Introduction
As part of the launch of the 2023-2024 Event Solutions Guide, RendEvenement conducted a new Barometer of Event Venues. The online survey conducted in September and October revealed crucial insights into the criteria favored by event organizers in 2024.
Information Search: The survey highlighted that 72% of organizers rely on their previous experiences with a venue, while 61% use search engines as their primary source of information. Word of mouth (44%) and specialized media (33%) are also considered. Meeting the venue host is deemed essential for getting a sense of future collaboration.
Quotes and Visits: For a given event, 67% of organizers request an average of 2 to 3 quotes. A large majority (89%) visit the venue before booking, making an average of 2 to 3 visits to assess criteria such as ambiance, cleanliness, accessibility, and compatibility with specific needs.
Budgets and Expectations for 2024: The average budget per person for venues, including catering, is between €50 and €100 for 41% of organizers. Expectations for 2024 are positive, with 29% anticipating an increase in venue budgets, 63% expecting it to remain the same, and 8% forecasting a decrease. Respondents anticipating an increase envision an average rise of 5%.
Selection Criteria: Value for money emerges as the most crucial criterion, with 67% of respondents placing it at the top. Accessibility, traditionally a priority, falls to fourth place with 39%. Location and surroundings are the second decisive criteria for 50% of participants. Availability of parking (44%), service/friendliness, and flexibility (22% each) follow. Other criteria such as appearance, alignment with the event theme, catering, comfort/luxury, and sustainability are also taken into account.
Audiovisual Support: Regarding audiovisual support, wifi is considered essential by 94% of respondents, followed by a projector and projection screen (65%) and a sound system (47%). Preferences for equipment such as technical assistance (41%), a television screen (18%), videoconferencing, and a smart board (6% each) vary.
Venue Type Preferences: Meeting and conference centers top preferences at 72%. Banquet halls (56%) and industrial sites (44%) take second and third place, respectively. Other popular options include outdoor venues (33%), tents and hotels (28% each), villas or country houses (22%), castles/fortresses and restaurants (17% each). Less common preferences include concert halls and theaters (11% each), as well as unique options like zoos or amusement parks and cinemas (6% each).
In conclusion, value for money and venue adaptability appear to dictate the choices of event organizers in 2024, marking a significant shift in selection criteria.