Future looks rosy at Global DMC Partners' annual Connection in Mexico
Steeply rising prices, shorter lead times, staff shortages, increasing use of AI and a shocking lack of females in leadership roles were identified as the main issues facing the industry at the Global DMC Partners annual Connection held in Punta de Mita, Mexico.
But with greater than expected resilience in markets around the world, inflation and energy prices falling, the future for events looks rosy .
Attracting nearly 200 industry professionals to the stylish beachside Conrad Punta de Mita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, this year’s Connection was impressively collaborative with a strong programme seeking to educate, support and encourage learning from each other’s industry experience.
With workshops, learning hubs, excellent networking events and tours, there was a strong focus on sharing best practices and meeting others who can help with career enhancement.
Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet’s opening session, Decoding 2024 Global Business and Travel Trends, was packed full of fascinating information. And despite a focus on the significant challenges – notably DMCs reporting 30 per cent price increases across airfares, accommodation and staffing – her report was upbeat. It’s a “pretty picture”, she said. With economies strong, inflation and energy prices falling, she said: “It’s a good news story.”
However, with airlines estimating enormous growth, costs are high with prices likely to increase. An ongoing shortage of staff and rising labour costs are adding to availability issues and AV prices are very high. So despite budgets rising by 5-10 per cent compared to 2019, there’s huge pressure on planners and DMCs, who are constantly looking to add more wow on a limited budget.
Ever shorter lead times are another added pressure with, Chaulet said, some clients only providing two weeks. The data shows the lead time for 71.4 per cent of small programmes is between 0-3 months and only 7.1 per cent of large programmes are booked two or more years ahead.
Many of these issues are of course perennial challenges for the industry. And it’s clear that trust and transparency between clients and suppliers is, as ever, key.
Shocking figures on women working in the industry, who account for 77 per cent of the workforce compared to 42 per cent overall, illustrate all too clearly how tough it is to rise to the top. Just 16 per cent of females are in leadership roles in events compared to 32 per cent overall. This is clearly an area that needs attention, particularly if the industry wants to continue to attract the best and the brightest in the future.
Focus on wellness continues
Another recent trend is a desire for wellness within programmes, with younger generations in particular seeking time to focus on themselves, more flexibility and free time within programmes and a focus on healthy options such as yoga and running. Often eschewing alcohol, it may be time to rethink networking events to include more fun, games and competition. Much of this is an opportunity, of course, for squeezed budgets.
In one workshop entitled ‘Engaging the attendee’, many agreed that there’s been a big change post-pandemic and most of it hinges around shorter attention spans while delegates are now more focused on the topic of the event. Late registration is an increasing problem with participants sharing tips on setting up a campaign of reminders, early bird discounts and bonus sessions.
Anastasia Pierron, from Jhpiego, a non-profit supporting public health, said: “The hybrid component is now standard post-Covid for international events. Live streams are expected. But costs are now coming down as changes in the tech world are helping. Where interpretation is still very expensive, there’s a huge cost-saving in using interpreters remotely and not having to fly them in. Costs of tech have plateaued.”
But F&B prices are also shockingly high with one UK-based event planner who organises events regularly in the US saying her hotel breakfast there now costs $86.
Punta Mita
Flying into Puerta Vallarta from the UK is a long trip. We flew around 10 hours to Dallas and then nearly three hours on from there to arrive in this Mexican resort. It’s then another 40 minutes on to Punta Mita. Gaining popularity with the American market, this Pacific coastline looks set to continue to develop. And there’s much to appeal to international events.
When we were there in June, there had been no rain for six months so it appeared as dry and dusty as you’d expect. I was told November and March are the ideal months to enjoy this tropical, jungle area in its full beauty. But the coast is stunning and I was totally bewitched by the wildlife – coati, frigatebirds and the magnificent pelicans that fly in spell-binding formations.
The resort hotels are fabulous, although require a healthy budget, and the beach parties laid on by the Conrad and the W were spectacular with fire acts, great bands and dancing. Mexican food is, of course, highly regarded and the food we were served was delicious but the vegetarians among us weren’t well catered for.
A particularly memorable evening was held at Vista Paraiso Ranch, a stunning venue ideal for large groups. We were treated to impressive shows of horseman and womanship and a fantastic Mariachi band.
Optional activities thoroughly enjoyed by participants included zip-lines, horse-riding, paddle boarding and a catamaran cruise. One group helped to paint a local school. Tours to the local surfing village of Sayulita, described as the ‘crown jewel’ of the Riviera Nayarit, were popular. While interesting, I found it a little under-whelming. The beach was heaving and looked great fun but the shops were pricey and the village is small. Our guide told us that a government initiative in 2000 to promote Mexico’s Magical Towns has become something of a victim of its own success. With the arrival of influencers and celebs, the towns included for their exceptional culture or history had in many cases lost their authenticity as a result.
That said, I suspect it is a magical place to spend a day out on the waves and lose a night sipping the local beer and ice-cold margaritas.
Global DMC Partners
Global DMC Partners is the largest worldwide network of independent destination management companies (DMCs) and specialist event service providers. It can offer one-stop event solutions in 500 destinations.
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