Why meeting profs need this tech

Have you ever wished you had a personal assistant that you could fold up into your suitcase as you travel for business? It is now a reality. The new must-have technology for anyone traveling for business is ChatGPT, which stands for “Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer.” It is a chatbot, a term used for an Artificial Intelligence program that interacts with users in a conversational way. Confused? Don’t be. It will make your life easier.

The computer program is a language processing tool that mimics human interaction as the user asks questions or requests the program to complete an astonishingly wide variety of tasks. ChatGPT then searches the internet at infinitum to assist your needs. For meeting professionals, a free personal assistant that fits in your pocket while you travel is an essential asset. Smart Meetings has listed the top reasons why ChatGPT is every professional traveler’s best friend.

Track Expense Reporting and Reimbursement

With so many moving parts that meetings require, it can be difficult to keep track of your budget. ChatGPT can be your own personal accountant—simply tell it you are attending a business conference/meeting, where you are going and for how many days. ChatGPT can offer advice on how to manage your expense report, even tailoring its advice to reflect what is best for a small, medium or large company.

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Learn About Local Customs and Traditions

It can be daunting to travel to a destination you view as foreign or unfamiliar. This can be especially true for international travel. ChatGPT can gather a list of the laws and regulations of your destination, as well as inform you about the local culture, colloquialisms, music, art and food. This information will ensure your event and attendees show respect and admiration for the host city and your organization will be remembered fondly by the local community.

Research Accessibility

Accessibility has become an increasingly hot-button issue in not only the meetings industry but in almost every facet of society. Meeting professionals must take the time to research the accessibility needs of their attendees as well as the accommodations of their venues and activities to produce a successful event. Alert ChatGPT of the destination, dates and specific accessibility needs to be informed on the options. Meeting professionals should also tell ChatGPT their budget to learn if some accessibility accommodations are too over budget and other arrangements for inclusion need to be made.

Create a Personalized Menu

There has been much more sensitivity and attention to dietary restrictions and preferences from the food and beverage industry and attendees greatly appreciate it. Tell ChatGPT that you are looking for vegetarian, vegan or desserts and list your budget and your method for transportation to the culinary destination. The program will produce customized recommendations so your group can all be satisfied with the menu chosen. It can also recommend specific grocery stores that cater to dietary restrictions.

Read MoreFood Rules to Effectively Navigate Your Meeting Menus

Discover Cultural Off-site Experiences

As the trend for more authentic and “off the beaten path” experiences continues to grow for corporate meeting attendees, professionals can ask about destinations, activities and cultural venues that aren’t on the average tourist’s radar. Tell ChatGPT your budget and the times/dates you are looking for your offsite excursion and it will produce some cool ideas for your group.

This article appears in the digital-only May 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.

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