There’s no question that in-person meetings and events are more important than ever. So, what will 2024 bring for the industry? And how does this look for your region?

The good news is, you don’t have to search too far for the answers – the 13th annual Global Meetings and Events Forecast has all you need to know about what’s coming up in the next year.

So, what’s new in North America?

Things are looking great for 2024, with 77% of respondents saying attendee numbers have already returned to 2019 levels, or are expected to in the coming year. While 81% of meetings and events are looking to be in-person only, with only 18% hybrid.

The factors most likely to impact attendee numbers are cost and health and safety concerns. When it comes to budgets, 72% of respondents are expecting to increase their spend, compared to 65% in 2023.

And if you’re wondering about the best locations…

This year, for the ‘Top 5 Destinations’ section, we asked 131 of our own meetings and events professionals to select their top locations. These were based on client data and relevant criteria such as, accessibility, cost effectiveness, commitment to ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles and more.

And your top destination in North America? It might come as no surprise that Las Vegas reigns supreme for meetings and events, with New York coming in second. Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles are new additions, and you can see where they ranked in the image below.

All signs point to 2024 being a dynamic year with further growth. It’s set to be an exciting time for new technology, innovation as well as AI adoption.