Meetings Mean Business Report Indicates Executives Find Value in Face-to-face
January 28, 2016
Not only do business leaders say in-person meetings are beneficial to operations, according to a new survey released by the national coalition Meetings Mean Business, but also face-to-face is critical to career development.
As a result, corporate leaders are making in-person meetings a financial priority and report increasing investment in face-to-face meetings in 2016.
“The survey looks at how face-to-face meetings help drive top-line growth and bottom line results for the business community, said Richard Harper, executive vice president at HelmsBriscoe and co-chair of Meetings Mean Business.
He added, “The results show that face-to-face continues to be a platform that provides value to the business community.”
The survey indicated that in-person meetings are beneficial to several aspects of business operations, including the ability to close deals, engage a team and develop professionally.
Executives who were surveyed reported that meetings improve their ability to network, grow professional and grow their company’s bottom line.
Four in five surveyed believe they have attended an in-person meeting, conference or event that would not have yielded the same success as one conducted remotely.
The survey also found that meetings enable successful and meaningful connections. The majority of executives agree that team engagement, collaboration, professional development and productivity are improved by participation in in-person meetings, conferences and events.
“In-person meetings are a priority investment for executive leaders, with 92 percent planning to invest as much if not more in 2016 as they did last year,” said Michael Dominguez, senior vice president and chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International and co-chair of Meetings Mean Business.
He added, “Business executives clearly understand the value of bringing people together in-person to achieve positive outcomes whether it’s for adding value to the bottom line, engaging their employees or growing their own careers.”
Here is what executives who were surveyed said more specifically about the value of in-person meetings:
· Nine in 10 executives say meetings improve their ability to close deals (93 percent), network (90 percent) and grow professionally (88 percent).
· Eighty-nine percent of executives agree that new business opportunities (86 percent), workforce engagement (80 percent), training (73 percent) and staying up-to-date on industry trends (62 percent) are best accomplished face-to-face.
· Ninety-seven percent find that meetings deliver a return on investment
· Eighty-six percent of executives believe that face-to-face meetings help improve the bottom line.
To learn more about our key findings check out our results here.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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