Ignite Magazine’s Laura Bickle featured various industry leaders, including our own Anita Carlyle in the Winter 2021 publication.
Here are Anita’s insights to the “2022 Trend Report – The Insider’s View”
Anita Carlyle, CMP, CMM,
Managing Partner, MCC Destination Management, Toronto
What are you excited for in 2022?
I am just excited that live events are restarting. We completed our first live, no-hybrid conference recently – it felt so good to see a hotel ballroom, restaurant venue and transportation being used! I am encouraged by the provincial Verify Ontario all and hope a national solution is coming soon.
Hot trends for the coming year?
Unfortunately, single-serve items and a lot of unsustainable packaging. I understand the sanitation requirements, but I am unsettled by all the packaging. For decor, I’m hoping the trend using succulents and plants as centrepieces will continue so the arrangements are no single-use.
What trends are you done with?
The virtual poorly-done wine-tasting events and gift boxes where the packaging and postage exceeds the value of the contents.
What are the burning issues facing the industry right now?
Service and staffing levels. I never thought we would have to ask for daily housekeeping as a concession versus a cost incorporated in the room rate. I am also having challenges booking group venues as they either don’t want groups or are completely booked due to two years of rescheduling.
What’s your guiding principle for 2022?
Be Thankful…we made it through. Onward and upward!
To read more great insights from this article, please visit the Ignite Magazine article: HERE
