What event bookers are actually looking for in 2026

The events landscape today demands more from venues than ever before. Bookers aren’t impressed by space alone. They need partners who help them deliver outcomes that meet sharper expectations from stakeholders, attendees and internal leaders.

In 2026, the smartest bookers are aligning venue choice with strategic event design, operational simplicity, attendee experience and corporate values. If you want to be a go‑to venue for agencies and corporates who know their craft, you need to speak their language and solve their real problems.

Here’s what bookers are actually looking for this year and beyond as demonstrated in industry trends and planner behaviour.

1. Transparency and precision in venue information

Bookers are busy and usually juggling multiple tasks at any one time. They want venue data that is accurate, clear and actionable, not purely aspirational. Incomplete or inaccurate details cost time and credibility.

What this means in practice:

• Keep calendars up to date with realistic availability.
• Provide granular capacity details for every layout, not just vague explanations.
• Publish technical specs for hybrid and broadcast‑ready setups so bookers can compare without chasing emails.

This aligns with planners’ priority for clarity in pricing and capacity as part of efficient decision‑making. Ambiguity increases friction and drops venues out of RFP shortlists early.

2. Purposeful, configurable spaces that support event outcomes

Planners are choosing venues for what they enable, not just how they look. Space must support multiple formats – keynote, workshop, small‑group problem‑solving, hybrid broadcast – often in the same day.

Actionable changes you can make:

• Invest in reconfigurable furniture and easy transitions between formats.
• Offer moveable walls and adaptable sound control.
• Train your team to advise on layout sequences that amplify session goals.

Bookers appreciate venues that contribute to the function of the event, not just the form.

3. Tech where it truly matters

Strong wifi and high‑quality streaming are now expected, not optional. In fact, planners rank seamless AV infrastructure above aesthetics or cost in many cases.

What bookers care about with tech:

• Built‑in hybrid streaming with reliable bandwidth.
• Tested hotspot redundancy for big sessions.
• On‑site AV support that doesn’t require off‑site routing.

And beyond infrastructure, planners are increasingly using AI for personalisation, attendee behaviour insights, and efficiency – with research showing measurable improvements in planner productivity and audience satisfaction.

Implication for venues: Tech isn’t about bells and whistles. It’s about removing barriers to booking and delivery.

4. Sustainability as standard

“Sustainability” used to mean swapping plastic for compostable cutlery. Now it’s a core requirement in briefs, not an afterthought. Planners and their clients expect measurable credentials: carbon reporting, waste management, local sourcing and energy efficiency.

Steps venues can take today:

• Publish sustainability metrics such as carbon footprint reduction or energy usage.
• Build zero‑waste packages into your catering options.
• Partner with local suppliers to reduce transport emissions.

When planning teams can check a sustainability box without doing extra work, you become easier to recommend and contract.

5. Accessibility and inclusivity, not optional extras

Venue accessibility is now one of the top factors in decision‑making, especially within diversity and inclusion requirements. Venue accessibility is increasingly ranking as a number one consideration when reflecting on inclusion goals.

That means:

• Clear physical accessibility information.
• Inclusive support for dietary, cultural and sensory requirements.
• Transparent content accessibility features like captioning for hybrid sessions.

Venues that proactively arm bookers with this detail remove a frequent internal hurdle for planners.

6. Smaller events, deeper impact

Large conferences are slowing, while smaller, more frequent, purpose‑driven formats continue to grow. Many organisations are planning regional micro‑events or targeted workshops that require nimble spaces and booking ease.

Your opportunity: If your venue supports quick, efficient booking and operations for smaller formats, you’ll capture business that larger, less flexible spaces miss.

7. Experiences that feel intentional

In 2026, venue choice is less about novelty and more about strategic fit. Nearly half of event professionals now source non‑hotel locations, choosing them because they meaningfully support their event goals, not for visual flair alone.

The goal isn’t to be the flashiest space. It’s to help planners design experiences that deliver outcomes.

8. Partnership as a differentiator

Emerging trends show that planners increasingly value venues that provide consultative support – from early layout guidance to risk management and staffing insights. This proactive involvement isn’t seen as a cost add‑on, it’s seen as risk reduction.

Examples of partnership behaviours:

• Early insight into potential logistical challenges.
• Suggestions for low‑risk pricing models and predictable day rates.
• Advice on inclusive agendas or wellness‑friendly scheduling.

Venues that behave like partners shorten sales cycles and increase conversion because planners trust them with details that matter.

What this all means for venues this year

Bookers are no longer booking space. They are booking confidence. They want accuracy, technology that helps, expertise that amplifies their role and partners who deliver against measurable event goals.

By investing in clarity, adaptability, sustainability, accessibility, and supportive insights, venues not only win more bookings but deepen their relationships with event professionals who make repeated decisions based on trust and outcomes.

Keen to make your venue easier to book and harder to ignore?

If you’re not already one of our valued members, join us today to showcase your specifications, strengthen your booker relationships, and align your venue with what 2026 planners truly value.