Training Meeting Trends 2019

Room consolidation and technology requirements in 2019

The 2019 source described corporate computer-training centers closing and planners turning to non-technology meeting venues, with equipment added separately. ContactPointe's article identified possible challenges in that arrangement: confirming suitable internet bandwidth, checking whether web applications or VPNs worked through venue network controls, and understanding contractual terms such as deposits and cancellation conditions. It also noted that colleges and universities were being considered for training, while scheduling, software-installation, or availability restrictions could affect suitability.

The page argued that planners should define technology requirements before choosing a room. Its examples included computers, audiovisual equipment, internet capacity, and access to the applications used in class. These remain sensible items to test for any event, but the article's description of the market belongs to 2019; a current venue's capabilities and policies need direct confirmation.

Lead times and total event costs

The 2019 article characterized short lead times as a challenge for planners and cited the forecast's expectations around hotel-space availability. It reported that many ContactPointe client requests at the time began within one or two months of initial consultation. This was a historical company observation, not a current service-level promise or statistic.

The same page discussed rising charges for AV and Wi-Fi as a concern raised in the forecast, and described ContactPointe's then-current all-inclusive pricing approach. That reference should not be relied on for present-day pricing or included services. For a current event, request an itemized proposal and check equipment, connectivity, staffing, taxes, service fees, deposits, and cancellation terms.

Commission concerns in the period

The source also noted planners' concern about changing commission arrangements and described ContactPointe's 2019 position as vendor-neutral and not selecting venues based on commission. Treat that as a statement from the archived article rather than a guarantee of current contracting practices. Planners evaluating a venue partner can ask how options are selected, what fees or commissions apply, and how recommendations relate to their written requirements.