Paul Southern, MD at Central Hall Westminster, responds to Blue Jeans Network’s report which highlighted how the increased use of technology is reshaping meetings.
I was delighted to see some solid research re-affirming what we had felt
for some time – technology continues to change the industry and is
reshaping how we carry out our business.
The Blue Jeans Network report that Conference News reported on in January was a substantial piece of research, compiled from over one million participants. This revealed the increased use of technology in the workplace continues to change the meetings process, with a third of all meetings now including a participant on a mobile device and the continued rise of video conferencing.
While I’m pleased that some substantial research has taken place, what is now important is the way in which the industry reacts. The very nature of technological developments mean that it is impossible to reach a stage where venues and planners can say “we can tick technology off the agenda, we’re up to date”. Technology is constantly evolving and needs to be a regular fixture in business development plans, with businesses adopting a rolling, flexible agenda that can be altered as technology develops.
We are looking to address some of these issues with our ‘Meet The Future’ campaign, which is looking at where meeting and event technology is today and where it is going in the future. The goal is to enable planners and venues alike to stay one step ahead by opening their minds and exploring what earth-shattering technology may be part of our industry in the
future.
Any comments? Email jdavis@mashmedia.net
