Two-thirds of corporate event buyers expect to deliver a similar number of events in 2026, with a further 25% anticipating increased activity, according to a survey by the London Summer Event Show and Venue Search London.
The research, based on responses from 162 corporate event buyers in November and December 2025, shows a resilient outlook for the UK events industry despite budget pressures.
However, 59% of respondents said a combination of rising costs and restricted budgets will affect their event delivery. “We are facing a classic stagflation situation, where clients may need to do more for less,” said Sam Gill, chief executive of Venue Search London. “With venues and suppliers facing increased input costs, buyers will need to negotiate hard and shop around more to get the value they are seeking from restricted budgets.”
The survey also examined the role of AI in venue finding. Izzy Lambros, head of shows at Story Events, said recent attendance levels at the London Summer Event Show suggest buyers still value face-to-face meetings with venues and suppliers.
Venue Search London will present its analysis of the survey during seminars at the London Summer Event Show on 10-11 February at 60 Great Queen Street. The show brings together 150 London venues and suppliers with corporate event buyers and event agents across two sessions.
