76 per cent still prefer ‘real’ meetings

MICE News
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
More than three in four Australian business travellers (76 per cent) consider face-to-face meetings the most effective way of running a successful business - and technology is considered a poor substitute, according to new research by hotel operator Toga Hospitality.

The survey, conducted by Galaxy Research, found despite advances in technology for conferencing services, only one in ten business travellers (11 per cent) find video conferencing superior to traditional face-to-face meetings and only eight per cent find conducting meetings by telephone more effective. The results also showed around half of all business travellers (49 per cent) conduct meetings in their hotels while away on business.


The new survey revealed many organisations believe they get the best value from investing time and money in sending employees interstate to engage with customers on a personal level. Despite the cutbacks associated with the 2009 global financial crisis (GFC), the average Australian business traveller embarked on up to five overnight trips in the last year. Four out of five of the Australian business travellers surveyed (82 per cent) said they had been away on business in the last six months.


“When it comes to business, ‘face-time’ is invaluable and helps reinforce the all-important relationships that propel businesses forward," said Rachel Argaman, chief executive Toga Hospitality. "While the travel industry has certainly felt the effects of the economic downturn, Australian businesses still see the value in sending their team members across the country to see customers."
 

76 per cent still prefer ‘real’ meetings

MICE News
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
More than three in four Australian business travellers (76 per cent) consider face-to-face meetings the most effective way of running a successful business - and technology is considered a poor substitute, according to new research by hotel operator Toga Hospitality.

The survey, conducted by Galaxy Research, found despite advances in technology for conferencing services, only one in ten business travellers (11 per cent) find video conferencing superior to traditional face-to-face meetings and only eight per cent find conducting meetings by telephone more effective. The results also showed around half of all business travellers (49 per cent) conduct meetings in their hotels while away on business.


The new survey revealed many organisations believe they get the best value from investing time and money in sending employees interstate to engage with customers on a personal level. Despite the cutbacks associated with the 2009 global financial crisis (GFC), the average Australian business traveller embarked on up to five overnight trips in the last year. Four out of five of the Australian business travellers surveyed (82 per cent) said they had been away on business in the last six months.


“When it comes to business, ‘face-time’ is invaluable and helps reinforce the all-important relationships that propel businesses forward," said Rachel Argaman, chief executive Toga Hospitality. "While the travel industry has certainly felt the effects of the economic downturn, Australian businesses still see the value in sending their team members across the country to see customers."