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While it seems like corporate meetings have existed since corporations themselves, the generations attending them have changed over time. And with each new generation comes new challenges for meeting planning.

Generation Z (Gen Z) is no exception. In fact, this group of people might have more unique and modern characteristics than any of the generations that preceded them. (Prior generations include baby boomers, Gen X, and Millennials/Gen Y.) Gen Z characteristics require a fresh take on meeting planning that might surprise you.

Here are a few of the challenges that occur when meeting planning for Gen Z and how you can organize meetings that will inspire and motivate them.

WHO IS GEN Z?

People who were born between 1996 and 2010 belong to Gen Z. Important characteristics shared by members of this age group include:

  • Dubbed “digital natives,” Gen Zers grew up using the Internet from a very young age.
  • As a result of Gen Z’s heavy dependence on the Internet, they remain digitally connected and conduct many of their daily activities online.
  • Most of these activities are done on a mobile format, with one-third of Gen Zers spending six hours or more per day on their phones. (1)
  • People in Gen Z tend to feel pessimistic about their mental health due to contributing factors that include pandemic trauma, financial crises, wars and global unrest. (2)
  • Gen Zers feel passionate about engaging in green and sustainable practices, as 69% feel anxious about the future when they encounter content about climate change. (3)
  • Racial equality is also a top priority for members of Gen Z, who want to see opportunities and fair treatment for underrepresented populations. (4)
  • Gen Zers prefer educational experiences that allow them to interact with the group over passively sitting and listening for an extended length of time. (5)

In short, there have been few generations as socially aware and involved in activism as Gen Z. At the same time, their intimate relationship with the Internet has caused them to feel a disconnect with their peers and loved ones, a feeling of loneliness that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

There are strikingly unique aspects of Gen Z, but should your organization really spend time considering them when you are planning meetings? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Gen Z is powerful. Not only are they transforming employee trends, but they also exert influence over the generations that precede them when it comes to the way the latter thinks.

And this generation is the next one to wield power in the workforce, as well. With Gen Zers interacting with the world around them in such a digitally heavy way, and possessing keen social awareness, taking their predilections into account during meeting planning is mandatory if you want to achieve real success.

6 EFFECTIVE MEETING PLANNING PRACTICES FOR GEN Z

When it comes to planning meetings that engage and inspire Gen Z, you will need to flex your creative muscles. It is okay to utilize some traditional approaches, but overall, you should be innovative and even a bit edgy.

The following six practices are highly effective:

  1. Provide special experiences.
  2. Incorporate digital tools.
  3. Keep it eco-friendly.
  4. Demonstrate cultural inclusivity.
  5. Consider mental health and wellness.
  6. Use modern marketing techniques

1. PROVIDE SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Gen Zers will not be impressed by the experiences that have worked for generations that have preceded them. Since many in the GenZ age group tend to be world travelers, and are socially aware, you must give them elevated experiences that are memorable.

One excellent way to accomplish this goal is to make facets of the meeting purpose-driven. This will appeal to Gen Z’s altruistic nature. Organize activities that have a charitable aspect to them. Examples range from something simple like packing backpacks for underprivileged school children to mentoring students as they build and troubleshoot a STEM project.

And do not stop there. Create a follow-up opportunity that allows meeting attendees to witness the positive results of their good work. This could include photographing the recipients of the charitable activity ─ after obtaining their permission in writing, of course.

2. INCORPORATE DIGITAL TOOLS

Gen Zers do not know a world without the Internet. Since they grew up going online, it is as much a part of their daily lives as trees, grass and the sky above. Therefore, to appeal to members of Gen Z, you must incorporate digital tools into in-person corporate meetings. This can include:

  • Apps
  • Games
  • Virtual communities
  • Virtual reality

The possibilities for virtual reality are particularly exciting. Imagine engaging in a friendly competition or icebreaker using this technology. It will no doubt spark Gen Zers’ imagination and impress them with the creativity.

