In anticipation of greater impact from a weaker rupiah and ongoing global uncertainty, event organisers in Indonesia are drawing up strategies to sustain bookings and remain resilient.
Irvan Muhidin Sukamto, chairman of Indonesia Event Industry Association (IVENDO), opined that survival starts with a deeper, data-driven understanding of the market. He noted that organisers must invest time in market research, consumer insights, and emerging trends to identify new opportunities.
“It is important to look at data, not rely on assumptions, to see where the market is moving,” Irvan said.
Once those opportunities are clear, Irvan encourages members to proactively create their own intellectual property (IP) – such as exhibitions, festivals, or community gatherings – rather than waiting for clients.
“It is a way to build long-term revenue streams and value,” he said, adding that owning IP gives organisers control over their business and reduces reliance on corporate client budgets.
Grace Jeanie, managing director of JP Pro Bali, added that client expectations are shifting. Instead of branding-focused events, companies now prioritise those that drive business development, corporate strategy, employee/customer engagement, or capacity building.
“Events are expected to deliver measurable business outcomes, and those that do not generate results are becoming harder to justify,” she said.
As a result, Grace and her team spend more time uncovering what clients want to achieve before developing a concept. The best events, she noted, are those “that start with a problem and are designed to help solve it”.
Operational efficiency is another priority. Harry Dwi Nugraha, founder of the Indonesia Professional Organizer Society, noted that organisers must manage costs carefully as production expenses rise, using technology and AI to streamline planning, marketing, and operations.
“The ability to stay efficient, manage costs, and adapt quickly will be increasingly important in the current environment,” Harry said.
“With all the uncertainty, we can no longer operate as rigidly as before,” says Ipah, event manager of Dyandra Convention Surabaya.
She stressed that flexibility in pricing, formats, and services is now vital for organisers to meet rapidly changing requirements.
