RICHMOND, VA—Kindred Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent hotels and resorts focused on the group and meetings market in North America, has unveiled findings from its survey on 2018 meeting trends. This data is based on a survey distributed among its 63 properties located throughout the United States in locations ranging from Hawaii to Florida.
Kindred Resorts & Hotels’ survey reported that just over 40% of the properties met their 2017 projected revenue for group business, a decline of nearly 20% compared to the previous year. A variety of factors—including delayed bookings due to the 2016 election as well as natural disasters in the Southeast—contributed to the decline. However, more than 70% of Kindred properties report an expected increase in group business for 2018.
With regard to 2018, the survey found that the traditional coffee break will go untraditional, according to Kindred properties. Groups will want to embrace health and wellness by getting outdoors and partaking in activities instead of simply pausing in between sessions to check email over a cup of coffee. Meeting planners are looking for and finding a variety of ways to keep attendees engaged during breaks. According to the survey, groups are booking diverse activities, such as forest bathing, archery, animal interactions, nutritional workshops, meditation sessions, various types of yoga, and even oxygen breaks.
Another nascent trend expected to grow in 2018 is that meetings and conferences will become more retreat-like and transformative. Instead of the traditional full day of meetings, planners are expected to add longer breaks and more free time to the itineraries.
According to Kindred Resorts & Hotels’ survey, classroom-style and boardroom meetings will be on the decline. Outdoor meetings will be in demand; cottages, barns, pool decks, restaurants and common areas are expected to be booked, giving meeting attendees a different perspective and backdrop.
Paper will be replaced by technology even more in 2018, according to the survey.
“At the majority of our properties, booked business is on the rise and 2018 is predicted to be a strong year,” said Bree Brostko, managing director of Kindred Resorts & Hotels. “The way people want to meet is changing, which provides exciting opportunities for our properties and their clients. Being healthy, connecting with colleagues in a meaningful way and in a distinct setting, are all going to be important facets of the meeting and event experience in the next year.”