With 165 responses collected from June 27 through August 9, the report covers meetings and incentives budgets, cost management strategies, lead times, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) integration, sustainability practices and industry adoption of AI tools. The survey polled meeting and event professionals, most based in the U.S. and Canada, with 20 per cent in the U.K. and Europe. Respondents were divided between corporate/direct planners (37 per cent), agency/third-party planners (40 per cent) and association and independent meeting planners (23 per cent), as well as others (freelancers and suppliers).
Key insights of the report include:
- Budget challenges persist, with only 27% of international planners experiencing budget increases compared to 44% of U.S./Canadian planners.
- Rising costs continue to impact planners, with 80% struggling with accommodation rates and 70% facing higher-than-expected A/V costs.
- Many planners are managing costs by reducing attendee numbers and relying on early contracting to save money.
- AI adoption has surged, with 48% of planners now regularly using AI tools like ChatGPT, an increase from the previous survey.
- Sustainability efforts are more common among international planners, with 76% incorporating sustainability into their programs frequently, compared to 47% of U.S./Canadian planners.
