Roughly 83 per cent of event professionals plan to host at least three in-person events this year, according to a new survey by meetings technology firm Bizzabo. Just under a quarter (24 per cent) plan to host at least 10.

Bizzabo surveyed more than 230 meeting professionals in June and July for its State of In-Person Events report.

The results reflect a steady return to in-person events, but with flexibility for attendees as Bizzabo’s data also shows 68 per cent of organisers plan to have a virtual component at their next in-person event.

Most respondents are holding on to hybrid meeting options while building on the momentum of returning to in-person events, as 53 per cent claimed to be ‘focused’ or ‘very focused’ on a 2023 virtual event strategy.

That said, onsite meetings and events remain a priority for organisers, with 72 per cent indicating in-person events are a ‘crucial’ part of their organisation’s overall marketing strategy, according to Bizzabo’s survey.

About 70 per cent of respondents indicated their 2022 event budgets increased or held steady from 2021 levels.

Attendee engagement, robust attendance numbers, achieving budget, and ensuring Covid-19 safety were the highest event priorities among the respondent base.

“In-person events have returned this year, and their purpose has been elevated as marketers bring a renewed focus on delivering meaningful experiences for those gathering physically and virtually,” said Alon Alroy, CMO and co-founder of Bizzabo.