EVENT HORIZONS
Business Traveller Middle East|September 2020
FROM HYBRID EVENTS THAT BLEND THE REAL AND VIRTUAL WORLDS TO MORE CREATIVE USE OF VENUES AND HOTEL SPACES, THE REGION’S MICE INDUSTRY IS FINDING NEW WAYS TO BRING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
GEMMA GREENWOOD
EVENT HORIZONS

When the world went into lockdown, with offices and venues closing their doors and business travel virtually grinding to a halt, the meetings and events industry took a huge hit.

The working population and businesses adapted quickly, thanks to video conferencing technology, leaving hotels and venues wondering how they would fit into the ‘new normal’ given the effectiveness of these online solutions.

Zoom emerged as the pandemic’s global success story; for the quarter ending April 2020, the USheadquartered video communications specialist reported a massive 169 per cent year-on-year revenue hike to reach US$328.2 million, while daily meeting participants peaked at more than 300 million during the period, up from 10 million in 2019.

Zoom’s measurement of “annualised meeting minutes” jumped 20-fold, from 100 billion at the end of January to more than two trillion in April.

“We were humbled by the accelerated adoption of the Zoom platform around the globe in Q1,” says Eric S. Yuan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zoom.

“The COVID-19 crisis has driven higher demand for distributed, face-toface interactions and collaboration using Zoom. Use cases have grown rapidly as people integrated Zoom into their work, learning and personal lives.”

Despite restrictions on work, travel and events easing in many countries around the world, Zoom and similar platforms have become integrated into every facet of life and are now commonplace for meetings, conferences and more, even mega sporting events.

Most recently, Formula 1 and Zoom Video Communications announced a new digital partnership to deliver the first ever virtual Paddock Club.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EASTView all
Onwards and upwards
Business Traveller Middle East

Onwards and upwards

In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
Cleaning up the crisis
Business Traveller Middle East

Cleaning up the crisis

How hotels have risen to the challenge of keeping guests safe during the pandemic

time-read
10 mins  |
May - June 2021
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
Business Traveller Middle East

The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act

The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear

time-read
9 mins  |
May - June 2021
TAKES OFF
Business Traveller Middle East

TAKES OFF

Corporations are seeking new travel solutions that put safety and convenience first

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2021
TEE TIME IN TOKYO
Business Traveller Middle East

TEE TIME IN TOKYO

The Tokyo Olympics may be delayed, but the golf courses around Japan’s capital aren’t slowing down

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2021
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
Business Traveller Middle East

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia

time-read
10+ mins  |
May - June 2021
QATAR CALLING
Business Traveller Middle East

QATAR CALLING

A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup

time-read
10 mins  |
March 2021
MEMPHIS CON BRIO
Business Traveller Middle East

MEMPHIS CON BRIO

Music and history flood through the heart and soul of this quintessential American river town

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Business Traveller Middle East

Sofitel Mumbai BKC

BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2021
Taking Scotland in Stride
Business Traveller Middle East

Taking Scotland in Stride

A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2021