8 Academic Venues
New look from Imago
Loughborough University ’ s conferencing arm asks whether we ’ re doing enough to inspire the delegates of tomorrow
trategic planning sits at the heart of being successful , and Imago Venues , alongside Loughborough University , decided it was time to ask the delegates of tomorrow and future business leaders what they were looking for from meetings so they could place a greater focus on helping clients increase the return on investment for everybody involved . Imago Venues has recently launched a second researech project : Is the meetings industry doing enough to inspire the business leaders of tomorrow ? It follows on the heels of its first research carried out two years ago
which looked into the value of face-to-face communication . Emma Boynton , head of sales and marketing , says the research results were particularly exciting as it compared the opinions of those already organising or attending events with future participants . The results are also a valuable tool in discovering what the delegates of tomorrow want to achieve . The meetings and events industry is clearly changing and Imago ’ s research offers a better picture of the market place to spot opportunities that are not being maximised . Boynton says venues need to take the results on board and adds that the use of technology in meetings is increasing with the research suggesting that gamification and interactivity is necessary to gain the enthusiasm of attendees under the age of 25 . She adds , however , that technology needed to have a strategic objective “ and not just be used for the sake of it ”. “ The results serve as a rallying cry for us to do more to encourage passion and enthusiasm for work to maintain motivation and increase productivity in the future ,” Boynton adds . “ As an industry , we need to work harder , be more flexible and think ahead to provide value to people who attend meetings so it is more worthwhile for them .” Aside from its research , the venue collective recently rebranded itself as Imago Venues , an identity designed to reflect a clearer alignment of the individual venues with the Imago portfolio .
Key report findings :
• For 82 % of delegates and 81 % of students , a major motivator for attending meetings is personal career development , yet this isn ’ t rated so highly by organisers .
• 51 % of delegates feel fully encouraged to take part in meetings .
• 75 % of delegates and 77 % of students like meetings to use interactive games and new tech , yet only 66 % of organisers are making use of them .
• Passion and enthusiasm are top elements delegates and students demand from a speaker .
• 61 % of delegates , believe social media is a good tool for creating awareness .
Talk Business at Rhodes
Rhodes House is the place to come when you want an exceptional location for a corporate event .
Our unique and private setting , flexible function space , menus from some of Oxford ’ s finest catering companies , and customised technology solutions provide a flawless conference or meeting experience .
Whether your event is a private dinner , a board meeting , a client reception , or a large scale conference , Rhodes House will make it unforgettable .
Telephone 01865 282 599 Rhodes House , Oxford , OX1 3RG
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