Perceived importance of ICT‐based feature and services on conference center selection and differences among meeting planners
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology
ISSN: 1757-9880
Article publication date: 16 March 2012
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the relative importance of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) based features and services at conference centers and underlying dimensions which could impact their selection by meeting planners. Further, it tests the relationship between types of meeting planners and their perceived importance of ICT‐based features.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 17 ICT‐based features and services were identified through extensive literature content analysis. Meeting planners were asked to rate the importance of each item when they select a conference center. Factor analysis was then performed to identify underlying dimension of the items and ANOVA was used to test any difference of perceived importance by the type of meeting planners.
Findings
Meeting planners consider “availability of technical support”, “high‐speed internet”, “wireless connectivity”, and ”e‐mail station” as important features/service when they select a conference center. However, they show significant lack of knowledge in terms related to network infrastructure that are used in meeting venue marketing materials. The results show that there is no significant difference in their perceived importance of ICT‐based feature/service by the type of meeting planner.
Originality/value
This study provides meaningful new dimensions of important ICT‐based features and services in site selection by both researchers and meeting facility professionals. In addition, this study compared three types of meeting planners including rarely studied corporate and government meeting planners regarding their perceived importance of ICT‐based features and services in their site selection.
Keywords
Citation
“Shawn” Lee, S., Park, K. and Khan, M.A. (2012), "Perceived importance of ICT‐based feature and services on conference center selection and differences among meeting planners", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 32-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/17579881211206525
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited