Last year’s selection of influencers by Kongres Magazine marked the eighth year of the distinguished project. The selected influencers are trailblazers in their respective fields and help co-create the regional meetings industry. Kongres Magazine’s selection is, in a way, an overview of who is who in the industry.
Q1: Live meetings are coming back. What is your take on the current situation, and what is your prediction for this year?
Live communication events are part of our learned form of individual engagement and experiences. So, whatever form of disruption has been or is still to come, live encounters and formats are here to stay, once and for all.
The rest of 2022 will still be a bit volatile, as the mass media & public opinion still carries some weight in our industry’s decision-making. By 2023, there can be only one way, that is forward, into the NEXT normal of our LiveCom world.
Q2: How do you see the future of digital, hybrid and metaverse events?
Honestly, I am getting really tired of the ongoing discussions about those “buzzwords”. We should finally stop talking about all the different event formats or channels and rather re-focus on purpose – an event’s content outcome. Having answered the WHY question first, we can see about the HOW and the WHAT, including using the fitting event formats and channels.
Q3: We are living in uncertain times; in the past two years, we have learned how to cope with a crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus, and we have found ourselves amid a war recently. How do you face such crisis situations?
By combining common sense and a positive attitude. In addition, seeing opportunities rather than challenges in such situations, thus moving forward.
Q4: What does the future bring for the meetings industry in the next decade? Which challenges should we address immediately?
A lot of opportunities, if we will be able to see and want to recognise them. Rather than fighting challenges, let’s create and focus on opportunities.
Q5: How do you keep up with the changes transforming the business world, particularly in event organising? What is your advice for our readers?
Stay curious and remain willing to learn, but not everything “new & hot” is automatically important. Again, use your common sense.
“Treating sustainability or climate change as fashionable buzzwords in the definition of our live communication events does not help.”
Q6: Will corporate social responsibility continue to be discussed as a priority at events instead of topical issues, such as climate change or organising events sustainably?
All three topics play an important role in the development of our societies at large. But to treat them as “fashionable buzzwords” in the definition of our live communication events does not help. It falls into the same category as mentioned before in Q2. If you know your WHY, you also know how to integrate those topics into your event.
Q7: Which trend inspires you the most, and where do you see immense potential for event organisers?
It is not a trend but a fact: the importance and power of the LiveCom industry.
Q8: What perils do new technologies adopted during the corona crisis hide?
The created „myth“ that new technologies make professional live communication events less costly and easier to organise.
Q9: What should the meetings industry do to attract talented individuals among its ranks?
Stop defining the LiveCom industry as operational jobs and start to showcase its creative power instead.
Q10: Have you noticed that work within the industry is not as desired among the younger generations? What could be the reason behind a significant shortage of staff?
The next generation’s definition of their life/work balance is a general fact and challenge, not only happening in our LiveCom industry.
Q11: What is your recommendation for young colleagues starting their professional path?
Stay curious, remain willing to learn, and keep doing what you like.
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