Planners are navigating headwinds—but they’re still betting big on the power of live experiences, with technology (especially AI) accelerating how teams plan, pivot, and perform. The signal is clear: even in a choppy market, the programs that move fast, stay flexible, and centralize their data are the ones out‑executing the rest.
What planners are seeing in mid‑2025
- Confidence is mixed. 80% of planners have experienced contract delays tied to political, economic, or social shifts; at the same time, fewer now feel less optimistic than two months ago (37% vs. 48% in May).
- Events = value. 80% say events are more valuable than pre‑pandemic (+17% since March). 63% are actively booking or sourcing; 55% are locking business 12+ months out; and 33% added headcount to meetings and events teams in 2025.
- AI is breaking through. 59% of planners now use generative AI (+17% YoY), with more than two‑thirds expecting to adopt. So far, 37% say AI is speeding up processes, and 29% are excited about what’s next.
What this means for your program
Even in a volatile market, resilient programs win. Centralize your data, tighten comms, and use tech to turn uncertainty into momentum.
- Make it flexible. Run all meetings in one platform to pivot formats, track budgets and contracts, and keep stakeholders aligned—then layer an event app for real‑time updates and push notifications when plans change.
- Keep the pipeline moving. If delays and sourcing slowdowns are hitting your timeline, lean on a venue sourcing hub, send to multiple venues at once, and include specifics to reduce back‑and‑forth.
- Spend smarter (not smaller). Pair free‑to‑use sourcing with free‑to‑use diagramming, tour spaces with Photo‑Realistic 3D Technology, and consider emerging destinations or non‑traditional venues to unlock value without sacrificing experience.
Mini playbooks you can copy‑paste
No reinvention required—drop these into your workflows today.
- Centralize venue outreach and compare responses side‑by‑side for faster decisions.
- Reach multiple venues at once to accelerate responses and maintain leverage.
- Include dates, headcount, room types, and requirements up front to cut email chains and reduce friction.
- Build relationships with venue contacts to streamline future turnarounds.
- Start with free‑to‑use venue sourcing to control the full process and keep visibility high.
- Layer in free‑to‑use diagramming to reduce site visits and align stakeholders early.
- Tour globally via Photo‑Realistic 3D to save time and budget while vetting spaces thoroughly.
- Explore emerging destinations and non‑traditional venues for savings and standout experiences.
AI in action (today, not someday)
Put Cvent AI Writing Assistant, tailored vendor suggestions, efficient venue sourcing, and advanced diagramming to work—save time, personalize content, and boost execution quality without adding headcount.
Three quick wins this month
- Audit past event reports to double down on high‑ROI formats and cut low‑yield spend.
- Build a short list of right‑fit venues in one sourcing hub and send multi‑venue RFPs in a single shot.
- Pre‑build your comms plan in the event app (push alerts, FAQs, what‑if contingencies) to de‑risk last‑minute shifts.
Keep exploring
Join the conversation
- What’s your biggest bottleneck right now—contracts, sourcing, attendance, or budgets?
- Where are you finding the best venue savings—emerging destinations, off‑peak timing, or non‑traditional spaces?
- How are you using AI today (content, sourcing, diagramming), and what’s worked best?