New Cvent research shows what European event planners will be demanding of venues in 2021

Over half (58%) of event planners across the UK and Europe are struggling to reschedule in-person events in 2021 because of “insufficient health and safety protocols at venues”. The data comes from Cvent’s 2020 Planner Sentiment and Sourcing Report: Europe Edition, which also shows that planners now expect venues to provide a clean, sanitised environment, offer daily temperature checks during the event, and provide on-site medical personnel. With 52% of planners expecting their in-person event spend to be “higher in 2021 than it was in 2019”, these results put a spotlight on the opportunity for MICE business recovery among those hotels that meet high health and safety standards. Cvent commissioned independent research company Censuswide to survey more than 700 event planners, managers, coordinators and directors across France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Respondents work in a range of industry sectors including education, finance, healthcare, travel, IT, engineering, catering and leisure, arts and culture, and legal. The survey aims to “offer hospitality professionals insight into the changing needs of European event professionals, helping them adapt to these new requirements and adjust their business practices to attract more MICE business”. Chris McAndrews, vice-president of marketing for Cvent Hospitality Cloud, said: “As the world plans for recovery, hotels and venues will play a critical role in the successful return to in-person events, and this year’s Planner Sentiment and Sourcing Report will help hospitality professionals throughout Europe maximise the impact of their sales and marketing efforts. “While it has been a challenging year, the results of this study show planners are looking ahead to a brighter future. As such, it is vital that venues continue to adapt to meet new planner expectations so that they’re well-prepared to thrive in the years ahead.” The report also revealed that safety was the top requirement for a return to in-person events, with 56% of those surveyed stating that “safe space” health and safety considerations would most influence their selection of a venue. Technology was also cited as important, with 62% of event planners saying the Covid-19 pandemic had increased their use of technology in their meetings and events programme. In addition, 76% of respondents said that they would consider hosting hybrid events in 2021, and 77% said they most expect “reliable and fast connectivity and AV equipment” from a venue to facilitate a hybrid event. To download the UK and European edition of the report, click here.