IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v15y2023i18p13989-d1244272.html

Unveiling the Motivational Factors behind Generation Z’s Conference Attendance for Sustaining Future Participation

Author

Listed:
  • Vanja Pavluković

    (Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Adam B. Carmer

    (School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA)

  • Miroslav D. Vujičić

    (Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Marija Cimbaljević

    (Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Uglješa Stankov

    (Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

Abstract

This study addresses the motivations behind Generation Z’s attendance at conferences and aims to contribute to a better understanding of their conference-participation behavior. The study identified six latent factors that influence conference-attendance motivation: green and digital conference experience, educational and professional opportunities, conference costs, destination and conference stimuli, stimulating factors, and conference accessibility. These factors align with Generation Z’s unique characteristics and preferences, such as their environmental consciousness, their reliance on digital technologies, and their desire for continuous learning, career advancement, and experiences. The study also found that destination characteristics and educational and professional opportunities are significant motivators for conference attendance by members of Generation Z across different cultural contexts. Additionally, their strong interest in sustainability and financial challenges highlights the need for eco-friendly practices and affordable registration fees to make conferences more appealing and accessible. The study further explores the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, revealing gender and past-conference-attendance differences in motivation. Finally, the study discusses the implications of its findings for the conference industry and suggests areas for future research to enhance the understanding of conference-attendance motivation among members of Generation Z.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanja Pavluković & Adam B. Carmer & Miroslav D. Vujičić & Marija Cimbaljević & Uglješa Stankov, 2023. "Unveiling the Motivational Factors behind Generation Z’s Conference Attendance for Sustaining Future Participation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13989-:d:1244272
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/18/13989/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/18/13989/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dan-Cristian Dabija & Brândușa Mariana Bejan & Claudiu Pușcaș, 2020. "A Qualitative Approach to the Sustainable Orientation of Generation Z in Retail: The Case of Romania," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Rastislav Stojsavljević & Miroslav D. Vujičić & Uglješa Stankov & Igor Stamenković & Dejan Masliković & Adam B. Carmer & Darko Polić & Dino Mujkić & Marko Bajić, 2023. "In Search for Meaning? Modelling Generation Z Spiritual Travel Motivation Scale—The Case of Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-13, March.
    3. M. Isabel Sánchez-Hernández & Óscar Rodrigo González-López & María Buenadicha-Mateos & Juan Luis Tato-Jiménez, 2019. "Work-Life Balance in Great Companies and Pending Issues for Engaging New Generations at Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-18, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Xuelin Chen & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Abdullah Al Mamun & Jingzu Gao & Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul, 2023. "Modeling the significance of work culture on burnout, satisfaction, and psychological distress among the Gen-Z workforce in an emerging country," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Peter Konhäusner, 2021. "Crowdsourcing in Sustainable Retail—A Theoretical Framework of Success Criteria," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-21, February.
    3. João M. Lopes & Micaela Pinho & Sofia Gomes, 2024. "From green hype to green habits: Understanding the factors that influence young consumers' green purchasing decisions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(3), pages 2432-2444, March.
    4. Wiza MUNYEKA & Ashika MAHARAJ, 2023. "All’s (or Not) Fair in Work and Life? Focus on Females in Information and Communications Technology Through the Prism of Work-Life Balance," CECCAR Business Review, Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania (CECCAR), vol. 4(8), pages 48-63, August.
    5. repec:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:10:p:6494-6501 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Andrea Caputo & Monica Molino & Barbara Cerato & Claudio G. Cortese, 2023. "Employer Attractiveness: Two Instruments to Measure Employer Branding and Reputation," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, August.
    7. Alena Kusá & Marianna Urmínová, 2020. "Communication as a Part of Identity of Sustainable Subjects in Fashion," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-16, December.
    8. Nurul Asyilah binti Che Noordin & Sharifah Fazirah Syed Ahmad & Murni Zarina Mohamed Razali & Mohamad Fahimi Ahmad & Hairunnisa Ma’amor, 2023. "Occupational Stress and Work-Life Balance in the Manufacturing Industry," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 15(3), pages 59-69.
    9. Kuk-Kyoung Moon & Jaeyoung Lim & Jeong-Seo Kim, 2024. "Examining the Effect of Organizational Justice on Turnover Intention and the Moderating Role of Generational Differences: Evidence from Korean Public Employees," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-19, March.
    10. Anna Wolak-Tuzimek & Lidia Kaliszczak & Katarzyna Sieradzka & Radoslaw Luft, 2025. "The Ecological Awareness of the Young Generation as a Factor Shaping Contemporary Business," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 422-431.
    11. Marta Domagalska-Grędys & Michał Niewiadomski & Katarzyna Piecuch, 2025. "Aspects of Support and Types of Work–Life Balance Among Employees from Rural Areas in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    12. Hazel Mubango & Muchowe Regis M & Mangwende Silas, 2025. "The Relationship Between Flexible Work Arrangements and Employee Performance in a Selected Zimbabwean University: The Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(14), pages 1913-1927, August.
    13. Patricia Jolliffe & Scott Foster, 2022. "Different Reality? Generations’ and Religious Groups’ Views of Spirituality Policies in the Workplace," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 181(2), pages 451-470, November.
    14. Young-Jae Kim & E-Sack Kim, 2020. "Relationship between Phobic Anxiety in Work and Leisure Activity Situations, and Optimistic Bias Associated with COVID-19 among South Koreans," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    15. Kapo Wong & Alan H. S. Chan & Pei-Lee Teh, 2020. "How Is Work–Life Balance Arrangement Associated with Organisational Performance? A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-19, June.
    16. Mushtaq Ahmad Shah & Avtar Singh, 2026. "Examining the Impact of Circular Economy Practices and Brand Reputation on Financial Performance," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-18, February.
    17. Young-Jae Kim & Jeong-Hyung Cho & E-Sack Kim, 2020. "Differences in Sense of Belonging, Pride, and Mental Health in the Daegu Metropolitan Region due to COVID-19: Comparison between the Presence and Absence of National Disaster Relief Fund," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-11, July.
    18. Elisabetta Savelli & Vincenzo Gissi, 2025. "Drivers of Local Food Consumption Among Young Consumers: Integrating Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-23, October.
    19. Habib, Muhammad Danish & Attri, Rekha & Salam, Mohammad Asif & Yaqub, Muhammad Zafar, 2025. "Bright and dark sides of green consumerism: An in-depth qualitative investigation in retailing context," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    20. Prisco, Anna & Ricciardi, Irene & Percuoco, Martina & Basile, Vincenzo, 2025. "Sustainability-driven fashion: Unpacking generation Z’s second-hand clothing purchase intentions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    21. Bianca Cezara Archip & Ioan Banatean-Dunea & Dacinia Crina Petrescu & Ruxandra Malina Petrescu-Mag, 2023. "Determinants of Food Waste in Cluj-Napoca (Romania): A Community-Based System Dynamics Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-22, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13989-:d:1244272. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.