About 83 percent of event professionals surveyed plan to host at least three in-person events this year, with 24 percent planning to host at least 10, according to a new survey by meetings technology firm Bizzabo. In 2023, 85 percent of event organizers plan to host at least three in-person events, while 35 percent plan to host at least 10. Ninety-eight percent will organize at least one.
Bizzabo for its “State of In-Person Events” report surveyed more than 230 meeting professionals in June and July.
The results reflect a steady return to in-person events, but with flexibility for attendees as Bizzabo’s data also shows 68 percent of organizers plan to have a virtual component at their next in-person event. Most respondents are holding on to hybrid meeting options while building on the momentum of returning to in-person events, as 53 percent claimed to be “focused” or “very focused” on a 2023 virtual event strategy.
That said, onsite meetings and events remain a priority for organizers, with 72 percent indicating in-person events are a “crucial” part of their organization’s overall marketing strategy, according to Bizzabo’s survey. About 70 percent of respondents indicated their 2022 event budgets increased or held steady from 2021 levels.
Forty-five percent of respondents had trade shows and expos on their 2022 event roster. Industry conferences and private events were a close second, each in the planning mix for 43 percent of respondents.
Attendee engagement, robust attendance numbers, achieving budget, and ensuring Covid-19 safety were the highest event priorities among the respondent base. Engagement was the most common, with 45 percent of respondents pegging it as a priority. Covid-19 safety was top of mind for 35 percent of respondents.
Bizzabo found 73 percent of event professionals were “ready” or “very ready” to return to in-person events. Only 3 percent were “not ready.”