The topic of millennials in the meetings industry has become somewhat exhausted in recent years.
While, yes, millennials recently outnumbered baby boomers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and they will be 75 percent of the workforce by 2025, according to a Brookings Institution report, that doesn’t mean that everything about meetings as we know them will change. Here are four myths about millennial meeting attendees that meeting planners should stay clear of when planning for this youthful generation.
They Don’t Like Face-to-Face Meetings
Millennials actually see face-to-face meetings as a means to advance their careers. Networking gives them a competitive advantage, while industry-specific education helps them remain informed.
They Only Want to Meet in Party Destinations
It’s true that millennials like destinations that offer an authentic experience they can explore; however, that doesn’t necessarily equal nightlife. Several millennials seek adventure, whether that’s traveling to bucket-list destinations such as South Africa or to nature-oriented places such as Denver or Seattle.
Staying Connected Is Their No. 1 Priority
Yes, millennials are the most-connected generation, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want time to escape the realities of the world. Digital detox retreats and wellness-focused meetings continue to gain in popularity among this age group.
Airbnb Is Their Top Lodging Preference
Millennials tend to be generalized as being budget conscious and looking for cheaper stay options when traveling for meetings. However, just like most business travelers, millennials tend to choose their lodging based on their specific needs and what makes the most sense logistically.
