Latest Global DMC Partners Survey Finds Hybrid Format Most Popular Choice for 2021
November 23, 2020
Nearly three-quarters of the meeting professionals surveyed in the most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners (GDP) expect their events to be held in a virtual or hybrid format in 2021. The surveyed planners also see having a coronavirus vaccine in place as the most important factor in bringing back face-to-face events.
Conducted Sept. 14-30, the Q3 survey polled 447 people in the meetings and events industry including third-party/independent planners and those from the pharmaceutical industry, associations, technology, finance, insurance and law.
More than 90 percent of those surveyed indicated that some or all of their 2020 events have been postponed, with 72 percent indicating they expected to move their face-to-face events to virtual or hybrid in 2021. Even those respondents that thought their events might return to a face-to-face format next year said they planned to include a virtual option, making the hybrid model a popular choice.
In terms of what it will take to bring face-to-face events back, 82 percent of the respondents indicated that a vaccine was the most important factor and that financial and budget constraints, and safety and security issues, were among their top concerns.
“While the majority of the industry feels that a COVID-19 vaccine is the key to being able to resume hosting in-person events and meetings, there are a lot of health protocols that can be put into place to ensure a safe, successful event in the meantime,” said Catherine Chaulet, president and CEO of Global DMC Partners.
According to those surveyed, many companies are still not allowing employees to freely travel for business, with 47 percent of U.S. companies and 40 percent of non-U.S. companies not allowing travel. Some — 16-18 percent — indicated that their C-level executives and other select personnel were traveling, with 55 percent stating they believed their companies would start to allow employee travel in Q1 or Q2 of 2021.
More than half of those surveyed also thought that their companies and/or clients will host in-person meetings in the first half of 2021, providing that travel markets are open, flights are available and health protocols are in place.
“Once travel resumes more broadly, I am confident that we can tackle any new challenges as an industry to resume hosting and attending in-person meetings and incentive programs,” said Chaulet. “I look forward to the innovative solutions and creative approaches that planners around the world will no doubt implement as we fully rebound.”
To see the full results of GDP’s Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, go here.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment