The Third Space

A report, "Generation Y and the Workplace" from Johnson Controls came across my desk today. Although focused on the attributes of the best workplace for Gen Y-ers, event professionals and suppliers can take away some good tips to help design "the third space", or space other than home or office. This generation is the fastest-growing in the US workplace, and in other countries, already dominates the workforce. Sustainability is top of the charts for this group, with 96% finding an environmentally aware workforce very desirable.

Venue design: Focus on sustainable design

• Natural light, natural finishes are important
• The generation values collaboration, so more break-out spaces and fewer
  general session spaces
• It values networking, so more social spaces
• Access to technology built-in
• Need to design a visually stimulating environment

Event design: Focus on collaboration, technology and sustainability

• Fewer plenaries, more breakouts, possibly along the lines of the
  "unconference" where attendees set their own topics
• More use of technology
• "Green" meetings paramount
• Need to create an emotionally stimulating environment

Destination: More companies are evaluating travel policies based on potential
carbon taxes; Gen Y is also more aware of impact of travel on environment

• Regional meetings for easier access with a lower environmental
  footprint

To a Gen Y-er, people, sustainability, atmosphere and technology are paramount. This is the new marketplace. How are you changing your strategy to accommodate it?