The need for Scottish venues and hotels in the business tourism industry to adapt to the needs of Generation Y was a key message to come out of the Business Tourism Scotland Conference 2013, held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) on 11 November.
Addressing over 300 business tourism professionals from across Scotland, Councilor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, opened the conference with a positive look at Glasgow’s business tourism industry noting that “in the last eight years, 2,200 conferences have taken place in Glasgow generating more than £1bn for the local economy”.
The opening keynote from Dr Paul Redmond from the University of Liverpool addressed how best to engage with and attract the multiple generations, before Million Dollar Round Table Director Ray Kopcinski discussed future trends, including the emergence of Generation Y, and how this will impact the industry.
Kopcinski indicated that in 2030 there would be 78m Generation Y and Millennial business travellers, who have a different set of charateristics and requirements than the generation before them.
The need for events to deliver an experience was another key message at the conference, with events producer Clare Amsel saying that corporate events are evolving and experience and engagement is key.
Other speakers at the conference included Crystal Interactive’s Chris Elmitt, who looked at the different personalities of delegates at events and how to satisfy their needs.
The conference also featured a Buyers Panel with George P Johnson’s Kevin Jackson; Rick Stainton, MD of Smyle; and Dale Parmenter, MD of drpgroup and Eventia Chair. The panelists informed delegates about what business tourism customers are looking for from Scotland, and highlighted the unique offering of the region and credited its people for providing a great hospitality experience.
