Even event technology companies like Bizzabo are seeing a marked return to in-person meetings. Photo Credit: Adobe/paulfourk
Roughly 83% of event professionals plan to host at least three in-person events this year, according to a new survey by meetings technology firm Bizzabo. Just under a quarter (24%) plan to host at least 10.
And the steady return of in-person meetings looks set to continue, with 85% of event organisers planning to host at least three in-person events next year, with 35% planning to host at least 10. Almost all, 98%, will organise at least one in-person meeting.
Bizzabo surveyed more than 230 meeting professionals in June and July for its State of In-Person Events report.
The results reflect a steady return to in-person events, but with flexibility for attendees as Bizzabo’s data also shows 68% of organisers 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% claimed to be ‘focused’ or ‘very focused’ on a 2023 virtual event strategy.
That said, onsite meetings and events remain a priority for organisers, with 72% indicating in-person events are a ‘crucial’ part of their organisation’s overall marketing strategy, according to Bizzabo’s survey.
About 70% of respondents indicated their 2022 event budgets increased or held steady from 2021 levels.
Forty-five per cent 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% of respondents.
Attendee engagement, robust attendance numbers, achieving budget, and ensuring Covid-19 safety were the highest event priorities among the respondent base.
Bizzabo found 73% of event professionals were ‘ready’ or ‘very ready’ to return to in-person events. Only 3% were ‘not ready.’
The trend towards more in-person events was mirrored at Bizzabo itself, which saw a 20% increase in the number of events hosted on its platform, compared to last year. Between January and September, the number of in-person events held on Bizzabo’s platform rose by 724%.
“In-person events have returned this year, and their purpose has been elevated as marketers bring a renewed focus on delivering meaningful experiences for those gathering physically and virtually,” said Alon Alroy, CMO and co-founder of Bizzabo.
Source: AMI