Examination of Best Practices in Family-friendly Business Event Management in Hungarian Hotels

Purpose – This study examines key factors influencing the implementation of family-friendly business event management in Hungary. Business events facilitate professional and academic exchange, requiring organizers to address the needs of professionals with family responsibilities. A successful approach includes dedicated childcare, family activities, clear communication, and suitable infrastructure, enabling attendees to balance work and family. Hospitality providers adopting these practices can gain a competitive advantage by catering to business travelers seeking family-friendly accommodation. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study analyses three Hungarian four-star hotels through in-depth interviews with hotel representatives and content analysis of hotel websites. NVivo software was used for in-vivo coding, and a comparative analysis identified similarities and differences in family-friendly practices. Findings – Family-friendly business event management is implemented to varying degrees in the examined hotels. Key factors include childcare services, family-oriented activities, targeted communication, and infrastructure catering to both professional and family needs. Additionally, flexible scheduling, well-trained staff, and interactive spaces that accommodate both work and leisure activities were found to be essential. Children’s hotel experiences influence long-term consumer preferences, making family-friendly services a strategic advantage. However, successful implementation requires investment in infrastructure, staff training, and marketing. Originality – This study enhances understanding of family-friendly business event management by identifying essential components for success. The findings underscore that without a structured and well-communicated family-friendly approach, business events may fail to attract professionals with family commitments. Future research should explore broader hospitality sectors and assess the economic impact of family-friendly event management strategies in Hungary.