The Business of Events has today published its 2025 International Planner Sentiment Report, revealing a marked divergence in event planner priorities across global markets.
Sponsored by Tourism Ireland and released to coincide with the opening of The Meetings Show, the findings reveal shifting regional attitudes – particularly among North American planners – shaped by changing economic, cultural, and political landscapes.
As the importance of factors like Sustainability & Social Impact and Equity & Diversity declines in North America, planners in the UK and Europe are moving in the opposite direction.
Key findings include a two-point decline in the importance placed on Sustainability & Social Impact among North American respondents compared to 2024. Equity & Diversity and Cultural Identity also saw a modest decline in this region, down by one point each. In contrast, planners in the UK and Europe rated Equity & Diversity one point higher than last year, creating a four-point transatlantic gap in sentiment – possibly reflecting shifting cultural expectations.
Meanwhile, Cost and Value for Money has increased in importance among European planners, now rated at 10 – up one point from the previous year. This mirrors trends in the UK and likely reflects inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty affecting budgets across the supply chain.
Other decision-making factors, such as Accessibility, Destination and City Brand, Food and Hospitality, and Safety and Security, remained largely stable year-on-year across all regions.
Mike Fletcher, director of news and content at The Business of Events, said: “While most sentiment indicators have remained stable, the 2025 data highlights emerging regional divergences – especially in North America – which may indicate broader cultural and economic shifts. This data is invaluable in helping UK destinations and venues adapt their strategies to maintain global competitiveness.”
The report draws on contributions from corporate, association, agency, and incentive and reward planners across the UK, Europe, and North America.
The International Planner Sentiment Report was previewed at an exclusive event held at Corrigan’s in London on 24 June, attended by Tourism Ireland partners, members of the media, trade associations, VisitBritain, and representatives from DCMS.
The full report is available to download here.