At Huddle, we have always believed in the power of the big picture. In an industry as big and diverse as ours, keeping up to date can be a challenge. So today we are going to take a look at some interesting new research showing how the event industry and business travel landscape is evolving. The latest Global Business Travel Forecast offers some fascinating insights that could be game-changers for event organizers and corporate decision-makers in 2025. So let’s dive in and take a look at the key takeaways. 

The Airfare Outlook: Stability with a Slight Bump

Let’s talk numbers. The forecast suggests domestic flight costs will hover around $814 in 2025 – a mere 0.5% increase from 2024’s average of $810. While this might seem like a negligible change, it’s actually quite good news all things considered. Despite challenges in aircraft production, excess capacity in the market is keeping prices remarkably stable and continued spending shows the durability of demand for event travel.

Hotel Rates: A Soft Landing

Business hotel rates are telling a similar story. The report shows a  modest 1.6% increase, with average daily rates climbing from $184 in 2024 to $187 in 2025. But the market dynamics are interesting – persistent inflation is being tempered by leveled-off occupancy rates, and there’s a noticeable shift towards business travelers and group bookings. This once again underscores the resilient demand in the industry, and the value attendees and event professionals place on those events and locations.

Costs pressures continue

The increase in costs we have seen fuel inflation figures across the world are also impacting the corporate event industry. Spending per meeting attendee is on a consistent upward trajectory as costs rise . Starting at $155 per attendee in 2023, it increased to $162 in 2024 – a 4.5% jump. For 2025, projections indicate a further rise to $169, representing a 4.3% increase.

The Bigger Picture

The report highlights an important trend: robust travel programs are becoming a key factor in employee engagement and professional development, especially for Gen Z talent. In a potentially softening market, suppliers might be more open to breaking traditional pricing models to attract business and new team members.

Strategic Tips for Cost-Conscious Event Planning

Our team at Huddle Agency has developed a comprehensive approach to managing event budgets in this evolving landscape. First, we recommend exploring secondary cities with lower demand and more competitive pricing. This strategy can unlock significant savings without compromising event quality.

We also advocate for a holistic approach to travel and event spending. By consolidating data across different travel categories, organizations can negotiate better rates and gain more strategic leverage. This means looking beyond individual event budgets and creating a unified approach to corporate travel and meeting expenses.

Another key strategy involves creating shared accountability. When meeting organizers are directly involved in cost-saving goals, their approach becomes more innovative and budget-conscious. This collaborative method transforms budget management from a top-down directive to a team-wide initiative.

Perhaps most importantly, we encourage our clients to shift their perspective on meeting and staff and attendee experience. Meetings and events should be viewed as investments rather than expenses. In a high-cost environment, every dollar needs clear justification and strategic purpose.

Huddle Agency’s Take

While the numbers might seem challenging, they also present opportunities for innovative event planning. By staying informed, flexible, and strategic, we can continue to deliver exceptional experiences without breaking the bank.

Ready to revolutionize your 2025 event strategy? Let’s chat!