I just read the Northstar Meetings Group and Cvent Survey on the latest in meeting intelligence. Here is a summary, aided by using ChatGPT.
📊 Meetings Feeling the Impact—Economy Leads the List
Over 60% of planners say their meetings have been impacted in the past two months, with the economic outlook cited as the top concern by 65%. Other key disruptors include:
• Funding cuts (56%)
• Social policy changes (53%)
• Travel/event participation restrictions (51%)
• Staffing reductions (35%)
• Trade policies (34%)
While a few reported positive changes, the majority are navigating significant challenges as uncertainty grows.
🇺🇸 EMEA Planners Cooling on U.S. Events
Following the U.S. presidential election, many EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) planners express growing reluctance to hold events in the U.S.. While the data is currently anecdotal (“soft data”), the sentiment points to a potential decline in U.S.-bound event sourcing—a trend worth watching as “hard data” unfolds in the coming months.
đź“… Event Sourcing Activity Holds Steady
Despite shifting sentiment, planners are still actively sourcing new events at levels consistent with March 2024 and 2023. Most remain engaged in new sourcing, research, and rebooking, while only a small percentage are holding off on planning new live events. The sourcing pipeline remains strong—for now.
🟦 DEI in Events: Shifts and Steady Support – Good news!
Regardless of changes in government policies, planners’ commitment to the principles and practices of inclusion remain strong.
Compared to a year ago, most planners report no change in their commitment to DEI when planning events. However:
• 23% say they’re more committed to DEI
• 44% are reviewing or rebranding DEI policies
• A smaller group reports being less committed or less likely to include DEI sessions
Overall, while DEI remains a priority for many, there’s a noticeable shift toward reevaluating its implementation.
Over 60% of planners say their meetings have been impacted in the past two months, with the economic outlook cited as the top concern by 65%. Other key disruptors include:
• Funding cuts (56%)
• Social policy changes (53%)
• Travel/event participation restrictions (51%)
• Staffing reductions (35%)
• Trade policies (34%)
I hope you find this helpful moving forward. As I always say, we need to be the optimists in the room.
Copyright 2025, Lois Creamer. Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money, and monetize their message.
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