The digital age has not lessened the importance of face-to-face interactions, according to feedback from the recent Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM 2013) held in Chicago.
“Feedback from our attendees suggests that in a ‘kinship economy,’ face-to face meetings that facilitate familiarity, comfort and trust continue to be one of the most important factors in business success and growth,” said Michael Lyons, exhibition director, AIBTM.
Eighty-five percent of those surveyed during AIBTM 2013 reported face-to-face meetings with suppliers were important prior to doing business, furthering the keynote address’ message that face-to-face connections still are ruling, even in a digital age.
Additionally, 84 percent of respondents noted that exhibitions and tradeshows have the same or more value to C-suite executives compared to last year, and 85 percent expressed that large internal meetings provided the same or more value. These findings are useful in determining the ongoing and future perceived value of conducting meetings in general.
The survey also showed that 52 percent of participants prefer external classroom sessions for workforce education and training return on investment vs. internal sessions, e-learning or self-help.
“AIBTM was a fantastic opportunity to survey the latest technology products and services and to catch up with venues and locations that my clients are thinking of using,” said Fran Rickenbach of Management Excellence. “I particularly appreciated the opportunity for longer, more in-depth conversations. I accomplished all my goals for this event.”
In accordance with AIBTM 2013’s show theme, “Defining the Future of Meetings … Together,” event organizers surveyed attendees during the June 11 “Education Day” sessions in Chicago.
