Source: etc.venues; Published by: Exhibit City News staff
Strong indications that in-person meetings are returning to New York City come from etc.venues, a leader in non-residential meetings and events in New York City and the UK, which is seeing a surprisingly strong increase in inquiries from meeting planners for its two New York City locations.
“There’s been a dramatic acceleration in interest with value of inquiries up 120 percent month over month from November to February,” says Garrett Ronan, etc.venues’ U.S. Chief Operating Officer. “The confidence to plan meetings has returned. Short term is even more impressive with a 30 percent month over month increase in the number of meeting inquiries and a further 15 percent increase in value of meeting inquiries from February to March. We also have clients who have recently held events and are already asking for additional dates in 2022. We are hearing time and time again just how much attendees value meeting face-to-face again.”
He adds, “Clients are also ready to confirm bookings quickly with most turning contracts around in under five days. This shows a strong signal that the New York events industry is making a speedy recovery.”
“There is a strong demand for in-person meetings and events in New York, and our bookings certainly reflect that,” said Alan Steel, president and CEO of the Javits Center. “With our recent expansion, we are seeing significant interest in new corporate events, while our largest tradeshows and conventions are returning with a renewed sense of excitement and energy. With 95 percent of adult New Yorkers vaccinated, it is a perfect time to come together again and share ideas that can move our economy forward.”
The meetings industry is a vital part of the economy in New York City. In 2019, the meetings, incentives, conference and events sector brought 6.2 million visitors to New York City. Business travelers spend a combined $6.5 million over their stays, resulting in total economic impact of $13 billion (according to NYC & Company).
“It’s great to see the return of face-to-face meetings and events in New York City, as evidenced by many of our members, including etc.venues, seeing an uptick in their demand. NYC is a place where business gets done and groups that meet here have the added appeal of getting together in one of the world’s most diverse, vibrant and welcoming destinations,” says NYC & Company president and CEO Fred Dixon.
“Confidence for meetings and events across New York venues is recovering faster then expected,” concludes Garrett Ronan. “We are pleased to see our two new venues in this market at 601 Lexington and 360 Madison reaching their potential.”
