The Evidénz Brief™
Insights & Perspectives from North America’s Leading Meeting Planners
Meeting Planner Survey & Outreach
For over 30 years, Evidénz Research Group has been dedicated to understanding the needs and priorities of North American Meeting Planners. Our comprehensive Meeting Planner Report provides major convention and meeting destinations with critical insights directly from you—the professionals on the front lines of event planning. We’ve created The Evidénz Brief to share some of the most valuable, and often surprising, findings from our research, helping you better understand the landscape you navigate every day.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Why Meeting Planners Chose a Specific Destination in 2024
AVAILABLE NOW
When choosing a destination for a large meeting or convention in 2024, planners weren’t just checking boxes; they were making strategic decisions shaped by cost pressures, airlift logistics, political considerations, attendee expectations, and the desire for a fresh experience. The responses tell a nuanced story of trade-offs, practical needs, and emotional appeal.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Navigating Meeting Planners' Top Challenges
AVAILABLE NOW
This issue of The Evidénz Brief delves into the most pressing challenges faced by top Meeting Planners, as identified through in-depth interviews for our 2024 biennial report. Meeting Planners were asked, "What do you believe will be the most difficult challenge you, yourself, will face planning and executing large events over the next few years?" The responses highlight a complex interplay of economic pressures, operational hurdles, and external uncertainties. We have synthesized these diverse perspectives into five key themes, each representing a significant area of concern for Meeting Planners.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
What’s Ahead for Meeting Planners in 2026: A Fresh Look at the MPs Most Difficult Challenges?
COMING JAN. 1
In our 2024 survey, we asked: “What do you believe will be the most difficult challenge you, yourself, will face planning and executing large events over the next few years?” As 2026 approaches, we’re taking a fresh look at which of those challenges still loom large, which are starting to ease—and what new headwinds are beginning to blow.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4
How Economic Conditions Affect the Emphasis on Rational vs. Emotional Factors in Host City Selection
COMING FEB. 1
Do you lean more on Rational or Emotional factors when selecting a host city? According to our latest analysis, your answer may depend on what the economy is doing. Over the past two decades, economic conditions have directly influenced how planners evaluate potential destinations. Learn what the data shows in Issue 4.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5
Social Factors in Destination Selection
COMING MAR. 1
Beyond logistics, pricing, and hotel space, social factors have emerged as powerful influencers in the selection of destinations for large-scale meetings and conventions. Planners are increasingly weighing social conditions—both actual and perceived—when choosing between otherwise qualified cities. Concerns about public health, homelessness, safety, or inclusiveness can quietly, but decisively, push a destination off the short list.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6
Political Factors in Destination Selection
COMING APR. 1
Over the past two decades, political issues at the state and local level have played an increasingly important role in how meeting planners evaluate potential destinations. Certain political conditions, especially those that risk controversy, attendee backlash, or logistical complications, can have an outsized impact on destination desirability. Whether it’s legislation seen as discriminatory, issues tied to immigration policy, or safety concerns due to protest activity or gun laws, planners are often tasked with balancing event objectives against political optics and stakeholder values.
Why Your Voice Matters
The insights in this issue—and those that destinations use to better meet your needs—come directly from Meeting Planners who take the time to complete our biennial survey. If you've participated in the past: thank you. If you haven't yet: we hope you will when invited.
Your voice is powerful. When you share your experience, you help shape how destinations, venues, and service providers respond—not just to you, but to Meeting Planners across the industry.
If you have any comments or ideas you’d like to share, please send an email to anastasiaj@evidenzrg.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
— The Evidénz Team