Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | March 21, 2022 | Worcester Business Journal 17 Mechanics Hall Experts at hosting your special event! Call to inquire! Mechanics Hall • 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 508-752-5608 • events@mechanicshall.org Built in 1857 • National Register of Historic Places Celebrating 165 Years! G O L F & M E E T I N G S G U I D E F O C U S and other team members at the facility predict a normalization of this business segment in the next year, noting atten- dance numbers have fallen a bit lower than client expectations. "However, there is confidence in the industry that we will be seeing an increase in this, as more people are becoming required to meet in person and travel again by their companies and organizations," O'Brien said. "Many are placing value on education and training for their employees." Moughan said the expo and trade- show sectors bring their own compli- cations beyond simple health concerns, with organizers needing year or more to solicit vendors and plan dates not con- flicting with other industry trade shows. "I feel great about 2022," said Court- ney Maleakas, director of catering with AC Hotel. Maleakas' facility was in a unique situation, as the hotel was open for a year and a half and beginning to make a name for itself when COVID hit, and it was forced to close. Once able to do outdoor events, the staff held some tented events to help build its reputation and generate revenue. Now, she said, business seems almost back to normal. Companies prefer more short-term planning, though the hotel does have some events set for 2024. Some great signs of hope, said Me- leakas: e Jewish Community Center Homecoming Gala in March, an event rescheduled for the past few years, with 150 attendees; the Why Me's You Gotta Have Heart premier dinner in April; and a Shine Initiative event in May. In April, DCU welcomes back one of its largest corporate events: e New England Water Works Association expo, with more than 3,000 attendees. All will need hotel rooms and restaurants. e event has been at the Worcester venue for decades, said Moughan. Heritage organization Historic New England plans its annual conference at Mechanics Hall this fall, aer a time that has been one for the history books. Conferences making a comeback How many business conferences will your employees attend in 2022 when compared to 2019? The world of industry conferences and offsite business meetings got turned on its head over the last two years. Conferences and meetings were initially largely prevented from happening, due to coronavirus restrictions, with many switching to virtual events. The return to in-person events is increasing, and with that increase comes significant travel costs. When polled online, the majority of WBJ readers said their employees are attending as many or more conferences than they were pre-pandemic. F L AS H P O L L The same number as pre- pandemic 37% Fewer conferences 38% More conferences 17% 8% Perhaps none, as we still are only attending off-site meetings remotely. "The lack of live interaction has slowed business." - David Roberts COMMENTS: The year ahead A 2022 poll from the trade group Meetings Professionals International for its winter meetings outlook shows further improvement is expected in the conferences industry. 82% Respondents predicting favorable conditions over the next 12 months 60% Those who see Great Resignation continuing to impact the industry Over 50% Respondents who now or soon plan to require proof of vaccination for staff, contractors, and those who attend live events W

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