How did the conference and congress season unfold in South Moravia in 2024? We took a closer look at the latest statistics and uncovered several interesting trends that may reflect broader developments in the conference tourism sector.
Fewer conferences, fewer participants
The year 2024 saw a slight decline in the total number of conferences held in the region. Compared to the previous year, 73 fewer events took place. The number of participants decreased even more significantly, with 13,259 fewer conference attendees year-on-year. This trend may be influenced by several factors affecting conference tourism.
What’s behind the decline?
Several factors may have contributed to this trend:
- Corporate cost-saving measures – Growing economic uncertainty is making companies more cautious, which is reflected in reduced budgets for hosting and attending conferences.
- The rise of online and hybrid formats – Since the pandemic, many organizations have learned to effectively use online tools and increasingly opt for them as an alternative to traditional in-person meetings.
- A shift towards smaller, specialized events – Instead of large conferences, there is a growing interest in more intimate formats targeted at specific audiences, with a stronger focus on deeper networking and more efficient knowledge exchange.
Positive trends outside Brno
Although the total number of conferences has slightly decreased, a positive trend is evident in the growing share of events held in the region, outside of Brno. In 2024, 572 conferences took place in the region, with 39,466 participants. This is not only more than in 2023 but even surpasses the record pre-COVID year of 2019. This development suggests that organizers are increasingly interested in locations outside the regional capital, thanks to attractive venues and excellent connections with the regional offerings.
What are the prospects
Will this trend continue in 2025? Only time will tell. What is certain is that flexibility, innovation, and the search for new formats will remain key factors for success in conference tourism. The South Moravian region has much to offer in this regard – from top-notch venues in Brno to unique locations throughout the region. We will closely monitor how the situation develops and how the construction of new large-capacity venues, such as Arena Brno or the Janáček Cultural Center, will influence the landscape.