100+ Event Industry Statistics & Data Points: Trends and Insights For 2025
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Welcome to the ultimate resource for the latest event industry stats, trends and insights! As we move into 2025, it's essential that industry professionals are informed about developments within the events market. This article was crafted to give you a thorough understanding of the events sector, particularly in light of recent global changes.
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for the latest event industry stats, trends and insights! As we move into 2025, it's essential that industry professionals are informed about developments within the events market. This article was crafted to give you a thorough understanding of the events sector, particularly in light of recent global changes. It covers a wide range of topics – from the resurgence of trade shows and expos in key North American markets to the ongoing transformation of event management companies and public organizations in the UK and beyond.
How has the event industry grown in recent years?
According to Custom Market Insights (CMI), the market size of the event industry was estimated at a staggering $1,190.4 Billion in 2022 This growth can be attributed to the increased demand for experiential marketing, advancements in tech, and the rise of virtual and hybrid events.
What contributed to this growth?
The year marked a significant comeback, with the industry not only recovering but also innovating. Hybrid events became more prevalent, offering a mix of in-person and virtual experiences. More than simply adaptation, this trend reflects a strategic choice that catered to diverse attendee preferences.
Sustainability
Sustainability also emerged as a key focus, reflecting a growing commitment to eco-friendly event practices. In terms of technology, there was a push towards user-friendly and easily integrable solutions, which helped in keeping audiences engaged and making events more interactive.
The rise of AI
Artificial Intelligence also played a crucial role in revolutionizing event technology, from streamlining event planning processes to enhancing attendee engagement and predicting future trends. This marked a departure from traditional event management practices, focusing more on efficiency and effectiveness. AI also tackled the complexities of organizing events, improving overall user experiences, and managing financials more effectively. As a result, AI's integration into the event industry not only brought about efficiency and better engagement but also set a new standard for how future events are conceptualized and executed.
Evolving consumer preferences
Today's attendees seek more personalized, engaging, and interactive experiences, driving event organizers to innovate and diversify their offerings. This shift towards more tailored experiences, often supported by advanced technology, has led to a surge in demand for unique events. As consumers increasingly value experiences over material possessions, the event industry has adapted to meet these desires, resulting in a dynamic expansion and evolution of the sector.
Looking ahead, these developments set a new benchmark for the industry, combining innovation with practicality. The event sector is now poised for sustained growth and continued transformation as we enter 2025.
Key event industry statistics - Trends, market value, growth for 2025
*Data sourced is from Allied Market Research and Momencio - These studies explore the evolving events industry, focusing on how technology, like virtual platforms and AI, is transforming event planning and engagement. It highlights the importance of corporate events for branding, networking, and product launches, while also noting the role of sponsorships in supporting growth. The report provides insights into trends shaping the industry's future.
The global event industry is projected to surpass $1.5 trillion by 2028, driven by a remarkable CAGR of 11.2%, highlighting its rapid expansion and significant economic potential. (Momencio)
Major growth drivers include increased frequency of corporate meetings, conferences, music concerts, sports events, and advancements in event technology. Sponsorships from major brands are also significantly boosting the market.
The number of events grew by 52% in 2024, emphasizing the need to create in-person experiences that stand out. (Momencio)
Event organization involves considerable expenses, including venue costs, food and catering, event rentals, and production costs, which impact the overall market growth.
67% of executives plan to increase meeting budgets in 2025, opening doors for upgraded venues and more engaging experiences. (Momencio)
60% of organizers plan to raise ticket prices in 2025. (Momencio)
Technological advancements have revolutionized event management, making it more cost-effective, accessible, and efficient. This includes online bookings, emails, and video conferences.
Corporate events and seminars are a leading segment, crucial for fostering business relationships and employee motivation. The sponsorship segment, vital for marketing and sales, dominated the revenue source category in 2022. In terms of organizers, the entertainment segment led the market in 2022.
Corporate event spending will rise in 2025, with costs reaching $169 per attendee per day. (Momencio)
The 21-40 years age group dominated the market, showing high engagement in diverse events like seminars and music concerts.
Europe is predicted to dominate the market, with Germany and Spain experiencing significant growth. The rise in smart device use and internet adoption has increased online event bookings. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth due to economic expansion and technological adoption, with a significant interest among the youth in various events.
In London, the average salary for event planners is £28,745 (Glassdoor).
The average salary for event organizers in the US is $59K (Glassdoor).
