– Almost two thirds of event organisers planning a face-to-face event
before the end of the year –
The Celtic Collection has released the results of its UK-based meetings and events sentiment survey, revealing a keen appetite to get back to business as soon as possible.
The Celtic Collection is a group of experience-focused UK business and leisure hotels and venues, developed from the success of the flagship Celtic Manor Resort, and including Coldra Court and the newly launched Parkgate Hotel, opening in Cardiff this autumn.
The Collection carried out the survey in conjunction with ICC Wales to mark the return of live events to Wales and gauge the industry demand for a return to face-to-face conferences and events.
The results show a clear enthusiasm to resume meeting in person, with 65 per cent of the event organiser respondents saying they are planning to hold a face-to-face event before the end of 2021. A quarter of those surveyed plan to hold more than ten events in the next 12 months, and 44 per cent will hold their next event in Wales. More than half say they would not be looking for a hybrid element.
Just under a quarter of respondents reported that their job role had changed in the last 18 months, and the majority or event planners said they would prioritise safety and security when planning their next event.
There was a preference for organising smaller meetings of under 200 people, and 37 per cent are planning to accommodate under 50 people at their next event.
One respondent commented: “I have already held events for some clients, most are very keen to get back to face to face meetings rather than online, and venues so far have been very good at accommodating the changes.”
Another explained: “We are managing lots of different events and there are some clients that are apprehensive, but I do believe those are the clients that will remain with virtual / hybrid. We have so many customers that are so eager to be back out networking and enjoying other people’s company.”
Other comments included “I get the feeling that a lot of people once they are double
jabbed are raring to go with a small degree of caution”, and “We are looking forward to getting our business Back in the Room and Not on Zoom!”
Jill Manley, Business Development Director, Celtic Manor said: “Now more than ever it’s important to listen to what our clients want so that we can continue to tailor our services to suit their needs. The results show a strong desire to return to face-to-face events, and we’re delighted to see such encouraging feedback and support for meeting in person once again.
“This reflects what we have already seen in new enquiries since we have known events can restart in Wales. We will be working with all our event organisers to ensure we get back to delivering exceptional experiences once again, while taking every step possible to ensure their events remain as safe as possible and mitigate against the risk of Coronavirus.”
As the flagship brand in The Celtic Collection, the iconic five-star Celtic Manor Hotel is located in 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland, and yet within easy reach of the M4. The Celtic Manor’s largest venues include a flexible ballroom, exhibition hall and several large suites which can accommodate from 300 to 1,500 people. The hotel has 330 bedrooms, a deluxe spa, and a choice of 13 restaurants and bars.
The chic new Parkgate Hotel is situated in an original post office heritage building, adjacent to Principality Stadium in the heart of Cardiff, South Wales. One of the largest event spaces in the city, it can hold up to 432 people in the banqueting suite. There are 170 bedrooms as well as a bar, elegant restaurant and luxurious spa.
Five minutes from The Celtic Manor Resort is Coldra Court Hotel, with 148 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, a Southern-inspired smokehouse restaurant, health club, pool and gym.
The survey was carried out between the 10th and 17th of August 2021, with 266 event organisers taking part. To find out the full findings of the survey, please click here.
