The Association Events Survey for 2023 shows how covid has created a change in attendee patterns with many delegates booking much later for events than they did pre-covid.

The survey by Associations Forum gained feedback from 183 associations and charities to gain insight into events in a post-covid world.

It examined a number of areas of association event delivery including event types, attendance, factors influencing the decision-making process and where events are being run.

“[Half] of respondents report a return to pre-covid levels with regard to event attendance, however, the significant growth seen in events in 2019 has eased,” the report found.

“Covid has created a change in attendee patterns with many delegates booking much later for events than they did pre-Covid.”

It found conference organisers are booking venues much later than previously with the majority now only looking one-to-two years ahead.

Cost and financial support have also become key drivers in venue selection with delegate-focused amenities taking a back seat in 2023.