Future Meeting Space 2023 research: Elevate your Business Events with proven strategies

Monday, January 22, 2024

In a captivating setup reminiscent of a late-night show, the Future Meeting Space (FMS) innovation network unveiled the key discoveries from its latest research phase concluded in 2023. Titled “Creating Meaningful Events in Challenging Times,” the research delved into pioneering event elements designed to impart a lasting impact and genuine significance to attendees. The comprehensive research report is now accessible for free download, with the livestream recording from Frankfurt set to be available shortly. Originating almost a decade ago through collaboration between the GCB German Convention Bureau and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, Future Meeting Space continues to shape the landscape of business events.

While business events serve as effective platforms for knowledge exchange and networking, the current global challenges necessitate a reevaluation of their structure. Attendees increasingly seek added value from events, expecting new insights, memorable experiences, inspiration, or unique personal encounters. The FMS study report details the strategic and content-related elements essential for creating meaningful events, offering specific recommendations on their practical implementation.

Matthias Schultze, Managing Director of the GCB, envisions a future for business events teeming with potential, propelled by advancements in AI and sustainable practices. He emphasizes the contribution of the German business event community in elevating the industry to new heights on the international stage.

Presented by lead research partners GCB and Fraunhofer IAO, the FMS 2023 research identified five pivotal event categories: “Knowledge Gain,” “Community Building,” “Bridging Gaps,” “Providing Inspiration,” and “Emotional Experiences.” These categories define fundamental event objectives, allowing organizers to tailor their goals. The study also assesses numerous event elements within these categories, offering practical guidance for organizing and executing meaningful events.

During the live-streamed event from the “memox” meeting space in Frankfurt on January 22, expert guests Zoe Nogai and Tanja Bauer-Glück shared insights and perspectives on the practical implications of the research findings, adding depth to the presentation.

Looking ahead to the 2024 research phase, themed “Emerging Opportunities, Persisting Classics, Fading Models: Business Events in a Transformative Era,” FMS remains committed to exploring the transformation of business events. The GCB and Fraunhofer IAO, alongside their partners, aim to identify the processes, products, and services in the business events ecosystem that will endure, disappear, or emerge anew. This forward-looking research seeks to empower stakeholders along the customer journey with early insights, facilitating well-informed, data-driven decisions for organizers and event service providers alike.

« Back to Page

• New York City Tourism + Conventions Hosts the 9th Global Meetings Industry Day

• German Convention Bureau 2024: Pioneering Innovation and Sustainability in Germany Business Events Landscape

• Ottawa Tourism pairs major association congresses with premier sporting events to enhance its offerings

• MyCEB and ACMAR Marketing Xiamen Forge New Partnership to Boost Malaysia’s Business Events Sector

• Meetings Africa 2024: Shaping the Future of African Business Events