After several years of disruption, recalibration and reinvention, meeting and event professionals are heading into 2026 with a sense of measured optimism — and a sharper focus on what success really looks like.

According to Encore’s Planner Pulse: Your Planning Priorities 2026 survey, most planners are satisfied with their recent outcomes and clear-eyed about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Looking back on 2025, planners largely feel their hard work paid off. An overwhelming 86% report being pleased with their event outcomes, including 45% who say they were very satisfied. That level of confidence is notable in an industry still navigating rising costs, shifting audience expectations and increasingly complex production demands. The results suggest that planners are not just surviving the current environment — they are learning how to succeed within it.

That confidence carries into the year ahead. Sixty percent of respondents say they feel optimistic about the meetings and events industry in 2026, with 13% describing themselves as very optimistic. While 40% remain neutral or cautious, the overall sentiment points to an industry that believes in its own resilience, even as it prepares for continued uncertainty.

Digging deeper into planners’ priorities reveals where that optimism is being directed. Managing budget constraints tops the list, cited by 55% of respondents as one of their top two goals for 2026. With costs for venues, labor and technology still elevated, financial discipline remains front and center. But planners aren’t letting budget pressure stifle creativity. Nearly half (46%) say creating unique experiences and delivering a “wow factor” is a top priority, underscoring the growing expectation that events must be memorable, differentiated and emotionally engaging.

Attendance growth is another major focus area, with 40% of planners prioritizing strategies to bring more participants through the doors. That goal is closely tied to engagement, cited by 35% as a top priority. Today’s attendees expect more than passive consumption; they want interaction, personalization and opportunities to connect. As a result, planners are increasingly designing events with engagement metrics in mind, not just headcounts.

Demonstrating value is also gaining importance. More than a quarter of planners (28%) say proving ROI or ROE is a top concern for 2026, reflecting heightened scrutiny from stakeholders and sponsors. Meanwhile, 20% are focused on enhancing event production, recognizing that strong technical execution and creative storytelling play a critical role in achieving those outcomes.

Taken together, the findings paint a picture of an industry that is confident, pragmatic and increasingly strategic. In 2026, the results indicate that success will hinge on balancing fiscal responsibility with creativity, delivering experiences that drive both emotional impact and measurable results.