Connecting Global Companies with the World’s Best Spaces

The events industry has always been fast moving, but 2026 has already proven to be one of the most exciting years yet. As a Senior Corporate Account and Go To Market Manager based in London, my role is corporate event planning, venue discovery and overseas supply and demand generation. Every day I work with some of the world’s largest companies and venues, helping them connect for all events from conferences and meetings to product launches and private dining, to summer parties and Christmas celebrations.

One thing that has stood out immediately in 2026 is just how busy the events market has become. In my five years at VenueScanner, I’ve never seen demand at this level so early in the year.

Here are the trends that are emerging across corporate bookings:

Higher event budgets

Companies appear more willing to invest in memorable ‘in person’ experiences. Whether that means premium venues, upgraded catering packages, or more immersive event formats, businesses are recognising the value of bringing teams and clients together.

More events per company

Many organisations are increasing the number of events they run annually. Instead of one large gathering, I am seeing multiple touchpoints throughout the year. This is ranging from team off-sites and workshops to networking evenings and seasonal celebrations.

Q4 bookings are happening earlier

One of the clearest examples of demand is how quickly Q4 2026 dates are filling up, particularly for Christmas parties. Venues that historically would see bookings come in during the summer are now receiving confirmed events months earlier. Companies are securing their preferred dates and venues well in advance to avoid missing out. Some of our most popular Christmas Party Venues in 2026 include 60 Great Queen Street, ALFI Spitalfields and The Conduit Private Members Club

Eco-friendly and sustainable events

Corporate clients are becoming far more conscious of the environmental impact of their events, and many companies now actively prioritise venues that align with their sustainability goals. This ranges from venues that use renewable energy, reduce single-use plastics and prioritise locally sourced catering, to spaces designed with green architecture and strong environmental certifications.

We’re also seeing interest across two very different types of settings:

• Peaceful countryside retreats where teams can disconnect and focus on wellbeing such as Crafted at Powdermills
• Innovative city-centre venues that have embedded sustainability into their operations such as 1 Mayfair

Why the Right Venue Matters

A great venue does more than just provide a space, it creates an atmosphere that helps to bring an event to life. The layout influences how people interact, the location affects attendance, and the overall environment can completely transform the energy of the event.

That’s why the process of venue sourcing is so important. By understanding what a company wants to achieve, I can recommend venues that align perfectly with their goals. For example, a creative product launch might benefit from an industrial warehouse space, while a leadership retreat may require a calm setting with private meeting rooms. The difference between a good event and a truly memorable one often comes down to the venue.

For corporate companies with teams and offices across the world, sourcing venues in different cities can often be one of the biggest logistical challenges when planning events. What’s exciting about VenueScanner’s global expansion is that those same companies can now use a single trusted platform to discover venues wherever they need to host an event. Whether a London based company is organising a client event in New York or Chicago, a team offsite in Lisbon, or multiple meetings across different regions, VenueScanner makes the process simple and consistent.

Instead of navigating unfamiliar local markets, corporate clients can rely on us to find trusted, high-quality venues that match their requirements, saving time while ensuring every event maintains the same level of experience and professionalism, no matter where in the world it takes place.

Written by Jess Robin, Senior Corporate Account Manager and Go To Market Manager