The document provides a breakdown of participant data from a survey of over 2,100 event planners. Some key findings include: most planners source events for their company or association; nearly 80% planned more events in the past year and half saw an increased budget; the most memorable events incorporated unique experiences that brought groups together; and when sourcing venues, availability, location, and cost were the top influences while thorough RFP responses and negotiations were most needed from hotels.

1. Participant Breakdown
I source/plan meetings
for my association
I source/plan meetings
for my company68%
I source/plan meetings
for other organizations11%
13%
I am a SMERF planner
8%
53-64 years old
35-52 years old
40%
18-34 years old
49%
10%
65 years and over1%
60%
50% 35% 79%
of planners say that they are planning
more events this year than last year
of planners
say their
budget Has
increased
since last
year
!'* #
of planners use
Destination
Marketing
Companies
when sourcing
venues or
destinations
of planners
choose
standard
chain hotels
for their
event
venues
11% 40% 36% 10% 3%
the 2018
planner sourcing
of 2017
MOST
Memorable
events
http://www.cvent.com/en/hospitality-cloud/
In our 2018 Global Planner Sourcing Survey, event planners from around the world gave us
a glimpse into what it’s like sourcing, creating, and executing successful meetings and events.
Below you’ll find the responses from more than 2,100 planners, including the highs and lows
of the past year and how hoteliers can help them make unforgettable experiences.
“
Weplannedexoticactivities,unique
experiences,andaone-of-a-kindAwards
Dinner.Evenmorememorablewasthe
manyhandsthisprogramchangedduring
theplanningprocess.
“
Ourgroupof50cametogetheras
strangers,butthroughtheexperience
formeda’family’andlifelongfriends.
““
Weplannedagreat3-daytraining
programthatcombinedclassroom
learningandlocalexperiences.
OurNationalSummitinJuneatthe
GaylordResortinTennessee.Theproperty
wasuniqueandbeautiful,thevenue
negotiatedmanycost-savingmeasures
withourgroup,theareaprovideduswith
auniqueentertainmentexperience,but
mostofall,itwasbecausethehotelstaff
wassocourteous,friendly,andvery
accommodating.
“ThemostmemorableeventIplanned
wasasummitconferencetomeetwith
anonlinecommunity. Wefinallygotto
interactface-to-facewithpeoplewehad
becomefamiliarwithvirtuallyforseveral
months.Thevenuewasextremely
accommodatingandtreatedourguests
verywell.Theyofferedspecialdiscounts
totheguestswhostayedonsite,andthe
cateringwastopnotch!
INFOGRAPHIC
!'* #11% 40% 36% 10% 3%!'* #
11% 40% 36% 10%!'* #
1-20 21-100 101-500 501-2,000 2,001+
11% 40% 36% 10% 3%
Average meeting Size
attendees attendees attendees attendees attendees
Top 3 biggest influenceS on booking a specific venue
Where CAN hotels most improve when responding to RFPs?
What level of savings would persuade you
to switch to another venue?
Average NUMBER of meetingS PER YEAR
Availability
of Preferred
dates
LOCATION
1 2 3COST
Negotiating with the venue 24%
Researching venues 20%
Compiling proposal responses 18%
Comparing the proposals 17%
Choosing a venue 17%
Other 4%
SOURCINg STAGE
WHERE PLANNERs
EXPERIENCE the
MOST DIFFICULTY
Thoroughness1
Speed2
Trustworthiness3
Brevity4
1-3% Savings
3-5% Savings
6-10% Savings
a discount would not
change my decision
over 10%
20%
31%
36%
2%
11%
12%1-2
17%
17%
27%
27%
3-5
6-10
11-20
20+
WHERE do you plan meetings?
47%NORTHAMERICA
16%EUROPE
8%ASIA
6%AFRICA
6%MIDDLEEAST
5%AUSTRAIla/NZ
5%SOUTH AMERICA
7%CENTRAL AMERICA