5 Trends That Will Define the Future of In-Person Events

This content was created collaboratively by Travel Portland and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

Many of us have a newfound deeper appreciation for the role that in-person events play in our ability to learn, connect, and grow, following almost three years of online meetings and remote work.

However, the drive to meet responsibly has never been more urgent and as such planners have to answer for the impact their events will have on the environment, the local community, and the organizing body’s wider reputation — all while balancing rising costs. Event organizers have to be cognizant of both the values they want to perpetuate and the value for money their budgets demand.

As event planners return to the site selection process, a destination that can deliver the complete package is more important than ever. One city that is blazing the trail for the next generation of face-to-face gatherings is Portland.

This report, brought to you by Skift Meetings and Travel Portland, will equip you with the latest industry best practices as you look ahead to finding the right place for your next event. It highlights some of the most important trends that should guide your RFP process while also showcasing how Portland can help you plant the seed for the ultimate attendee experience. These trends include:

• The critical role of sustainability
• Solutions that drive better value for money
• The importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in destination selection
• Improvements to the travel experience, both getting to and around the destination
• A new emphasis on activities and attractions beyond the convention center

Eligible for CMP Credit

This report qualifies for 1 credit under the Strategic Planning category.