FCM Meetings & Events, ahead of its global relaunch targeting worldwide growth, can reveal that more than a quarter of customers allocate half their travel budgets to the MICE sector, according to its landmark global State of the Market survey.
The first-of-its-kind survey, undertaken by Flight Centre Corporate, shows a substantial portion of customers allocate more than half of their travel budget to the MICE sector.
Surveying Flight Centre Corporate customers, overall, 28 per cent of businesses said more than 50 per cent of their budget goes towards travelling for MICE, with 11 per cent revealing an allocation of between 25-50 per cent, and 10 per cent stating that 15-25 per cent of their travel spend goes towards the MICE sector.
FCM Meetings & Events Global General Manager, Simone Seiler, said the findings came when the business was repositioning worldwide to deliver a unified offering, leveraging itself as a subsidiary of FCM Travel, and harnessing its global scale, but with regional customisation.
“Globalising the FCM M&E business will allow us to add consistency and scale for customers looking for a global meetings and events provider, with hub offices in all four regions, global consistency but local nuance to understand specific client needs,” Simone Seiler said.
“We now operate in more than a dozen countries globally, with future expansion plans in the works. Australia, India, and Mexico are currently thriving for us, and we see North America, Asia, and Europe as key regions with the largest opportunities for growth.
“FCM M&E is targeting exponential growth and we’re already expanding into the likes of United Arab Emirates and South Africa – which will allow us to expand our workforce to the more than 365 that we already have servicing our valued customers.
“Our global vision for the future of meetings and travel management is centred around innovation, sustainability, accessibility and seamless integration of technology like our new FCM Venue Finder platform to enhance the overall experience for our clients.
“By combining our expertise in event management with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, we aim to lead the industry in creating future-proof, impactful, and responsible meetings and events.”
As part of the global relaunch, FCM Meetings & Events has now welcomed a new Global Director of Enterprise Sales into its London office, Joanne Shaw. Ms Seiler said Ms Shaw enjoyed extensive experience in both sales and account management.
“Joanne brings a wealth of MICE industry knowledge to drive strategic growth, articulating the MICE value proposition, excelling at building multi-level relationships, and stakeholder management. Her dedication to understanding client needs and crafting tailored solutions will play a key role.” she said.
“Events and celebrations are becoming larger and more exhilarating, with a stronger focus on experiential and grander executions. While the scale is increasing, the themes, mood boards, and messaging are steering towards a personalised approach, fostering deep connections between brands and their partners. In today’s landscape, celebration has evolved to emphasise connection and collaboration.
“Domestically, we at FCM are prioritising India as a key hub for MICE activities. The government is actively enhancing infrastructure and approving premier MICE venues like Yasha Bhoomi in Delhi and Jio in Mumbai. This has, in turn, spurred growth in the MICE and Weddings sector, resulting in increased footfall.
“Gone are the days when a typical MICE tour was limited to sightseeing and a single gala dinner. The contemporary MICE experience includes a variety of impactful events at select locations or stand-alone venues, team-building engagements, wellness workshops, and sessions with celebrity speakers. This multifaceted approach enriches the overall experience, making it both memorable and meaningful
“Clients are seeking a comprehensive global program that consolidates what is often fragmented. I’m thrilled about Joanne joining our team to demonstrate the global solutions we offer as part of our mission to truly globalise FCM Meetings & Events,” added Jude D’Souza, FCM Meetings & Events Leader for India.
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