In the latest Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, conducted in partnership with Phocuswright, the level of planner optimism largely continues from the previous cycle, with more than two-thirds of planners maintaining a positive outlook. The percentage of planners booking and actively sourcing new events is again up year-over-year, in line with this same period two years ago.
We also see evidence of geopolitical and economic uncertainty taking a toll, with growing concern over rising costs. Among this cycle’s findings:
- Fewer planners say their meetings are being affected by the Middle East conflict. But more than one-third are still seeing effects, and more than 30 percent of those respondents have had to postpone or cancel an event as a result.
- Event teams are not growing as they were a year ago, with fewer than a quarter of respondents having increased staff size this year and that same percentage intending to hire more staff in 2027.
- Booking windows are tightening slightly, with an increase in meetings being planned less than nine months out.
- The percentage of planners booking and researching international meetings has increased dramatically year-over-year.
For additional insights and noteworthy data around virtual events, AI sentiment, perceived event value and more, download a free copy of the Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey report.
About the Survey
The Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey was first launched in 2020 to track changes in planner sentiment and expectations throughout the pandemic. Northstar continues to survey event planners regularly to assess how current challenges and trends are shaping the industry. Produced in partnership with meetings technology provider Cvent, the survey has expanded beginning in June 2026 to include research collaboration with Phocuswright, a division of Northstar Travel Group and the market leader in travel industry research.