Industry Sentiment Survey results

We recently carried out an Industry Sentiment Survey, reaching out to past and present clients for their thoughts on the status of business events in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The survey was designed to better understand current conditions across the business events sector, the challenges organisations are facing, and where Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events (ACVE) can provide the greatest support. While economic pressures continue to impact the industry, the results reveal a sector that remains resilient and cautiously optimistic about the future. 

What we heard 

Despite ongoing challenges, confidence across the sector remains relatively strong. 

Overall, half of respondents (51 per cent) feel positive about current industry conditions, while 35 per cent feel neutral and only 15 per cent feel negative. 

Confidence within organisations is also holding steady, with 65 per cent of respondents reporting that business confidence has either improved or remained the same compared with 12 months ago. 

Looking ahead, respondents remain optimistic about the future. Two-thirds (67 per cent) expect business conditions over the next six to12 months to either remain stable or improve. 

Activity levels are also proving resilient. Nearly half (45 per cent) said the number of events being planned is similar to this time last year, while 35 per cent reported that average event spend has stayed about the same. 

Together, these findings suggest that while the operating environment remains challenging, demand for business events continues to hold firm. 

The challenges behind the optimism 

Beneath this positive outlook, organisations are continuing to adapt to significant economic pressures. 

Nearly nine in ten respondents (89 per cent) said their clients are making changes as a result of current economic conditions. The most common adjustments include reducing event budgets (60 per cent), reducing event size (40 per cent), and sending fewer delegates (40 per cent). 

Respondents identified three factors having the greatest impact on their organisations and clients: 

  • Reduced client budgets 
  • Inflation and supplier costs 
  • International fuel and travel costs 

When asked about the biggest challenges facing the sector more broadly, four key themes emerged: 

  • Rising costs, inflation and event affordability 
  • Budget constraints and reduced organisational spending 
  • Attendance, delegate participation and engagement 
  • Economic and political uncertainty (global and local) 

These findings highlight a sector that remains active and optimistic but is increasingly focused on finding ways to deliver value while managing costs and uncertainty. 

Why this matters 

The survey results paint a picture of a sector that is proving remarkably resilient. 

While organisations are facing real financial pressures, the continued level of confidence and activity suggests that business events remain an important investment for many organisations. At the same time, changing client behaviours indicate that value, affordability and flexibility are becoming more important than ever. 

Understanding these shifts helps ACVE better represent the needs of the sector and advocate for initiatives that support sustainable growth. 

What's next for ACVE 

Respondents shared clear feedback on where ACVE can have the greatest impact. 

The top priorities identified were: 

  • Cost reduction, pricing and affordability initiatives 
  • Greater flexibility in contracts, bookings and event delivery 
  • Increased marketing, promotion and event attraction activity 

These insights will help shape ACVE's advocacy, partnerships and future initiatives as we continue supporting our members and the broader business events community. 

Thank you again to everyone who contributed their perspectives. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us understand the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, and ensuring our work remains focused on where it can make the greatest difference.