submitted by Tracy McDonald, JDC Events
Silver Spring, MD—A recent survey of event professionals conducted by Fuse, JDC Events, and Bear Analytics explored the intersection of community and events. The survey results strongly emphasize community as an essential and strategic priority in event planning and provide an analysis of how to design events that foster deeper loyalty, connection, and long-term impact.
Key takeaways include:
- Why Community Matters: 43% of planners say community is the top driver of attendee loyalty.
- Engagement The #1 Challenge –and Opportunity: 45.6% of respondents say “Cultivating Attendee Engagement and Participation” is the most important factor in building community, with 25% citing it as their biggest challenge.
- Successful Event Formats – Networking sessions, practical workshops, and educational sessions were identified as the most effective event formats for building community.
- Venues as a Catalyst: The report categorized planners who believe in the power of community as “Enablers.” Enablers also consistently prioritize attendee engagement and participation as the most important factor in event success. 31% of Enablers ranked venue selection as the top priority for engagement.
- Year-Round Community Engagement: Planners say driving return attendance comes from a strong sense of value and community. However, due to ongoing challenges, maintaining engagement throughout the year often remains aspirational.
“The message is clear, community is power—it drives strategic engagement, builds loyalty, and creates lasting impact,” said President & CEO Jennifer Collins, CMP.
For more information on the survey and to download your free copy of “Future-Ready Events: A Blueprint for Connection, Growth, and Innovation,” please visit https://fuse-events.com/future-ready-events
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted by Fuse, a JDC Events program, and Bear Analytics between October 2024 and January 2025, with 69 event industry professionals participating. Respondents were drawn from the organizations’ mailing lists and social media outreach. Although the sample size is modest, the responses provide meaningful insights into emerging priorities, ongoing challenges, and exciting new opportunities shaping event planners today.
About JDC Events
With over 25 years of award-winning experience, JDC Events designs high-impact events for corporate, government and nonprofit clients. We specialize in crafting transformative business experiences that connect you with new audiences, strengthen your brand, and fuel progress. JDC Events powers a growing portfolio of innovative events and resources, including Fuse, a peer-driven network for event professionals, and Equipped, a resource hub for first responders— proving that our commitment to community is as strong as our commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit https://jdc-events.com.
