A new report from event technology provider EventsAir reveals that nearly half of event professionals are struggling to keep attendees engaged amid increasing distractions and digital fatigue.
The study, based on responses from over 370 event professionals and interviews with industry leaders, found that 42.7% cite attendee engagement as a major concern. Budget limitations also remain a significant hurdle, with 63.5% of respondents identifying financial constraints as their biggest challenge in 2025.
Despite the rise of virtual and hybrid events, in-person events continue to be highly valued, with 95.4% of event professionals rating them as either very or moderately important. The report also highlights the increasing importance of high-quality content, cited by 79.7% of respondents as the single most crucial factor for event success.
Technology plays a vital role in modern event planning, with 79.3% of professionals utilising event management software.
“The global events market is undergoing unprecedented change, driven by technology, shifting attendee behaviours, and new industry challenges,” said Renee Elliott, chief customer officer at EventsAir. “We invested in producing this important report to provide event planners with a clear understanding of these transformations, empowering them to adapt, innovate, and excel in this dynamic environment.”
The full report is available for download on the EventsAir website.