In 2024, ticket prices averaged $41.90, with larger organizations charging $59 and smaller ones $19, emphasizing the need to tailor pricing to your audience and value. (Momencio)
Event websites grew by 52% annually, showing the importance of a strong online presence for event success. (Momencio)
These studies focus on key trends in event marketing, including the return of in-person events and the continued use of virtual and hybrid formats. They highlight the importance of attendee engagement, effective budgeting, and the role of technology in enhancing event experiences. The reports also touch on the growing focus on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in the industry.
52.1% of organizers have seen a rise in attendance over the past year. (Bizzabo)
78% of event marketers are focusing on on-site events, making it key to create interactive spaces. (Momencio)
86.4% of organizers aim to maintain or boost the number of in-person events in 2025 compared to 2024. (Bizzabo)
47.2% of organizers report expansion in their events team in the past year. (Bizzabo)
76.6% of organizers deem these conferences essential for their organization's success. (Bizzabo)
80.4% of organizers recognize these events as the most impactful marketing channel for their organization. (Bizzabo)
75.9% of organizers anticipate these conferences will become more crucial for organizational success in future years. (Bizzabo)
71.2% of organizers find it difficult to prove the ROI of in-person conferences to stakeholders. (Bizzabo)
72.7% of organizers report that their leadership team and C-suite actively back their in-person event strategies. (Bizzabo)
82.8% of organizers and 77.7% of attendees agree that these conferences offer an ideal networking environment. (Bizzabo)
55% plan to conduct most of their events in-person. (Bizzabo)
70% of events and 87% of meetings are being conducted in person. (Bizzabo)
An average of 65% of companies worldwide reported an increase in event spending. (Bizzabo)
98% of event organizers plan to host at least one in-person event in 2025, 85% plan at least three, and 35% aim for at least ten. (Bizzabo)
72% of event organizers view in-person events as essential in their marketing strategies. (Bizzabo)
On average, in-person events are 47.8% more expensive than virtual ones. (Bizzabo)
95% of marketers believe in-person events contribute significantly to achieving business objectives. (Bizzabo)
35% of events in 2022 were expected to be in-person. (Bizzabo)
88% anticipated meetings in 2022 to include an in-person component, while 87% expected this for events in general. (Bizzabo)
67% of event professionals think in-person meetings will reach pre-pandemic numbers within one to two years. (Bizzabo)
78% of in-person attendees prefer networking with others present in person, whereas 58% of virtual attendees are open to networking with anyone. (Bizzabo)
41.1% of event planners would only attend an in-person event if it was local. (Bizzabo)
55% of event organizers report safety as the biggest challenge in resuming in-person events. (Bizzabo)
Over 50% of companies are cutting event emissions by reducing waste and using recyclable materials. (Momencio)
The following statistics show that virtual events aren't just a trend, they're firmly in the event landscape now and here to stay. Organizers are seeing real wins with them – bigger reach, better ROI, it's clear as day.
The future? Hybrid and virtual are leading the charge, and the growth in this space is only going up. Success is about quality connections and keeping attendees involved, and people are definitely on board with virtual, loving the flexibility and on-demand content. Sure, proving the impact and keeping things fresh are ongoing challenges, but the industry is stepping up, getting the right talent and focusing on making virtual events interactive and diverse.
Impact of virtual events
81% of event managers are hosting virtual events in 2025, showing the need to create engaging online experiences that connect with wider audiences. (Momencio)
92.1% of organizers rate their online experiences as successful (Anyroad).
79% say virtual provided new opportunities, 66% note greater ROI than physical events (LinkedIn).
90% believe large-scale events will be hybrid or virtual in two years (Kaltura).
82% plan similar or more virtual events in the next 12 months (Forrester).
25% run virtual-only strategies, two-thirds use hybrid (Kaltura).
Top benefits: Increased registration, greater ROI, better engagement (Kaltura).
Virtual events seen as pandemic-proof, cost-effective (LinkedIn).
Global market projected to grow at 23.7% CAGR from 2021-2028 (Grand View Research).
Future of virtual events
76% see attendee diversification as key to success (Forrester).
Marketers expect growth in lead generation, attendance, registrations, engagement, and budget in 2025 (Kaltura).
Goals, objectives, and outcomes
Primary goals: Engagement (45.3%) and brand awareness (18.9%) (Anyroad).
Main goals for large events include brand awareness and revenue generation (Kaltura).
Hybrid events are growing, helping organizers reach both in-person and virtual audiences while delivering strong ROI. Despite challenges like venue selection and engagement, sponsors and attendees see great value in this format. With the right technologies and engagement strategies, event professionals can create meaningful experiences that unite remote and onsite participants, marking a positive trajectory for the industry.
