84% of planners anticipate more in-person offsite meetings in 2025 and 

71% anticipate more in-person onsite meetings. 

January 2025, Dubai: Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has released the 2025 edition of its Cvent Planner Sourcing Report, Middle East and Africa region. The report aims to help hospitality professionals attract more corporate events by understanding planners’ challenges, preferences and sourcing trends. The report findings highlight positive momentum across the MICE industry in the region despite challenges like rising costs, budget constraints and time management; and suggest how hotels and venues can address these to secure more group business.

According to the survey results, 93% of planners have a positive outlook on the events industry. Digital communication is now the primary method for sourcing, selecting venues, and event planning. Planners increasingly leverage technology and expect their collaborating venues to do the same. 43% of planners depend more on technology for unique RFPs, and 22% use it to resend them. Most (89%) want responses within four days but also require detailed and tailored proposals.

Planners spend much time online using sourcing platforms, venue websites, and hotel reviews. 77% use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for venue sourcing but still need a realistic view of the event space. For 49% of planners submitting an RFP depends on venues’ images and videos, 48% look for peer reviews, ratings, and testimonials; venue floor plans and diagrams (46%), and being able to take a 3D tour of the event space (35%). To attract planners, venues should keep their websites and profiles updated with comprehensive information such as above.

Gokul Bajaj, Cvent AVP of Sales and General Manager – Dubai, said "It's incredible to witness the shift towards extensive use of technology by both planners and venues. The integration of Artificial Intelligence is a game-changer, simplifying the process and enabling planners to quickly identify suitable venues and focus on delivering exceptional attendee experiences, which are crucial for event success. Cvent’s planner sourcing report provides essential insights into regional challenges and opportunities, helping planners and venue suppliers stay ahead and collaborate more effectively."

The report also lists the top venue types this year including convention centres (44%), restaurants (44%), colleges and universities (36%), art galleries (28%), bars and nightclubs (28%), and theatres (26%). Planners attribute the popularity to flexible spaces, cost and attendee experience, and unique amenities. Location and date availability are crucial for planners. 27% say location influences RFP submission the most, while 22% prioritise date availability.

25% of planners prioritise sustainability for 2025, seeking venues with energy-efficient practices and sustainability education. Additionally, planners search for venues that support local initiatives on environmental and social causes (33%), reduce and recycle waste (31%), advertise their industry recognition for eco-friendly practices (27%), source food from local farmers (27%), conserve water (25%), utilise public transportation or electric vehicles (24%), and invest in carbon offsetting (19%).

The report also highlights that of planners agree that measuring an event’s success is a combination of positive attendee feedback, attendee engagement (28%), and event ROI (25%). 28% of planners say that poor attendee experience would deter them from returning to a venue in the future. And 41% believe that poor attendee experience is the biggest impact of venue and hotel staffing shortages. 

 
About the Study

Cvent commissioned Censuswide, an independent research company, to survey over 150 event professionals across Saudi Arabia, UAE and South Africa. This survey was conducted from in June and July of 2024.

To view the full report, click here

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