Free Industry Report

The State of Events 2026

The State of Events 2026 report brings together insights from 380+ event planning professionals worldwide to reveal how the industry is responding, where confidence is growing, and what’s changing as events move into their next phase. 

The State of Events 2026 – Free Industry Report – Insights and Strategies for 2026 from EventsAir

Global

INSIGHTS from NA, APAC, EMEA and LATAM

380+

EVENT PROfessionals surveyed

61.9%

citeD budget constraints as their top challenge

62.4%

use AI for their event marketing

Insights shaping the next phase of event planning

Built on real-world data and industry experience, The State of Events 2026 focuses on what planners are actually doing: where they’re investing time and budget, how success is being measured, and which pressures are reshaping decision-making.

Inside the report, you’ll uncover:

  • The biggest challenges event professionals are facing, and how they’re navigating budget, engagement, and delivery pressure
  • How success metrics are evolving beyond attendance to include engagement, experience, and event ROI
  • The shifting role of event technology as a driver of efficiency, confidence, and insight
  • Where AI is already adding value and why adoption remains uneven across the industry
  • What these shifts mean for event strategy moving into 2026 and beyond
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Why this report matters

Events remain one of the most powerful ways to connect people, build trust, and deliver impact. But delivering successful events today requires more than flawless execution – it demands clarity, adaptability, and the ability to prove value.

The State of Events 2026 is designed to support event professionals with insight they can use: to benchmark decisions, guide planning conversations, and strengthen the case for investment in events and technology.

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About the research

This report is based on survey data and qualitative insights from more than 380 event professionals across regions, industries, and role levels. It reflects the lived experience of planners responsible for delivering conferences, exhibitions, and complex events in an increasingly demanding environment. 

Produced by EventsAir, drawing on over 35 years of experience supporting event professionals worldwide. 

Powering over 400,000+ events worldwide

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