roberts uncovers a rising trend of non-drinkers at events and how planners are meeting these needs
n times gone by , it would be fair to assess the events industry was fuelled by alcohol , late nights and regretful mornings . But what it means to attend an event is changing , a rise in those not drinking and attendees being more selective in what they want from an event , is providing impetus for organisers to explore non-alcoholic drinks options .
In response to this trend , Conference News ran a survey of event planners , aiming to find out whether this trend is just hot air and what organisers are doing to accommodate those who do not consume alcohol at events . The survey included both quantitative questions regarding the pervasiveness of alcohol at events , but also qualitative ones delving into the reasoning behind these decisions .
The trend It ’ s easy enough to say that there ’ s a rising demand for more non-alcoholic drinks options at events , but where ’ s the evidence ?
In our survey , 89 % of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the desire for broader non-alcoholic drinks options at events has increased over the last 12 months . While it ’ s not conclusive proof that the population at large is going to abandon pubs en-masse , it ’ s a good indication that event planners are noticing delegates are asking for these options .
One respondent lamented the lack of diverse drinks options when attending events , saying : “ Many [ attendees ] are cutting back on alcohol and those that don ’ t drink are bored of being offered basic options like water , orange juice or a fizzy drink ( if they ’ re lucky ).”
The classic examples orange juice and sparkling water were brought up numerous times in the open answers of our survey . Another respondent said : “ I don ’ t drink alcohol and I am so tired of being offered orange juice or sparkling water when everyone else is drinking flutes of champagne .”
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