CONVENE CEO AND CO-FOUNDER RYAN SIMONETTI ON WHY PARTNERSHIP MATTERS possible, driving attendee Return-on- Experience( ROX).

n a digital-first world of hybrid work, social media, and AI, in-person experiences are more valued than ever. Corporate events now demand more than just space; they require convening with purpose, igniting human connections, fuelling collaboration, and cultivating a true sense of belonging. Thriving venues transcend mere locations. They serve as strategic partners, empowering planners to create unforgettable moments that drive tangible ROI.

Why does partnership matter? At its core, the events industry is hospitality. We create the places and experiences that bring people together. A human-centric approach to every client interaction is key. We believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. By embracing this philosophy, we lighten the load for planners, freeing them to craft meaningful events for their stakeholders.

Navigating uncertainty Amidst growing market volatility, our internal data reveals a surge in shortterm bookings and rising average contract values for events booked within the quarter – up 52 % in the US and 43 % in the UK in Q2 2025. This signals large programmes booking closer to event dates, intensely pressuring planners; a trend that underscores the critical need for a venue that operates as a strategic partner. In uncertain times, a partner offers more than space: they provide‘ peace of mind’.

Driving Return-on-Experience To drive value, event organisers must deliver exceptional attendee experiences. Seventy-one percent of planners cite demand for more immersive experiences as the top impact factor over the next year, with 40 % interested in multisensory activations.

Starting from scratch presents an immense challenge for planners, especially with growing budgetary constraints. This creates a critical opportunity for venues to bring‘ wow’ moments to life. By investing in on-site technology infrastructure and production talent, and leveraging existing relationships and expertise, strategic venues make the impossible

Above: Ryan Simonetti

Value of a multi-brand partner Venues are evolving from space providers to strategic partners. Look at major hotel groups – their diverse brand portfolios prove the power of tailoring offerings to unique client needs.

For over 15 years, Convene has driven the evolution of exceptional meeting and event experiences. Today, as a multi-brand hospitality group with over 40 global locations, we are built to serve diverse programme types, from large-scale conferences to intimate salon dinners. Our approach pioneers a move beyond transactions, forging deeply consultative partnerships with our clients. Through our network of distinct venues, clients gain streamlined sourcing, contracting, and event planning. By understanding their event goals, space needs, and budget constraints, we guide each programme to the best-suited venue and brand within our portfolio. What better way to serve as a strategic partner?

Under Ryan Simonetti’ s leadership, Convene has become the largest single provider of non-hotel meeting and event venues in the US and UK, with a network of nearly 40 locations across nine cities. He was a finalist for Ernst & Young’ s Entrepreneur of the Year ® New York. Beyond Convene, he is the co-founder and chairman of Ease Capital and an active supporter of CoreNet Global. n

n Photos courtesy of Convene

ISSUE 138 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 29