IMEX America education lifts the lid on trends and millennials

IMEX America education lifts the lid on trends and millennials

Renowned film director Josh Tickell shared his advice on how business can market to ‘the generation that will change the world’ in a packed MPI keynote address at IMEX America today. In Managing and marketing to the future of generation Y, Josh discussed the ‘dynamic social shift’ that will see millennials soon take center stage in the world of work. “Today they seem young, tomorrow they will be in charge”, Josh explained.
Digital connectivity, social reasonability and individuality all characterize the generation which currently numbers 2.3 billion worldwide. Josh compared the different generations, encouraging businesses to understand and cater for generation Y in order to remain relevant, warning that 40% of today’s Fortune 500 companies are currently predicted to disappear by 2050. An issue echoed by Karen deKanter from BCD Meetings & Events, who attended the session: “Josh made a great point about bridge building between generations, learning how to work together across the demographics. He delivered a really informative session, highlighting that there’s a tsunami-like change on the horizon and, in order to stay relevant, we need to grab a surfboard and ride that wave!”

Daniele Arreola from Nizuc Resort & Spa added: “Josh really lifted the lid on the millennial generation. Our clients are beginning to be part of that market and very soon they’ll be our core target. He made some great points about understanding the generation’s expectations of the workplace – we need to be aware of their requirements if we want to train and retain them in our organizations.”

The innovative daily MPI keynote speakers are rounded off tomorrow by former Nashville songwriter and performer Patrick Henry who is set to show attendees how to build an extraordinary customer experience in Becoming ‘Remember-able‘.

Much of the powerful education at IMEX America also takes place on the show floor, both at the Inspiration Hub and across many exhibitor booths. At the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) booth, Vice President of Learning Experiences Marsha Flanagan revealed the Exhibition and events education trends. With the amount of money spent per employee on education increasing (according to the Association for Talent & Development), Marsha shared her thoughts on how meeting planners can provide cutting edge education, beginning with researching the target market and ‘identifying the education gaps.’ She ran through the options for session formats for education both inside and outside the event, outlining how planners can move beyond the traditional classroom setting towards informal and interactive formats. Martha’s tips included the use of technology, games, exercise, outdoor locations and set design.

Greg McCormack, director of national sales at T3 Expo, who attended the session comments: “Education is increasingly about sharing information rather than being talked at. People want to be part of a community and get together to network and learn”.

Desbo Mohono from the department of tourism in South Africa, North West province adds: “In our sector, it’s no longer about the classroom setting. This session has shown me ways to creatively use different spaces, both inside and outside.”

The comprehensive education program at IMEX America covers key topics including Business Skills, Creative Learning, Diversity, General Education, Health/Wellbeing, Marketing and Communications, Research/Trends, Risk Management/Compliance, Sustainability and Technology/Social Media.

Future focused

Future focused – looking ahead to meeting space, sustainability and communication trends

The comprehensive education programme at IMEX America opened today with a look at what’s on the horizon for meeting planners – an insight into future meeting space, sustainability developments and communication tips was delivered by a host of industry experts.

Award-winning magician Tim David delivered the MPI Keynote, beginning a packed programme of almost 70 education sessions on the first day of the show. Human connection – a lost art in a noisy world was a lively session covering the art of persuasive communication including how to get the best out of people by making changes to language and behaviour.

He explained: “The quantity of social media has gone through the roof, but what about the quality?” Tim went on to reveal the skills required to influence other people, focusing on the subtleties of body language as one of the main channels of communication.

Through his work, Tim has learnt what makes people tick and shared many tips in this motivational presentation uncovering the key to effective communication and fostering connections.

Caitlin Connors, event planner at the Charles Koch Institute who attended the session, commented: “Tim’s session really rang true – human connection is vital, especially in the industry we’re in. It’s crucial to foster relationships and go the extra mile.”

TJ Johnson from the International Legal Technology Association added: “As a planner for a large international association it’s my job to help people connect – Tim’s keynote has given me some valuable tips on boosting human connection. When planning huge conferences, the networking is as vital as the education.”

What’s Ahead? Innovation @ Future Meeting Space was covered by Laura d’Elsa at the Inspiration Hub, home to all show floor education. Laura, who is Regional Director USA/Canada for the German Convention Bureau (GCB), introduced the future meeting space project – a partnership between the German Convention Bureau, the European Association of Event Centers (EVVC) and the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO). Together these organisations are examining the future of events from multiple angles including infrastructure, education, technology, mobility and culture. During this packed session, meeting planners discovered more about the group’s goals and objectives and previewed some of the trends data coming out of focus groups with industry, design, academic and business experts, to innovation guides and case histories.

Attendee Gloria Pickett from American Express Meetings & Events said: “What an exciting session – the technology that’s predicted for the future is simply awesome. It’s like Star Trek coming to life! Meetings and meeting technology are forever evolving and this session was an interesting and useful glimpse into the future“.
Beth Gerundo from The Hartford added: “The technology Laura showcased in her presentation is certainly something I anticipate my organization will take advantage of sooner rather than later. We’re all about the ‘wow’ factor and like to offer something different. The session offered a peak into the future and insight into what the next generation of meeting planners will be dealing with.”

The comprehensive education programme at IMEX America covers key topics including Business Skills, Creative Learning, Diversity, General Education, Health/Wellbeing, Marketing and Communications, Research/Trends, Risk Management/Compliance, Sustainability, and Technology/Social Media.

Two new search filtering options have been added on the education section of the IMEX America website to help attendees pinpoint content specifically tailored to how long they have been in the industry. The Young Professionals line-up, sponsored by IAEE, is for anyone with up to three years’ experience. This includes CEIR research – 10 tips for exhibitor success delivered by David DuBois, President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) this afternoon. The audience engagement workshop which took place today is part of the Senior Professionals sessions, sponsored by SPiN, for those with eight years’ experience or more. Shawna Suckow, Founder & Chairwoman of SPiN, delivered the session which promised to ‘confound, frustrate, enlighten, and entertain’.