AI matchmaking: platforms like Grip and Braindate use AI to connect delegates with relevant peers before, during, and after events. Adoption is accelerating — events without AI networking tools lose competitive ground for repeat attendance. Sustainability mandates: 68% of European corporations now require minimum sustainability standards in their event procurement policies (Green Key, ISO 20121, or equivalent). Hotels without certifications are being dropped from preferred supplier lists.
Bleisure events: 71% of MICE planners now build in an optional leisure day or activity at the end of incentive trips to capitalise on delegate willingness to extend at personal expense. This reduces overall programme cost per delegate. Smaller, frequent events: the 1,000-pax annual conference is losing ground to four 200-pax quarterly events. More focused agenda, higher engagement, lower production overhead per decision-maker reached.
Hybrid-first design: events are now designed with the remote audience experience as equal priority to in-room. This requires dedicated camera positions, real-time Q&A moderation for online delegates, and content designed for 90-second attention spans. Wellness programming: meditation breaks, standing desks, outdoor sessions, and alcohol-free catering options are requested in >40% of European corporate event briefs in 2026.
Data sovereignty: EU companies are increasingly selecting venues in EU countries to comply with data processing agreements — avoiding non-EU cloud platforms for event data. On-demand content: 85% of conference recordings are watched on-demand rather than live. Events are designing for post-event distribution from day one — this changes session length, format, and AV spec decisions.
Easy RFP sends your brief to multiple hotels simultaneously. Compare DDR proposals. No commissions. Hotels never pay.
Create Free Account