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The switch from virtual to live events takes off
The move from virtual to live events is gathering pace, says etc.venues
Enquiries have increased 20% week on week for the past three weeks.
“With Plan B restrictions lifted and no likelihood of an imminent return, many event planners are switching larger events from virtual to live.” said Adam Simpson, Director of Marketing for etc.venues.
“We’ve been approached by multiple event planners wanting to switch from virtual to live events in March, April, May and June, months that were already popular with those who were avoiding the Plan B restrictions.”
Many others who held provisional bookings for the first half of the year are also now confirming them,” he added.
“This backs up our latest research which revealed that event planners are returning to live only events faster than expected.”
Christina Potts, Director of JCN Events said: “We’re finding that many venues are very busy and that suitable spaces for larger events are increasingly difficult to find.”
Simpson said 28% of respondents held live only events in 2021, 8% higher than forecast in the July survey.
A further 23% said in December that they will go back to live only events in 2022, which Simpson estimates is likely to be closer to 60% following the recent increase in demand since the Plan B restrictions were lifted.
“Event planners wanting the best choice of availability are booking Q3 and Q4 dates now.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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