Key info from 2025 Cvent Planner Sourcing Report

However, we also know there is a positive outlook for the future of the M&E industry after 600 event professionals from around Europe took part in Cvent’s annual Planner Sourcing Report.

The three important findings from the 2025 report are:

• Planners are looking for specific information online
• Venues must show how their space will meet a variety of event needs
• Sustainability practices are an expected part of the planning process

The annual report, which has been produced since 2015, revealed 90% of planners are very positive about the current state of the events industry and sourcing venues in Europe.

But they did also flag up some concerns.

Top of that list was 36% of planners struggle to stay in budget, 31% worry about time management while 29% said the cost of meetings and events is an issue.

A recurring theme throughout the report is that planners said they need more time and resources so there is more reliance on tech for venue sourcing.

Respondents to the survey gave their insights in June and July of this year – with 24% from the UK and 24% from Germany, while 17% were from France and Spain, 10% from the Netherlands and 8% from Italy.

From all those responses from around Europe, there were eight key findings:

1. Planners want customised and thorough proposals even faster

2. Planners facing resource constraints increasingly rely on technology to simplify event sourcing

3. Cost concerns won’t stop planners from booking preferred hotels

4. Planners need help visualising how space can accommodate their specific event needs

5. Attendee experience is the top priority

6. AI-powered venue sourcing tools are in demand

7. Special event venues continue to rise in popularity

8. Finding space and dates at preferred locations is tricky

9. Sustainability remains a key priority for event planners

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You can read the full Planner Sourcing Report (Europe) by Cvent, here.