It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of working in the meetings and events industry. Between client briefs, venue searches, proposals and the constant pace of planning events, there isn’t always much time to step back and think about what’s happening across the wider industry.
This is why we were to pleased to be invited to attend the MIA Connect Event hosted by the Meetings Industry Associate at Carden Park. This event gave us the opportunity to step away from our usual work routine, meet and connect with other agencies and venues and listen and discuss about key topics and challenges in our industry.
The Power of Different Perspectives
The Connect event was a great opportunity to sit around a table of members of our industry with different perspectives, experiences and roles.
We learned, listened and discussed:
- Trends in enquiries and bookings other venues and agents are noticing
- What challenges other businesses are facing in an ever growing industry
- How client expectations and priorities are changing, and what this means for venues and agencies.
- Different perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry.
- What we can learn from the experiences and insights of others working across the industry
Hearing different perspectives gave us a valuable insight into the wider industry and the trends and challenges others are seeing.
It also reinforced that the investment we make in marketing, client relationships and being active within the industry is something that really makes our community unique.
Conversations Shaping Our Industry…
A key part of this experience was discussion they key conversations shaping the changes and the processes within the events industry, listening to key panel discussions to open floor conversations about topics shaping our processes and best practice.
Neuroinclusivity in Events: Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference
One of the key discussions raised was neuroinclusivity in events, and how venues and organisers can create more inclusive experiences for neurodivergent delegates. We discussed everything from quieter spaces and breakout rooms to different event formats and the importance of giving delegates greater choice in how they experience an event.
We also learnt about the new Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation by Welcome Brain. It was interesting to learn that 20% of the population is Neurodivergent. As venue finders, it is always important to keep ourselves updated with relevant venue accreditations, such as neuroinclusivity accreditations, so we can understand the steps venues are taking to create more inclusive experiences and consider these when recommending venues to our clients.
AI: Opportunity or disruption?
At the event, we also discussed in depth the role of AI within the industry and how it is already changing internal processes, from how we source venues and gather information to how we create and communicate proposals.
It was interesting to consider how these tools can support and enhance what we do, while also recognising the importance of the human expertise, relationships and understanding that remain at the heart of finding the right venue for each client.
At Miss London Concierge, we are committed to keeping ourselves educated on the developing technology of AI and taking a proactive approach to using these tools, whilst considering how they can best support our team, enhance our processes and ultimately improve the service we provide to our clients.
From A to B Enhancing the journey to the venue
We were also really lucky to hear from Avanti West Coast about enhancing the journey from A to B, with some really exciting options for train cabin hire, onboard entertainment and even full journey hires. It was a great reminder that the event experience doesn’t necessarily have to start when you arrive at the venue the journey itself can become part of the experience.
For off-sites and larger groups in particular, we think this is such an exciting option and one we’ll definitely be keeping in mind for future events.
Interested in finding out more? Get in touch with us and we’d be happy to explore what could be possible for your next event...
Learning happens outside the meeting room too…
Our time at Carden Park wasn’t just about the discussions in the meeting room. Taking part in the high ropes activity gave us the chance to step outside our comfort zones, face a few fears and experience first-hand how these types of activities can bring groups together (although we’ll admit there were a few moments where we questioned why we had signed up!). It was also a great opportunity to network with people in a more relaxed environment, while developing personally and building confidence along the way.
For us, experiences like this are also valuable when it comes to recommending activities to clients. Experiencing something first-hand gives us a much better understanding of what makes it enjoyable, challenging and memorable, and helps us give more informed recommendations for future groups.
And of course we had to test the facilities…
The following morning, we took the opportunity to experience Carden Park’s spa (all in the name of research, of course!). After the high ropes the day before, it was probably the perfect excuse to slow things down and properly test out the facilities for ourselves. The spa was fantastic, with a great mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, and the team were brilliant throughout. It was another good reminder of the value of experiencing venues first-hand although we certainly weren’t complaining about this particular part of the research!
What we are taking back…
We came away from MIA Connect with plenty of ideas, conversations and inspiration to take back to the office. From keeping up with developments in AI and neuroinclusivity to continuing to build strong relationships across the industry, there was lots for us to think about and take forward.
Most importantly, it reminded us of the value of getting out there, meeting people, sharing ideas and continuing to learn from the wider industry. And, after two days at a beautiful hotel, taking on the high ropes and finishing with some time in the spa, we certainly weren’t complaining about the learning environment!
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