FCM Meetings & Events launches global venue finder platform, ET TravelWorld

<p>Picture used for representation.</p> — Picture used for representation.

FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), a leading specialist in the industry and a key division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, has launched an innovative technology solution called FCM Venue Finder. This platform revolutionides the booking process for meetings and group hotel accommodations within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, offering a world-class booking experience.

Powered by Hubli, the FCM Venue Finder boasts an extensive database of over 200,000 spaces worldwide, providing users with fast and seamless online booking capabilities. The platform also emphasises sustainability solutions through efficient contracting and cost controls, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly practices in the travel sector.

This launch comes on the heels of FCM M&E’s recent global expansion announcement, with industry expert Manpreet Bindra assuming the role of FCM Meetings & Events Leader in Asia. Bindra’s leadership reflects FCM M&E’s ambitious plans for growth and innovation in an industry poised for significant expansion in 2024 and beyond.

Recent research indicates a robust rebound in the events, event travel, and meetings sector, making it a key driver of the business travel recovery worldwide. The MICE market’s revenue is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.6 per cent from 2022 to 2030, reaching an estimated USD 1563.3 billion by 2030.

Manpreet Bindra, FCM Meetings & Events Leader in Asia, expressed confidence in the platform’s potential to disrupt and transform the global meetings and events landscape. He emphasised the increasing demand for in-person connections, citing conferences and events as top priorities for business owners and decision-makers, leading to a steady annual growth rate of 12 per cent in demand for in-person meetings.

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Looking ahead, the Amadeus research outlines the top priority technologies for both 2024 and 2029, with machine learning, data analytics, and cloud computing emerging as perennial favourites across all sectors. The findings emphasize a collective industry vision towards harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation and efficiency in the years to come.

The FCM Venue Finder platform offers a user-friendly interface, enabling seamless venue sourcing, event management bookings, sustainability solutions, and cost control features tailored to the dynamic MICE industry. With access to a diverse global inventory of venues, including hotels and unique spaces, users can swiftly navigate through detailed information, images, and specifications.Stand-out venues available for booking through the platform include renowned locations such as The Imperial in Delhi, Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, and The Leela Palace in Udaipur, among others. This innovative platform signifies a paradigm shift in content delivery, saving valuable time and money for clients while prioritizing sustainability and efficiency in event planning.

Hubli Founder Ciarán Delaney expressed excitement about partnering with FCM M&E, highlighting the transition from manual to online meeting and group bookings. The collaboration aims to empower clients in hosting in-person meetings cost-effectively and sustainably, leveraging cutting-edge technology for a seamless booking experience.