Event Industry Statistics 2026 — Verified U.S. Data + Actionable Insights for Planners
Zeena Awan
Author
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The U.S. event industry in 2026 continues to expand, shaped by digital transformation, mobile event apps, hybrid meeting formats, and rising investment in event management software (EMS). But accurate statistics are often misquoted or repeated without real sources. This report includes only verified U.S. data plus safe, non-numeric trends where no public statistics exist.
U.S. Event Industry Market Size & Growth (2026 Update)
1. Total U.S. Event Industry Value
Verified Statistics
The U.S. events market was valued at $466.13 billion in 2025.
Projected to reach $651.53 billion by 2032.
Source: Coherent Market Insights
What It Means
The U.S. event sector shows strong long-term stability and remains one of the largest global event markets.
Includes:
- Corporate events
- Conferences & trade shows
- Exhibitions
- Association meetings
- Education events
- Community events
Event Management Software (EMS) Market Statistics
2. U.S. EMS Market Size
Valued at USD 2.8435 billion in 2024
Expected to reach USD 5.4404 billion by 2030
CAGR 11.8%
Source: Grand View Research
3. Global EMS Market Growth
Valued at USD 8.40 billion in 2024
Expected to reach USD 17.33 billion by 2030
Source: Grand View Research
Long-Term Forecast
Global EMS expected to reach USD 42.57 billion by 2034
Source: Polaris Market Research
Industry Interpretation
The EMS market’s strong growth reflects increasing demand for mobile event applications, automation, hybrid event capabilities, and real-time analytics.
Lets Talk Trends now
Mobile Event App Usage Trends (2026)
Mobile event apps are now core infrastructure for U.S. events.
- Event apps are widely adopted by planners for scheduling, communication, and engagement.
- Attendees rely on mobile apps for navigation, updates, and networking.
- Mobile-first experiences are growing rapidly due to paperless initiatives and convenience.
Hybrid & Virtual Event Trends (2026)
- Hybrid events remain common among enterprises seeking global reach.
- Virtual components like streaming and VOD continue as standard additions.
- Hybrid expectations are part of many corporate RFPs.
Attendee Behavior & Experience Trends (2026)
- Attendees increasingly expect real-time updates through apps.
- Live engagement tools such as polls and Q&A enhance session participation.
- Wayfinding and digital maps reduce navigation issues at large venues.
Event Registration & Check-In Trends (2026)
- QR check-in is now the most commonly used entry method at U.S. conferences.
- Digital badge scanning supports CE tracking, analytics, and flow management.
- Registration software improves operational efficiency for event organizers.
Event Marketing & ROI Trends (2026)
- Email remains a highly influential registration driver.
- Event analytics tools help measure ROI and sponsor performance.
- Sponsors look for digital placements through apps and hybrid platforms.
AI, Automation & Emerging Event Tech Trends (2026)
- AI is increasingly used for agenda suggestions, matchmaking, and attendee assistance.
- Chatbots enhance attendee support and reduce manual workload.
- Predictive tools help planners anticipate attendance and session demand.
Sustainability & Digitisation Trends (2026)
- Mobile apps significantly reduce reliance on printed materials.
- Digital ticketing is highly preferred across U.S. events.
- Sustainability remains a key factor in vendor and platform selection.
What This Means for U.S. Event Planners in 2026
The verified data confirms:
- The U.S. event economy is expanding.
- Event Management Software is one of the fastest-growing tech categories.
- Investment in digital tools is accelerating across all event types.
The trends &insights show:
- Event apps are central to attendee experience.
- Hybrid formats continue to be relevant.
- AI, automation, and analytics are shaping modern event workflows.
Shape
Explore Grupio — Built for the Future of Events
Grupio aligns with the verified and observed trends:
- ✔ Mobile event apps
- ✔ Event registration & QR check-in
- ✔ Digital schedules
- ✔ Speaker & agenda management
- ✔ Sponsor tools
- ✔ Engagement features
- ✔ Hybrid content support
- ✔ Analytics dashboards
- ✔ Affordable pricing
- ✔ Offline mode
Zeena Awan is a dynamic Senior Project Manager at Grupio, recognized for her proven ability to lead complex, large-scale projects from inception to successful delivery. With extensive experience in project planning, execution, and process optimization, she excels at streamlining workflows, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving efficiency across operations.
Zeena is highly regarded for her strategic problem-solving skills, strong leadership, and commitment to excellence, consistently ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards of quality. At Grupio, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational processes, fostering collaboration, and implementing scalable solutions that align team performance with organizational goals. Her focus on both client satisfaction and team success has positioned her as a trusted leader in ensuring seamless project outcomes.
