PCMA Education Foundation Unveils What Matters to Millennials
July 1, 2012
A new report commissioned by the Professional Convention Management Association’s Education Foundation takes a look into meetings, events and conventions from the perspective of the Millennial generation to identify key motivations and challenges in engaging this emerging audience.
“What the Millennial Generation Prefers in Their Meetings, Conventions and Events” reportis based on the findings of the largest survey conducted of its kind, according to PCMA officials.
More than 2,000 respondents ages 18-30 participated in the study, which was led by a team of hospitality and human sciences experts.
The experts included George Fenich, Ph.D., East Carolina University; Sheila Scott-Halsell, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University; and Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, Ph.D., University of Arkansas.
The findings revealed that face-to-face communication remains the most effective method for reaching Millennials.
However, the results indicate that planners must part ways with traditional meeting formats to truly engage this demographic.
"It is imperative to discontinue programs of straight lecture or basic PowerPoint presentations to satisfy an emerging generation of attendees," the research team said. "If you motivate the Millennial with an inspiring and fun event, they will come."
The report examines how Millennials define "inspiring and fun" and why they choose to attend – or stay home – from meetings and events.
By dividing this demographic into further subsets based on age (18 – 20, 21 – 24, and 25 – 30), the research team offers additional insights into internal differences between younger and older Millennials' expectations, needs and thoughts on technology.
Here are just a few of the selected key takeways from the report:
86 percent of respondents indicated that career networking is one of the primary drivers for participating in meetings, events and conventions
93 percent of respondents want education with entertainment
86 percent of respondents want structured meetings and conferences
More than 50 percent of respondents do NOT prefer LinkedIn, Twitter or blogs for communication
Less than 50 percent of respondents like lectures
Please click HERE to access the full “What the Millennial Generation Prefers in Their Meetings, Conventions and Events” report.
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.
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