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The Business of Meetings – Episode 227 – Bridging Generations: GenZ’s Influence on the Meetings Industry with Taylor Smith
We are all familiar with the various generations, like the Boomers, Gen Xs, Millennials, and Gen Zs. By 2030, Gen Zs will constitute 30% of the workforce.
Today, we are delighted to have Taylor Smith joining us to share her perspective on how generational shifts will shape our future workforce.
Taylor is a journalist and content developer for the Meetings Today Magazine who recently delivered an outstanding presentation at the MPI Modification Conference with Michael Owen. As a Gen Z, she has a unique view of how these generational changes will influence our workforce. Stay tuned for her insights and recommendations for working effectively with Gen Zs.
Content Development Destinations and Features
At Meetings Today Magazine, they write about destinations and industry trends. Taylor covers wellness trends in the industry, like forest bathing and crystal healing. She also writes about sustainability, new and renovated properties, and unique hotel spaces.
Work-Life Balance in the Industry
Taylor explains that Gen Zs value a work-life balance more than previous generations. Gen Z professionals prefer to prioritize their personal time and mental health, advocating for flexible work environments and benefits like therapy coverage in insurance policies.
Loneliness Epidemic
Gen Zs tend to struggle with face-to-face communication, relying heavily on technology. Taylor suggests they can overcome loneliness by fostering genuine in-person connections. She recommends working in public spaces to feel less isolated.
Networking and People Skills
Taylor emphasizes the importance of networking and people skills in the industry, especially as Gen Zs will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030. She highlights the need for Gen Z professionals to step out of their comfort zones, work on self-confidence, and seek mentorship. She shares how she overcame her social anxiety and became more extroverted through networking and building industry connections.
Mentorship and Industry Support
Taylor had a very positive experience with mentorship from Tyler Davidson, her editor at Meetings Today. She stresses the importance of having a supportive mentor who provides guidance, reassurance, and encouragement. Mentorship has been crucial in her growth and confidence in the industry, and she highlights the need for employers to be patient and supportive of new employees.
Continuous Feedback and Integration
Continuous feedback is preferred instead of annual evaluations. Taylor advises Gen Z professionals to be open-minded, learn from older generations, and understand existing processes before implementing changes. She also recommends that employers provide regular feedback and support to help integrate Gen Z into the workplace.
Her Dream: Becoming a Globetrotting Travel Writer
Taylor dreams of becoming a travel writer who explores international destinations and shares captivating stories with the world. While she has achieved her goal of covering North American destinations at Meetings Today, her ambition extends to expanding her coverage to include international locations, incentive events, and diverse cultures, capturing the essence of each place through her writing. Her ultimate goal is to start a blog titled Tay’s Travels, where she can monetize her travel experiences and fulfill her wanderlust by living in different places around the globe.
BIO: Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith joined Meetings Today Magazine in May 2022 as a content developer, destinations, and features and is the face behind the publication’s column, “The Z: Planning for the Industry’s Next Generation,” which explores how to welcome, work with, understand and plan for the industry’s next wave of professionals, Gen Z.
In addition to writing about the meetings and events industry’s newest and youngest members, Smith also covers top and trending meeting destinations and topics like wellness, sustainability, incentives, new and renovated properties, and industry trends for Meetings Today.
Since joining the team and starting her column, Smith has spoken at major industry events, including IMEX America in Las Vegas, SITE Classic in Mexico, the 2024 Women in Tourism and Hospitality National Conference in San Diego, and Meeting Professionals International’s 2024 World Education Congress in Louisville.
Smith graduated from Ball State University in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in news and magazine journalism and a minor in creative writing. She lives in Melrose Park, Illinois, just outside Chicago, and enjoys spending her free time freelancing for local magazines, perusing the shelves of local bookstores, and playing with her puppy, Romeo.
Connect with Eric Rozenberg
On LinkedIn
Connect with Taylor Smith
On LinkedIn
Email Taylor: taylor.smith@meetingstoday.com