Forecasting the industry trends for the second half of 2016, Arthur Backal, CEO and Founder of Backal Management Group, says it is no surprise that technology is a main focus and the leading influence for top venues and event planners.
- Consolidated Tech – iPads Continue to Takeover– It’s hard to believe that it was only five years ago that Steve Jobs unveiled a slender tablet computer called the iPad. The iPad was just introduced when Apella first opened and was initially just used for photos at their events. Today, the world’s best-selling tablet, the iPad, has revolutionized the meetings and events industry.
- Technology Directors Join Sales Team – No longer an afterthought, technology is part of the initial conversation when planning events. Technology is as important as food and beverage and other selling points of an event venue. Increasingly, Apella’s Director of Technology is often taken along for the initial site visits with potential clients and is part of the sales and planning process.
- Giveback is Important – Companies look to encourage charitable giving with social media. By identifying a fund or organization to support, the event makes a positive impact. With events being publicized by attendees on social media, companies are more subject to transparency. This also plays a role in influencing corporations and event planners to incorporate a giveback portion.
- Connectivity Continues – Powerful Wi-Fi with the ability to connect many different devices is a must for parties, events and conferences of all sizes. Nearly everyone has a smart phone and meeting planners are incorporating them into the events they plan. They are increasingly being used as the business tools they are.
- Social Event Spending – Spending for social events including Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and other celebrations are on the rise, according to Apella’s bookings for 2016 and 2017.
- One-Stop Shops – Planners are asking Apella to handle all aspects of its meetings and events. From technology to food and beverage and entertainment, clients want to accomplish all goals with one phone call.
- High-tech and high-touch – With technology as the focus, hospitality often gets lost. Groupswill be looking for a venue that can master both state-of-the-art technology, as well as white glove hospitality, an element that never goes out of style. Backal knows a thing or two about white-glove hospitality, having spearheaded meetings and events at some of New York’s most renowned hotels and restaurants including The Pierre, The Plaza, Mandarin Oriental, Cipriani, St. Regis, Waldorf-Astoria and The Rainbow Room.
- Millennials in Our Midst – Today’s computer savvy generation is always connected and appreciates technological innovation and creativity. Multitaskers extraordinaire, they rely heavily on information and are strongly influenced by their peers. They want their answers now on the screens of their smartphones. It’s also where they want to be engaged with all their friends and colleagues.
- Comfort is King – The spaces outside the meeting room where guests can engage with each other is more of a focus than ever before and it should encourage social activity. Soft seating that facilitates interaction is a focus.
Backal has worked with some of New York’s most renowned hotels, including The Pierre and The Plaza. He spearheaded the re-opening of the St. Regis, overseeing food and beverage operations and serving as the director of catering. Since 2003, Backal has served as the consulting director of catering for the Mandarin Oriental’s New York flagship hotel and was named president of the Hospitality Division of Cipriani USA. His history of involvement with iconic New York venues is complemented by stints at The Waldorf-Astoria and The Rainbow Room.
Apella, Event Space at Alexandria Center for Life Science is a leader in innovative meeting and event spaces in New York City. Accommodating up to 300 guests and offering ten thoughtfully designed private rooms, Apella features sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Since its opening in 2010, Apella has been hosting the world’s greatest intellectual and creative minds for summits, conferences and events. Arthur Backal, CEO and Founder of Backal Management Group that manages all events at Apella and oversees the catering operation of the Mandarin Oriental New York, has worked with some of New York’s most renowned hotels including The Pierre and The Plaza, and he spearheaded the re-opening of the St. Regis, overseeing the food and beverage operations and serving as the director of catering.