General Trends in the Hybrid Event Industry
Hosting only an in-person or virtual event could mean missing out on nearly half of potential attendees, as 56% prefer in-person while 44% choose virtual. (Markletic)
Small to medium businesses typically host 10-20 attendees at hybrid events, a common size for workshops and training. (Markletic)
32% of enterprise organizations primarily host hybrid events, a common format for large user conferences. (Markletic)
Over half (50.7%) of event organizers believe live events will include virtual elements in 2025. (Impact)
80% of event planners have either hosted or are planning to host a hybrid event. (Eventify)
71% of event marketers understand hybrid events and how they function. (Impact)
Hybrid Event ROI
86% of B2B organizations see a positive ROI of their hybrid events 7 months after the event date. (Markletic)
45% of B2B organizers target a 3x ROI within a year after their event. (Markletic)
89% of event organizers gauge hybrid event success based on attendee satisfaction. (Markletic)
23% of event organizers use Net Promoter Score (NPS) to assess hybrid event success. (Markletic)
66% of event organizers believe live sessions boost audience engagement and event success. (Markletic)
72% of sponsors are willing to support hybrid events if they can effectively reach both in-person and online audiences. (Impact)
Challenges of Hybrid Events
71.1% of event organizers find connecting in-person and virtual audiences their biggest challenge. (Markletic)
35% of event organizers find selecting the right venue for a hybrid event challenging. (Markletic)
32.9% of event organizers face connectivity issues at hybrid events, but only 12% plan for backup internet. (Markletic)
46% of event organizers report that speakers struggle to engage both virtual and in-person audiences at the same time. (Markletic)
68% of event organizers find maintaining engagement and networking among attendees a major challenge. (Impact)
39% of virtual attendees at hybrid events felt excluded from the experience. (Markletic)
49% of event organizers struggle with scheduling hybrid events across multiple time zones. (Markletic)
Event marketing statistics
Smart companies know events are key, and marketers agree they're incredibly effective for hitting goals. Experiences are what matter most now, driving the trend towards hybrid events, which are becoming the norm. Event tech is essential for success – software isn't optional, it's critical. While numbers matter, the real magic of events is those irreplaceable live connections.
The pandemic proved the industry's resilience, and now tech, especially event apps, is crucial for engagement. Most marketers are happy with their approach, but the smartest are linking events directly to sales for maximum impact. For Eventcube, this data confirms what we see daily: events are dynamic, vital, and central to modern marketing success.
59.4% of companies seek hybrid solutions (Bizzabo).
83.7% of organizers anticipated impacts in 2021 (Bizzabo).
92% state software aids in achieving goals (Bizzabo).
The software industry is valued at $28 billion (Learn 2G).
64% use attendee numbers to gauge success (Statista).
95% say live events offer real-life connection opportunities (Aventri).
55% see safety as a major concern (Gavel).
Constitutes 21% of corporate marketing budgets (Splash That).
Nearly half replaced live events with web events during the pandemic (Finances Online).
62% believe apps drive engagement (Bizzabo).
60% are content with their strategies and results (Splash That).
12% faced pay cuts during the pandemic (Event Marketer).
Up to 87% had to cancel events due to COVID-19 (Event Marketer).
B2C marketers allocate 19%, B2B 29% of budgets to events (Splash That).
28% of businesses use event marketing to support sales, making it important to align your event with sales goals (Momencio).
Event technology statistics
*Data sourced from Bizzabo, Bluejeans and Forrester, EventMB, Fairfield Market Research, Skiff Meetings, Zippia, and MomencioEvent technology has revolutionized the way events are planned, executed, and experienced, playing a pivotal role in the industry's evolution. The adoption of innovative technologies like event management software, mobile event apps, and virtual reality has not only streamlined organizational processes but also significantly enhanced attendee engagement. This data below underscores the critical role of technology in the future of events, with companies like Eventcube at the forefront, driving innovation and setting new standards in the industry.Event Technology Adoption
40% of developers report over an 80% adoption rate for apps, while 35% observe adoption rates between 60 and 80% (EventMB, 2020).
The primary challenges with event technology, in order of significance, are engagement, cost, and integration (Skiff Meetings, 2022).
A notable 73.6% of event planners enhanced their technological skills during the pandemic (EventMB, 2020).
Event management software
A considerable 78% of event planners have increased their use of technology since the pandemic (Skift Meetings, 2022).
The event management software market is projected to hit $16.11 billion by 2026, showcasing its increasing demand. (Momencio)
Over two-thirds (67.4%) of organizers are considering or planning to switch event software vendors within the next year (Bizzabo).
Around 72.5% of organizers acknowledge the significant impact of their event platform in achieving positive results at recent conferences (Bizzabo).
