oneworld Revamps Meetings & Events Tool to Enhance Global Event Planning Experience

Enhancing Event Planning: oneworld's New Initiative for Global Gatherings

In a significant move to simplify the organization of international events, oneworld has announced the relaunch of its specialized Meetings & Events product. This updated tool is aimed at aiding event planners in navigating the complexities of arranging travel for global gatherings, all while providing access to preferential fare products across the alliance's 15 member airlines, making it easier for delegates to reach nearly a thousand destinations worldwide.

The announcement aligns with the unveiling of a trend report in collaboration with the travel forecasting agency, Globetrender. This report delves into the evolving landscape of international gatherings, pinpointing seven transformative trends anticipated to reshape the meetings and events sector leading up to 2030.

The Enduring Value of In-Person Connection

Despite the rapid acceleration of digital technologies, research indicates that in-person meetings retain significant value, fostering connections, ideas, and opportunities that virtual formats struggle to replicate. Roger Blackburn, vice president of Commercial and Loyalty at oneworld, highlighted this sentiment at the IMEX trade show in Las Vegas, stating, "As the Globetrender report emphasizes, large meetings worldwide are not only enduring but are gaining prominence. The relaunch of oneworld Meetings & Events is designed to facilitate these crucial opportunities for connection."

The oneworld Meetings & Events tool targets groups of a minimum of 50 attendees, enabling streamlined travel arrangements. Event organizers receive a dedicated booking link that can be disseminated directly to participants or integrated into event websites. Delegates have the freedom to customize their travel plans according to their individual schedules, ensuring flexibility and convenience.

Seven Trends Shaping Future Gatherings

The Globetrender report outlines seven key trends that will influence the meetings and events industry from 2027 to 2030:

1. The Human Premium: As artificial intelligence makes information readily accessible, face-to-face interactions become a valuable professional asset.
2. The ROI of Presence: Rising travel costs compel organizers to showcase the tangible benefits of attending events in person, shifting focus to meaningful outcomes over mere attendance numbers.
3. Experience-First Events: Conferences are increasingly adopting elements from festivals and immersive experiences, transforming passive attendees into engaged participants.
4. Destination as Content: The host city now plays a vital role, with local attractions heavily influencing attendees' decisions to participate.
5. Geo-compression: The expansion of airline networks and geopolitical factors are redefining which cities are appealing as event locations.
6. Loyalty Ecosystems: Collaborations between airlines and hotels are enhancing travel experiences, offering rewards that extend beyond mere flights.
7. Meet Me Airside: Airports and nearby hotels are emerging as popular venues for meetings themselves, signaling a shift in traditional event spaces.

According to Jenny Southan, CEO of Globetrender, we are entering a new era of gatherings where increased scrutiny on attendance costs is leading attendees to be more discerning regarding their travel decisions. This shift requires events to provide a compelling reason for the journey and ensure participants leave with extraordinary experiences.

Broad Application for Diverse Events

The revamped oneworld Meetings & Events is designed to cater to a vast array of gatherings, from corporate meetings and industry conferences to international conventions and private celebrations. As such, it aims to support the varied needs of people and organizations coming together from different corners of the globe.

For further details and inquiries regarding the oneworld Meetings & Events, interested parties can visit the oneworld website. The comprehensive Globetrender report is also accessible through the platform, providing deeper insights into the future of global meetings and events.

In conclusion, with its newly launched product, oneworld is not just simplifying event travel arrangements; it’s actively enhancing the overall experience of global gatherings, making them more meaningful and impactful in an increasingly interconnected world.