The Cvent 2021 Planner Sourcing Report: Europe Edition revealed that 8 in 10 (80%) event planners across the UK and Europe are currently sourcing in-person events.
Of those planners, 81% are sourcing for events to take place in 2021, and 63% are sourcing for events to take place in 2022. Report results suggest strong industry momentum as planners become more confident about hosting in-person events in the region.
Nearly half (46%) of respondents said that they are organising hybrid events (events that offer both in-person and virtual experiences). When asked what venue offerings would most influence their venue sourcing decision for their in-person events, hybrid-ready meeting space and studios (30%) and on-site production and technology expertise (29%), ranked among the highest requested offerings.
The report also reveals that planners tend to be confident about their ability to run a hybrid event. When asked to rate their level of confidence for planning and running a hybrid event on a scale of 1 to 10, 40% rated themselves as extremely confident (from 8-to-10), 58% rated themselves more neutral (between a four and a seven), and only 2% rated themselves under 4.
Cvent, a market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, commissioned independent research company, Censuswide, to survey 500 event planners, managers, coordinators and directors across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK in August 2021. Respondents work in a broad range of industry sectors including education, healthcare, finance, legal, HR, IT & telecoms, travel & transport, and sales, media & marketing. The survey results offer hotels and venues insight into the venue sourcing priorities and requirements of UK and European planners, helping them to adapt their offerings to attract more MICE business.
Chris McAndrews, vice president of marketing for Cvent said: “With the return of leisure travel, hotels and venues have adapted their service offerings to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests. Now, as in-person events return and MICE business picks up, properties must once again adapt their service levels and offerings. It’s critical that hotels are visible to planners online – which is where they are sourcing – and that hoteliers can easily collaborate with planners in real-time in a virtual environment to streamline the sourcing and planning process – for both in-person and hybrid events.”
Top concerns for planning hybrid events:
Changes to in-person events:
Planners sourcing domestically and internationally:
Planners still need virtual site visits
To download the full Cvent 2021 Planner Sourcing Report: Europe Edition click here
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