Over 85% of event planners use event management software, highlighting its importance in streamlining operations. (Momencio)
62.9% of attendees now expect the use of advanced technology, like smart badges, at in-person conferences (Bizzabo).
41.5% of professionals are ready to invest up to $5,000 for new virtual event technology (Zippia, 2022).
Despite 51% of event decision-makers being satisfied with their virtual events platform, 94% have faced issues with platform setup (BlueJeans and Forrester, 2021).
59.4% of event marketers are in search of a hybrid software solution for managing both in-person and virtual events (Bizzabo).
Event apps
Nearly two-thirds (67.5%) of attendees deem a mobile event app as essential for events (Bizzabo).
98% of event professionals utilize agenda and session features in their event apps (EventMB).
In the tech industry, 97% of marketers employ agenda features in their event apps (EventMB).
A significant 86% of event apps incorporate AI elements like chatbots or smart matchmaking (EventMB).
27% of virtual/hybrid meetings are expected to utilize a mobile app (AMEX, 2020).
The outlook for event ROI looks positive, with strong leadership support and many businesses expecting great returns. Many businesses continue to see strong returns, with some expecting even greater success in the coming years. While costs may rise, events remain a powerful way to drive business success. With the right strategies, like better engagement and tracking tools, organizers can maximize value and prove their impact. Events continue to be one of the most effective marketing channels for achieving business goals.
Event ROI averages between 25% and 34%, showing the importance of boosting engagement and conversions to improve returns. (Momencio)
In 2025, 19.6% of event planners anticipate generating higher ROI from events, compared to previous years (Knowland).
Conversely, 24.3% of event teams foresee a decrease in ROI for 2025 (Knowland).
A small percentage, 7.9%, of event professionals predict that they will generate negative ROI (Knowland).
Meanwhile, 26.2% of event organizers believe that their ROI will remain consistent from 2022 to 2025 (Knowland).
However, 73% of event planners expect costs to increase by 20 to 50% in 2025, potentially impacting event ROI negatively (Knowland).
A notable 71.2% of organizers find it challenging to prove the ROI of in-person conferences to stakeholders (Bizzabo).
Despite this, 72.7% of organizers report that their leadership team and C-suite actively support their in-person event strategies (Bizzabo).
52% of business leaders agree that event marketing drives more ROI than any other marketing channel (Nunify).
Three-quarters of companies with an event budget between $50-100 million expect an event ROI exceeding 5:1. Additionally, 48% of brands anticipate an ROI between 3:1 and 5:1, while 44% of marketers report a 3:1 ROI from event marketing (Equation Events).
41% of marketers believe that events are the most effective marketing channel for achieving business objectives (Bizzabo).
19% of companies are unable to track their event's ROI, showing the need for tools to measure success and improve outcomes. (Momencio)
These reports highlight key trends in event marketing and the meetings industry. They discuss the return of in-person events, the continued relevance of virtual and hybrid formats, and the importance of attendee engagement. Challenges like rising costs and staffing issues are noted, alongside the use of secondary markets as cost-effective venues.
Both reports emphasize the growing role of technology, diversity, and sustainability in shaping the future of events, while also addressing the optimism surrounding increased event bookings in the coming years.
55% of Americans say events make them feel more connected. (Momencio)
67.7% of event marketers find it more challenging to keep attendees engaged during virtual event sessions (Bizzabo).
65% of consumers say live events help them better understand a product, making hands-on demos essential. (Momencio)
63% of respondents believe tools to engage virtual attendees will play a key role in their future event strategies (Bizzabo).
The average virtual attendee watches 68% of a virtual session that is 20 minutes or longer (Bizzabo).
50% of organizers found moderating Q&A with virtual and in-person audiences challenging in hybrid events (Bizzabo).
68.7% of event professionals agree that using technology to improve the attendee experience is a trend with staying power (Knowland).
67% of hybrid event speakers found polls a helpful way to connect with audiences (Bizzabo).
46% of organizers found networking to be a challenging aspect of organizing hybrid events (Bizzabo).
Looking to stay updated on more event industry trends? Don't miss our roundup of the best event planning podcasts for expert insights and inspirationTakeawayBased on these events industry statistics, it's clear the event sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation. Driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and strategic corporate initiatives, this dynamic industry is evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities. As organizations navigate this landscape, the importance of effective event management solutions becomes evident.For those looking to harness the full potential of their event strategies, Eventcube offers innovative solutions tailored to the modern event landscape. Discover how Eventcube can help you create, manage, and maximize successful events by requesting a demo today.