IACC Report: Making Large Meetings Feel Personal
Jul 2, 2026, 11:32 AM
Meeting News Northwest
Originally published on Meeting News Northwest.
Venues are often evaluated on metrics. After all, there are many to consider: square footage, room layouts and audiovisual capabilities, just to name a few. While those fundamentals still matter, a new report from the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) shows the industry’s priorities are shifting. The modern attendee is looking for something more meaningful, for an experience.
Experience Over Everything
Drawing on insights from more than 200 meeting planners across North America and Europe, IACC’s 2025 Meeting Room of the Future report found that the attendee’s experience is becoming the key measure of a successful event. Location and ease of travel remain on the top of the list of priorities when selecting a venue, followed closely by food and beverage offerings, flexible meeting spaces and networking areas designed to encourage interaction.
The shift to note: The meeting room itself is no longer the star of the show. Instead, it’s part of a broader experience as meeting planners look to foster connection, collaboration and lasting memories.
One Size No Longer Fits All
The report also points to growing personalization as planners adapt to changing attendee expectations. According to the report, approximately 7 in 10 planners say they’re incorporating more technology to engage younger audiences, while a similar number are shortening presentations and adding more collaborative formats. Beyond the agenda, spaces with flexible room configurations that support both structured sessions and spontaneous conversations are becoming essential rather than optional.
A New Standard for Meetings
We know technology is evolving, even in meetings—the takeaway isn’t about technology. According to this report, it’s a mindset shift to the attendees. Venues are increasingly expected to create environments where attendees feel engaged, comfortable and connected. As organizations continue investing in face-to-face events, the venues and destinations that succeed will be those that tailor the experience to the people in the room, recognizing that personalization has become one of the industry’s most valuable amenities.
Find the full report at iacconline.org/iacc-meeting-room-of-the-future.
