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Tech & Data : The Power Couple of Hospitality Recovery
The use of technology is key in keeping hotels and venues moving forward as the hospitality industry rebounds . Cvent and Northstar Meetings Group conducted a survey of event planners , compiling data on their thoughts and feelings about the industry now . Unless otherwise stated , all data cited is from that survey .
PLANNERS GET BACK TO BUSINESS
Around 60 % are planning to host events with over 500 inperson attendees this year .
But staffing remains a problem for hotels and venues . Automating manual processes is a first step in bridging the gap that understaffing has caused . But technology can do much more than help alleviate the struggle of understaffing . It can attract more planners to your venue , bringing in new business .
Around 50 % of planners look for an easily accessible and user-friendly online system to book small , simple meetings .
They ’ d also like to access an abundance of information about your property before they book larger events , whether on your website or an external advertising site . Planners also want to see the space before they ’ ve stepped into it . Utilizing an online listing on a platform like the Cvent Supplier Network will provide this information – and so much more – to those sourcing an event . Meeting room specs , pictures and videos , and reviews are must-haves .
Around 40 % of planners also want to see elements like 3D floor plans , and virtual tours are starting to gain a foothold as well .
Only 29 % of survey respondents think virtual tours are necessary , adding one to your listing can give you a competitive edge .
TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ADVANTAGES
Technology doesn ’ t just impress planners when they ’ re sourcing ; it ’ s also a critical component during the planning process . Over half of those surveyed want venues to be more active in the planning process . That means making suggestions for creative space usage and offering more diverse food options , for example .
Technology can help hotels and venues create unique experiences and capitalize on trends . In-person events are continuing to grow in popularity , but hybrid events are still a popular option for many planners . That means using tech and gadgets to enhance the hybrid event experience is still critical .
For virtual attendees , there ’ s a whole world of tech enhancements available that venues can offer to planners . Investing in live translation software can broadcast to a wider hybrid audience as a standard part of a meeting and event package .
Even small changes to the way your hotel does business will set you apart from the competition . For example , switching from regular email to multimedia messages , with branding and embedded videos , can quickly make an impact on any audience .
Technology is an invaluable tool in helping your venue stand out . Cvent ’ s insights into the latest trends and planner needs can help hoteliers be more efficient and get a leg up on the competitors .
To explore more of the recent key insights , visit : cvent . com / plannersourcing
September 2022 hotelsmag . com 29