Remember, Gen Zers conduct most of their online activity on their smartphones. For this reason, any digital tools you integrate should be accessible via a smartphone.

PRO TIP:  When incorporating virtual reality or games, consider activities that appeal to Gen Z.  Escape rooms with a digital component is one idea.  For example, Reason, in San Francisco, has a variety of options.  From solving silicon chip glitches to uncovering the genetic code of a new species, these escape room game ideas incorporate technology, competition, teamwork, and fun.

3. KEEP IT ECO-FRIENDLY

Rest assured, your Gen Z attendees will notice how different aspects of the meeting affect the environment. Details that you might consider minor will likely stick with attendees in this age group.

For example, while previous generations might not give disposable utensils a second thought, Gen Zers are likely to find them wasteful. By making small changes like providing reusable or biodegradable silverware instead, you will make a good impression on these eco-minded employees. Just make sure that any silverware or tableware you provide has been properly sanitized. You should also have signs that indicate it has been sanitized, to put any health-related fears to rest.

Other ideas include:

  • Reusable cloth napkins
  • Reusable plates
  • Glasses for beverages
  • Recycle bins
  • Eco-friendly swag
  • Sustainable catering

PRO TIP: Determining whether vendors use truly sustainable practices can be tricky. However, an experienced and well-connected event planner has the expertise to skillfully handle details like this.

4. DEMONSTRATE CULTURAL INCLUSIVITY

Whether you are hosting the meeting in the U.S. or in a foreign country, the local area has a culture of its own. Cultural inclusivity is a top priority for Gen Z, which means you should make it a priority for each meeting.

Research the local culture and see what kind of practices and experiences are available in the area.  From using local vendors to serving local dishes, infuse the culture into meeting details in any way possible. One easy way to do this is by serving food and beverages that are unique or special to the area. Another is to incorporate artisans, entertainers, festivals, or other local activities.

5. CONSIDER MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

With Gen Zers possessing a keen awareness of their own mental health, incorporating details that support wellness will go a long way with them. Consider these ideas:

  • Chair massages
  • Group yoga
  • Meditation room
  • Screen-free zones
  • Healthy snacks
  • Stretch breaks
  • Healthy tip of the day
  • Opportunities to incorporate the outdoors

6. USE MODERN MARKETING TECHNIQUES

In addition to the Internet being a regular part of Gen Zers’ lives, social media is another staple. So, when it comes to marketing corporate meetings to your employees, you should consider utilizing multiple social media platforms if they are allowed by your company.

Keep internal meeting marketing interactive above all else. Give employees opportunities to participate. Examples include assigning them activities to complete to win meeting swag.

PRO TIP: Not every organization allows social media to be utilized on company devices such as company phones, tablets, laptops or computers.  Don’t get discouraged if that’s the case.  GenZers have a passion for social media, however, what they crave most is a way to interact and engage with others.  Explore avenues within your company that are allowed that can fit within the lives of GenZers.  Instant messaging, chat, and polling applications, learning platforms, collaborative tools and project management systems are just a few ways that your organization can embrace GenZers.

SUCCESS FROM A TO GEN Z

Planning corporate meetings that resonate and engage Gen Z requires extra thought and care, but it is possible. By appealing to the unique characteristics and preferences of Gen Zers, you can make a lasting impression on them and create a sense of real excitement for future meetings. 

Do you want to ensure that your next corporate meeting or event appeals to Gen Zers? Contact Gavel International to learn more about how we can apply our meeting planning expertise to achieve all of your event planning goals.

 

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SOURCE(S):

1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/asias-generation-z-comes-of-age

2 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/addressing-the-unprecedented-behavioral-health-challenges-facing-generation-z

3 https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/

4 https://www.aecf.org/resources/the-color-of-justice

5 https://www.lendkey.com/blog/paying-for-school/generation-z-goes-to-college-how-they-compare-to-previous-generations/

Jeff Richards
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