21 Event Planning Industry Statistics To Know

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Hey party people, grab your virtual confetti and real-life party hats because we're about to dive into the world of event planning! From the rise of virtual shindigs to the unexpected twists and turns in the live events biz, we've got the lowdown on the industry trends that are shaking up the scene.

Whether you're a seasoned event pro or just someone who loves a good get-together, these 21 event planning industry statistics are about to give you the backstage pass to the hottest happenings.

General Event Planning Industry Statistics

Step into the vibrant world of event planning where dollars turn into dazzling experiences! With the party and events market in the US soaring at a cool $3.2 billion, discover the growth projections, job market resilience, and the sheer economic force behind an industry supporting 2.5 million jobs.

The Party Scene: A $3.2 Billion Bash

So, the party and events scene in the US? It's not just a celebration; it's a whopping $3.2 billion extravaganza! Word on the street is that we're looking at a 4% growth spurt in 2022. But, here's the twist – between 2017 and 2022, the yearly growth rate's playing hard to get, chilling at a negative -9.8%.

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Tech Woes and Pandemic Perks

Guess what? A solid 40% of our event planners are feeling a bit meh about the tech they've got. Yeah, it's been a little behind, but the pandemic threw a curveball, and suddenly we're all about tech in the event industry.

Cue the tech evolution, with new management solutions and video conferencing platforms making online events a breeze.

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Event Planners: Job Market Rockstars

If you're an event planner, give yourself a high-five because your job growth is beating the average by a cool 4%. According to the latest stats, you're set to grow at an impressive 11% between 2016 and 2026. Job worries? Not in this profession!

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Jobs Galore: 2.5 Million and Counting

Hold onto your party hats – the planning and meetings industry is like a job powerhouse, supporting a whopping 2.5 million jobs. And that's not all – we're talking about an additional 1.5 million indirectly created jobs and 1.9 million induced ones.

It's a job fiesta, folks, with a side of $95.6 billion in salaries. That's more than the GDP of 147 countries combined!

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Event Planner Payday

Ever wondered what the moolah looks like in the event planner world? In 2020, the median annual salary was a sweet $51,560. For the bottom 10%, it's a respectable $29,240, while the top 10% are rocking it at $88,360.

Want to know where the money's at? Think about administrative and support services, religious organizations, and the hospitality and entertainment business.

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Love What You Do: Event Planner Edition

Here's a heartwarming stat – a whopping 89% of event organizers are head over heels for their gig. It's not just a job; it's a passion project.

Only 10% are playing it cool, feeling indifferent, and a mere 1% are in the “not a fan” zone. Looks like we've got a lot of love in the event planning air!

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Event Planning Industry Trendy Statistics

From the glittering rise of virtual events to the profound impact of hybrid gatherings, join us on the cutting edge of event planning trends in 2023!

Unpack the losses and rebounds of the live-events business, witness the global GDP dance to the rhythm of business events, and explore the dynamic shifts in event formats and diversity that the post-pandemic era brings.

The Event-verse: A $1.14 Billion Shindig in 2019

So, picture this: the events industry in 2019 was like a cool $1.14 billion party.

But hold onto your seat because, thanks to the pandemic's virtual event boom, we're talking about an 11.2% CAGR growth from 2021 to 2028, reaching a staggering $1.55 billion. Conferences, exhibitions, corporate gigs, music fests – you name it, they're all on the guest list.

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Hybrid Events: The Cool Kids on the Block

Guess what's hotter than hot? Hybrid events. A whopping 67% of organizers are putting their bets on them as the industry's future. Why? They're the Goldilocks of events – not too virtual, not too in-person.

They give you the flexibility you need while still serving up that in-person connection. And guess what, 97% of us are expecting more of these hybrid wonders.

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The $30 Billion Hangover: Live Events in 2020

2020 was a rough one for live events. Picture this: they were gearing up for a record-breaking $12.2 billion bash, but the pandemic had other plans.

Lost revenue? A whopping $30 billion, covering everything from tickets to merch, hotels to restaurants. Talk about a tough year for the event industry.

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Business Events: The Big Players in Global GDP

Hold onto your business cards – business events are contributing a jaw-dropping $1.5 trillion to the global GDP. That's not all – we're talking $2.5 trillion in business sales and a cool 26 million jobs.

If the business events sector were a country, it'd be strutting its stuff at number 14, leaving Mexico, Spain, and Indonesia in the dust.

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Budgeting for a Good Time: 21% of Marketing Budgets

Ever wonder where the money goes? Well, 48% of marketers spill the tea – 21% of their marketing budget is reserved for in-person events.

It's like the VIP section of marketing allocations. And guess what? 33% are dropping that same 21% on sponsoring different events. Let the good times roll.

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Webinar Takeover: The Pandemic Pivot

The pandemic hit, and guess what went on stage? Webinars! 49% of event marketers decided to swap out in-person events for these online gigs.

