oneworld Introduces New Meetings and Events Tool for Global Gatherings

Relaunching Global Event Connectivity

oneworld® has recently unveiled a revamped Meetings & Events product aimed at easing the complexities of international event travel. Designed specifically for event planners, this tool offers access to preferential fare products from oneworld's alliance of 15 member airlines. This extensive network connects delegates to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide, making logistical arrangements more efficient and streamlined.

The relaunch coincides with the release of a new report from Globetrender, a travel trend forecasting agency, which identifies seven key trends likely to redefine international gatherings between 2027 and 2030. Roger Blackburn, oneworld's vice president of Commercial and Loyalty, demonstrated the importance of physical meetings even in an increasingly digital landscape, emphasizing that the best events foster relationships and ideas that virtual interactions often can't replicate.

These insights were shared during the IMEX event in Las Vegas, where Blackburn asserted, "Even in an increasingly digital world, research shows the enduring value of connecting in person, and that the best events create relationships, ideas, and opportunities that are difficult to replicate virtually."

Key Features of the Meetings & Events Tool

The updated oneworld Meetings & Events platform is tailored for groups of at least 50 delegates traveling to a common destination. Each event organizer receives a dedicated booking link that can easily be shared with attendees, or integrated into an event's website. Each delegate is empowered to arrange their own flights, selecting the journeys that work best with their personal schedules. This flexibility enhances the overall experience for all participants, allowing them to better customize their travel plans.

Seven Trends Shaping the Future of Events

According to the Globetrender report, several important trends will impact the meetings and events sector:

1. The Human Premium: As AI technology continues to proliferate, the value of in-person connections will significantly rise, becoming a more important currency in the professional world.
2. The ROI of Presence: With increasing travel costs, event organizers will need to demonstrate the tangible benefits of attending in person, making meaningful outcomes more crucial than sheer attendance numbers.
3. Experience-First Events: Event formats will start to borrow ideas from festivals and immersive entertainment, converting traditional passive listeners into active participants.
4. Destination as Content: The appeal of the host city will grow, with attendees increasingly influenced by local experiences when deciding whether to attend.
5. Geo-Compression: New airline routes and a shifting geopolitical landscape are expanding the range of viable event destinations, even for ultra-long-haul flights.
6. Loyalty Ecosystems: Integrations between airlines and hotels are enhancing travel experiences, creating perks that extend beyond just the flights themselves.
7. Meet Me Airside: Airports and their surrounding hotels are emerging as increasingly popular venues for meetings, making them destinations in their own right.

Jenny Southan, CEO of Globetrender, highlighted the changing dynamics of event attendance. She explained, "As information becomes abundant and communication becomes effortless, the value of being physically present is increasing. However, the economics of attendance are changing. People are becoming more selective about where they travel, who they meet and what they expect to gain from the experience."

The report indicates that by 2030, successful events will hinge on creating compelling reasons for attendees to travel and offering extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression.

A Broad Range of Uses

oneworld Meetings & Events caters to a diverse array of gatherings, including corporate meetings, industry conferences, international association conventions, religious gatherings, and large private celebrations. To learn more about the Meetings & Events product or to inquire about a specific event, potential users are encouraged to visit the official oneworld website.

By facilitating easier event coordination, oneworld reinforces its commitment to enhancing collective connectivity, promoting interaction and collaboration on a global scale.

For more information and to download the complete Globetrender report, visit oneworld.com.