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oneworld Relaunches Meetings & Events Tool

In a significant move for international business travel, oneworld® has reintroduced its Meetings & Events product, aimed at simplifying the organization of global events. This relaunch follows a new study that highlights the future of international gatherings, demonstrating the ongoing importance of in-person events despite the rise of virtual interactions.

The recent report, produced in partnership with travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender, identifies seven key trends that are set to reshape international meetings by 2030. Roger Blackburn, VP of Business and Loyalty at oneworld, emphasized at IMEX Las Vegas that even in a digitally driven world, in-person interactions continue to provide invaluable networking opportunities, fostering relationships and ideas that are hard to replicate online.

Enhanced Offerings for Event Organizers

oneworld Meetings & Events is tailored for groups with a minimum of 50 delegates traveling independently to a shared destination. Event organizers can now share a dedicated booking link with participants, who can choose their own flights from various starting points based on personal schedules. This flexibility is designed to enhance convenience, making it easier for organizations to gather people for significant occasions.

With discounted fares available through the alliance's 15 member airlines, participants can connect to a vast global network that services nearly 1,000 destinations. As event organizers navigate the complexities of today's meeting landscape, the tool is intended to facilitate smoother planning and execution of events that engage attendees meaningfully.

Predictions for the Future of Gatherings

The Globetrender report highlights seven trends transforming international events:
1. Human Premium: As AI makes information more accessible, face-to-face interactions become a crucial business asset.
2. ROI of Presence: Rising travel costs compel organizers to demonstrate the tangible returns of physical attendance, with meaningful outcomes taking precedence over gathering sizes.
3. Experience-First Events: Conferences are shifting toward immersive experiences, drawing inspiration from festivals and entertainment to engage audiences actively.
4. Destination as Content: The host city emerges as an attraction, influencing attendance through local experiences that add value to the journey.
5. Geocompression: Long-haul flights, extended airline networks, and geopolitical factors are reshaping viable event destinations.
6. Loyalty Ecosystems: Collaborations between airlines and hotels foster connected travel experiences, offering rewards extending beyond the flight.
7. Meet Me Trackside: Airports and their surrounding hotels are becoming full-fledged destinations in their own right.

As stated by Jenny Southan, CEO of Globetrender, "We are entering a new golden age of gatherings." The shift indicates that individuals are becoming more selective about travel destinations, networking opportunities, and the anticipated rewards of their participation. To succeed by 2030, events must provide compelling reasons for attendees to journey, alongside unique takeaways to bring home.

oneworld Meetings & Events caters to an extensive range of gatherings, from corporate meetings and industry conferences to international association congresses, religious events, and large private celebrations. For more details on how to leverage this innovative tool, visit oneworld.com.

About oneworld

The oneworld alliance consists of 15 world-renowned airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas, collectively servicing close to 1,000 destinations worldwide. These airlines collaborate to ensure a consistently exceptional travel experience, providing special perks and privileges for frequent travelers, such as earning and redeeming miles across the alliance, airport lounge access, priority check-in, and additional luggage allowances. To learn more, follow oneworld on social media or visit their website.