It was a digital takeover. Some weren't sure (16%), and some had no plans (another 16%). But one thing's for sure – change was in the air.

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Virtual Dreams: 93% Planning to Invest

Post-pandemic, 93% of event organizers are raising their glasses to virtual events. It's not just a trend; it's a budget dedication. Virtual events are like the superheroes of budget-saving and audience-reaching, making them the go-to move for event planners.

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Freebies Galore: 80% of Events Offer Free Registration

Ever been to a party with a free entrance? Well, 80% of events in 2021 had that vibe. Thanks to sponsorships, registration is either free or on the budget-friendly side. It's like a gift bag for your budget – and attendees love it!

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Event Planner Upgrades: 71% Eyeing Post-COVID19 Skills

Post-COVID-19, event planners are leveling up. 71% are eyeing live event experiences as their next big skill. It's like the event industry is on a mission to redefine the post-pandemic party scene. Let the skill-building commence!

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The Power of Physical: 97% B2B Marketers Say Yes

Physical events are like the MVPs of B2B marketing – 97% say they majorly impact business outcomes. Lead gathering, networking – you name it, they've got the magic touch. No wonder 63% of marketers are keeping them on the agenda.

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Speaker Diversity: The 99% Rule

When it comes to speaker panels, diversity is the name of the game. 99% of them are giving us that gender-inclusive vibe. But hey, there's work to be done on the ethnicity front – BIPOC and Black speakers are representing, but let's shoot for 100%.

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Meetings Mingle: Internal Team Hangouts Rule

In the world of events, 32% to 43% are all about those internal team meetings. North America's got a thing for product launches (14%) and board meetings (14%). Conferences and trade shows? They're in the mix too, but those internal team hangouts are stealing the spotlight.

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Sponsorship Showdown: Average Size is $12,000

Sponsorship packages are like event bling, and the average size? A cool $12,000. But here's the plot twist – they range from $500 to over $100,000. Good news? 75% of sponsors are always on the lookout for partnerships.

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UK Event Extravaganz£42.3 Billion Party

Across the pond, the UK event sector is throwing a £42.3 billion bash. That's $56.10 billion in the language of dollars. It's not just a party – it's a direct spending extravaganza, and it's an 8% rise from the last report. Cheers to the UK event scene!

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Spending Spree: UK Event Categories Breakdown

Let's break down the spending menu in the UK: conferences and meetings take the lead at £19.9 billion or $26.3 billion. Exhibitions and trade fairs snagged £11.0 billion ($14.5 billion), followed by incentive travel, performance improvement, and corporate events each at £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion).

Outdoor events and festivals? They're both rocking £1.1 billion ($1.4 billion). And the music and sporting events? A combined £3.6 billion or $4.7 billion. It's not just a spending spree; it's a budget bonanza.

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Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks – the backstage scoop on the event planning scene in 2023. From the skyrocketing popularity of hybrid events to the staggering impact of live gatherings on global GDP, it's clear that the party never stops in the event industry.

Whether you're a marketing maven allocating that crucial 21% to in-person events or a speaker panel enthusiast championing diversity, these stats paint a picture of an industry that's not just surviving but thriving.

So, as you gear up for your next event – be it a virtual fiesta or an in-person extravaganza – remember that behind the scenes, a world of innovation, challenges, and endless possibilities is shaping the way we come together.

Cheers to the planners, the sponsors, the speakers, and the attendees – here's to making every event in 2023 an unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How has the pandemic impacted the events industry, and what's the outlook for the future?

The pandemic dealt a blow, causing the live-events business to lose over $30 billion in 2020. However, the industry is bouncing back with a forecasted 11.2% CAGR between 2021 and 2028, reaching a whopping $1.55 billion.

2. What's the deal with hybrid events, and why do organizers believe they're the future?

Hybrid events, blending virtual and in-person experiences, are hailed as the future by 67% of organizers. They offer flexibility and a wider reach, combining the best of both worlds – the virtual efficiency and the in-person connection.

3. How significant are business events on a global scale, and what do they contribute?

Business events contribute a staggering $1.5 trillion to the global GDP, supporting $2.5 trillion in business sales and 26 million jobs. If the business events sector were a country, it would rank 13th globally, surpassing the GDP of several nations.

4. How are event budgets allocated, and what's the role of webinars in the post-pandemic landscape?

Nearly half of surveyed marketers allocate 21% of their budgets to in-person events, emphasizing their importance. Meanwhile, 49% of event marketers pivoted to webinars during the pandemic, showcasing a significant shift in event formats.

5. What's the status of diversity in event speaker panels, and how have events adapted post-COVID19?

Speaker panels boast 99% gender inclusivity, but there's room for improvement in ethnic diversity, with BIPOC and Black speakers representing 86% and 67%, respectively. Post-COVID19, event planners are prioritizing upskilling, with 71% focusing on designing live event experiences and 64% delving into digital event design.