B2B Event Marketing 2026

Experiential Marketing Expectations Outpace Execution

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About This Report
B2B events face higher expectations and tighter scrutiny. Attendees want experiences that justify the trip, while marketers are increasing investment before execution maturity has caught up. Gaps show up in agenda design, networking quality, and ROI.
Table of Contents

B2B events are under more pressure to feel worth attending as budgets rise and attendance becomes more selective. Attendees want more opportunities to participate, learn, and connect, while marketers are still building the capabilities to deliver those experiences consistently and measure their impact beyond direct sales.

Key Question: How can B2B marketers make in-person events worth attending as audiences want more participation and as event success is measured by more than direct sales alone?

Key Stat: A strong majority (83%) of US B2B attendees would add more networking to their ideal event.

authors

Kelsey Voss

Contributors

Eleni Digalaki
Madan Kumar
Copy Editor
Heather Sprung
Director, Report Editing
Tracy Tang
Johann Valderrama
Data Visualization Editor
Emman Velasco
Data Visualization Editor
Yoram Wurmser
Principal Analyst
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