Rob Almond, CEO of NEST, a pioneer of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) in North America, has highlighted the thriving nature of the in-person B2B conference industry. Recent studies have shown significant growth in registration, attendance, revenue, and participant satisfaction for B2B conferences. This demonstrates the continued importance of in-person networking and collaboration in professional settings.
Almond notes that while large-scale conferences remain popular and successful, there is a growing trend towards hosting smaller, more intimate events to complement these larger gatherings. NEST has experienced the benefits of hosting invite-only summits, where deeper connections with team members, partners, and industry leaders can be forged. This collaborative environment enhances the overall experience for attendees and fosters innovation within the industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, Almond identifies four key trends to consider when evaluating the organization of smaller, more intimate events. These trends include focusing on career growth and promotion through personalized learning experiences and mentorship opportunities. Smaller events can provide more targeted and practical learning opportunities that can be immediately applied to professional challenges.
Furthermore, Almond emphasizes the power of collaboration and networking in smaller event settings. While large conferences offer a vast network, intimate gatherings allow for deeper and more meaningful connections that can lead to long-lasting collaborations and partnerships. By creating a focused and intentional experience for attendees, event organizers can enhance the networking opportunities within their events.
Almond also discusses the use of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing content delivery and networking at B2B conferences. Utilizing AI for deep audience analysis can help personalize agendas and recommend sessions that align with individual interests. Dynamic adjustment of event content based on real-time feedback can also increase overall satisfaction and engagement among attendees.
Finally, Almond stresses the importance of delivering value to attendees at smaller events. By focusing on offering unique experiences, exclusive access to thought leaders, and interactive sessions, event organizers can ensure that participants derive maximum value from their attendance. Prioritizing quality and relevance over scale can lead to increased loyalty and engagement with the event brand.
In conclusion, Almond believes that both large-scale events and smaller, intimate gatherings will continue to play critical roles in the future of industry conferences. By understanding and integrating these trends, businesses can empower their teams to stay at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. The Forbes Business Council, of which Almond is a member, serves as a growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders looking to drive success in their industries.
