An Investigation of Technological Uses by Different Generations As It Relates to Meetings and Events: A Pilot Study

Abstract

They were born between 1979 and 2000 and are called Millennials, GenyY, and Next Gen, among other acronyms. They are the next generation of meetings and events attendees, and said attendance is critical to the success of the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions industry. This pilot study seeks to determine what their wants and needs are in terms of technology at meetings and events along with assessing differences between Millennials and earlier generations. Research methods, including a review of the literature, focus group, and case study, are utilized.

KEYWORDS:

• Millennials; GenY; meetings
• incentives
• conventions
• and exhibitions technology

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the students who participated in this research, including Whitney Burns (Oklahoma State University), Sara Ebbert (Oklahoma State University), Leigh Seymour (East Carolina University), and Sara Thompson (Oklahoma State University).