If you’re reading this article, the odds are that one-third of you are a millennial and just as likely that you’re curious what the other two-thirds think about you. Some of what I will focus on in this post is subjective and some objective, however it is what many people both millennials and not believe is true. Millennials are the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, representing 35% of the total US labor force. This generation has become the single largest group in the labor force, showing different attitudes towards work. From 2019 to 2029, the bulk of millennials will shift into the 35- to 44-year-olds group. Millennials value experiences over material goods, want to share those experiences, have higher technological literacy, and are 62% more likely to travel than their generation X counterparts. As the average screen time per day increases, they place more value on face-to-face meetings, thus driving the expectations for meetings and events, ultimately redefining the meeting industry.
Millennials are set to disrupt the way the meetings and events industry does business – if they haven’t already. To them, technology is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. Millennials are 37 percent less likely to source directly through a venue when compared to their older generation industry peers, indicating that the new generation of event planners is more likely to use digital channels for booking venues, instead of traditional methods. Millennials were also found to be more open to attending events outside of their own city and more likely to book more than one event at a time, showing their desire for more personalized experiences. Furthermore, Millennials are changing the way industries, businesses, and governments are run. They’re the generation post-Gen X, who grew up with computers and the internet, so they’re comfortable with technology and digital platforms. Millennials demand greater transparency and authenticity, and that extends to events, too. They want events that are engaging, interactive, and fun, and that provide meaningful connections and experiences.
Millennials want meetings to be engaging, interactive, and fun. They want events that provide meaningful connections and experiences. They also prefer digital platforms that offer a greater level of transparency and authenticity. Millennials appreciate events that make use of technology such as video conferencing, internet-based chat sessions, and virtual reality, as well as events that are designed with their interests in mind. They’re more likely to attend events that offer educational content, networking opportunities, and interactive activities. In addition, they want the ability to customize their event experience and choose the topics that interest them.
Millennials prefer entertainment that is interactive and social. This can include gaming resorts and destinations, media, and experiences that are shared socially. They want instant gratification from these experiences. Millennials also appreciate events that make use of technology such as video conferencing, internet-based chat sessions, and virtual reality, as well as events that are designed with their interests in mind. Other forms of entertainment that may appeal to millennials include live demonstrations, small-group meetings, and tours of local industry-related facilities.
Millennials do not want long presentations, dull speeches, and traditional office meetings. They don’t want to be pigeonholed or stereotyped, and they don’t want to be talked about negatively. They don’t want to be forced to use electronic reading devices, or have to rely on technology for every issue. Millennials don’t want to sit back and wait for their dream job, they want to be given the opportunity to work hard and create their own success. They don’t want to be the only group of people expected to provide solutions, they want to be given the respect and trust to do so. Millennials want to be seen as individuals, and not as representatives of their generation.
The stereotype of a millennial is that they are lazy and entitled. This is a common misconception due to the fact that millennials are often seen as the generation post-Gen X, who grew up with computers and the internet, and so are more comfortable with technology and digital platforms than previous generations. This has led to the idea that millennials are demanding and expect more than their predecessors. Additionally, the fact that millennials are more likely to source venues through digital channels, seek out more personalized experiences, and prioritize technology when it comes to events have all contributed to this stereotype.
The best qualities of a millennial are their enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Millennials are often seen as the most enthusiastic, ambitious, and well-educated generation yet. They are tech-savvy and comfortable with digital platforms, which makes them well-suited to the modern workplace. Millennials are also curious and eager to learn new skills, which makes them well-suited to the ever-changing and fast-paced nature of modern business. Furthermore, millennials are socially conscious, and are passionate about making a positive impact on the world. They are also more likely to be conscious of environmental issues and strive for equality.
Wes Berry is a Keynote Speaker and Workshop facilitator with the professional skills and real-life experience to deliver on any stage. He is a TEDx Speaker and a Wall Street Journal best-selling author; he has written twelve books in the business and success genres. As an entrepreneur, he built a $750 million international company that operated in 130 countries. Wes has even done some standup comedy as well as radio and television.
His Keynote Speaker and Training catalog extends to the following areas. Motivation, Leadership, Growth, Teamwork, Integrity, Core Competencies, Change, Inclusion, Stress, and Communication. All of his talks are seasoned with a dash of humor.
