Cvent CEO Charts Future of Meetings and Events at Cvent CONNECT Europe Conference

• Reggie Aggarwal, Cvent CEO, identifies AI advancements, value prioritization, and a resurgence of the experience economy as the three major trends driving the growth of the events industry. 
• Aggarwal emphasizes the role of Cvent’s AI-powered product launches and strategic acquisitions in expanding platform capabilities and the company’s commitment to the European market.

The Cvent CONNECT Europe Conference, hosted by Cvent recently in London, offered a comprehensive view into the future of the meetings and events industry. The conference, attended by thousands of industry professionals, featured a keynote address by Cvent CEO and Founder, Reggie Aggarwal, who reflected on the company’s 25-year journey and its role in the industry’s digital transformation.

Aggarwal highlighted the company’s growth trajectory and recent strategic moves, including new AI-powered product launches and acquisitions to expand platform capabilities in trade show management, lead generation, and event marketing. He also articulated his optimism about the industry’s future, which he sees as driven by technological innovation, resilience, and human connection.

Notably, Aggarwal identified three key trends driving the industry’s growth – advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), an increased focus on value and impact, and a resurgence of the experience economy.

Aggarwal stated that AI is transforming the events landscape by enabling smarter, more efficient planning and delivering data-driven insights that enhance attendee experiences. Moreover, in a climate of economic pressures, organizations prioritize spending, delivering clear, measurable ROI. In this context, Aggarwal underlined the critical role of events in fostering customer engagement, building relationships, and driving revenue growth.

Furthermore, as the hybrid work model reshapes how people attend events and travel, there is a surging demand for professional and personal meaningful in-person experiences. These trends, Aggarwal argued, signal a new era where technology, efficiency, and experiential impact are crucial for event success.

In a subsequent Q&A session with TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary, Aggarwal highlighted Cvent’s commitment to the European market. He emphasized the need for a highly tailored approach to catering to Europe’s diverse market, which spans over 44 countries. He highlighted that Cvent’s local team, strategic engagements with regional technology leaders, and third-party relationships enable the company to meet regional customer needs more effectively with a localized, hands-on approach.

In conclusion, Aggarwal reiterated that while Cvent continues to embrace AI and digital transformation, the company focuses on creating memorable, engaging experiences that deliver critical value to organizations, communities, and the global economy.