Procurement Market Intelligence Report

Party & Event Planning Services
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Party & Event Planning Services Global Overview

Definition

Summary

Party and event planners organize social gatherings such as corporate parties, award ceremonies, celebrations, and other events on behalf of their clients. The key buyers of market services include government agencies, entertainment companies, trade associations, and corporations.

This Report Includes:

  • Party Planning
  • Event Planning

Not in this Report:

  • Conference Planning Services
  • Tradeshow Planning Services

Global Party & Event Planning Services Procurement Trends

Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Party & Event Planning Services market.

Warning Trends


United States announces additional tariffs on China

  • In February 2025, the United States announced 10.0% tariffs on imports from China. The tariffs took effect on February 4, 2025.
  • The tariff plan applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties and fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
  • In response, China announced a 15.0% tariff on products such as coal and natural gas, as well as a 10.0% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large cars. The tariff executive orders indicate retaliatory tariffs could lead to further escalation in rates.
  • Providers in this market rely on inputs often sourced from China. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.

United States postpones plans for sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico

  • In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
  • Though initially set to take effect on February 4, 2025, the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico has been postponed 30 days to allow for further negotiation.
  • The tariff plan initially proposed by the US applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
  • Providers in this market rely on input costs often sourced from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.

Global Party & Event Planning Services Market - Suppliers by Region

Country/Region Number of Suppliers
#1 Europe 271,510
#2 South America 114,375
#3 China 89,520

Explore supplier concentration across the globe

We've uncovered the 11 top regions for global procurement, based on feedback from our most strategic clients. Access vendor counts for each unique region when you subscribe.

  • Canada
  • United States
  • Mexico
  • Latin America
  • South America
  • India
  • China
  • Europe
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Australi & New Zealand
  • Oceania & Southeast Asia

2

Geography Drilldown - US, Canada & Europe

Average Cost of Party & Event Planning Services

United States

2026 Market Pricing
$25.00 to $XXX.XX
per hour

Canada

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Europe

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Average Price

Prices in the Party & Event Planning Services market range from $25.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Experience, Geographic Location, Size of Event, Event Complexity and Time of Year. For example, lower prices are associated with Less experienced or smaller firms ($25 to $65 per hour), whereas higher prices are associated with Top event planners with large portfolios ($100 to $250 per hour).

Need the scoop on international price trends?

Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.

Party & Event Planning Services Category Price Trends

Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Party & Event Planning Services market, prices in the US have grown 1.8% from 2022 to 2025. and +1.5% in Europe.

United States (2022-2025)

1.8%
Compound Annual Growth Rate

Canada (2016-2019)

1.8%

Compound Annual Growth Rate

Subscribers can access updated Canadian data upon request.

Europe (2022-2025)

1.5%

Compound Annual Growth Rate

Wondering where prices are heading?

Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.

Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Party & Event Planning Services

Total cost of ownership is Medium in the Party & Event Planning Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Wage Inflation may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.

Negotiated Before

Financing

Buyers must define payment terms in the negotiation stages, including whether service charges will be billed weekly or monthly and what the hourly rate is, to determine a total fixed rate for the service.

Rentals

In the negotiation stage, buyers should negotiate the types of third-party rental services and the respective rates for these services. Event planners often outsource third-party services, including venue rental, catering, photography, valet service, linen service, and countless other event-specific services.

Transportation

Buyers may need to pay travel expenses for planners to meet with the buyers to discuss the event, or at the event location. For larger, more complex events, buyers may have to decide between a small, local firm, or a firm located further away that has relevant experience, but may charge a traveling fee.

Billed During

Labor

Because event planning is highly labor intensive, locations in some metropolitan areas can be more expensive due to higher wage costs.

Insurance

Buyers are typically billed for insurance for event liability to protect the buyer's investment in a specific event, including staffing, catering, party supplies, valet, unexpected cancelations, property damage, and more.

Unforeseen

Wage Inflation

Buyers should budget the cost of tips into the total projected cost to prevent unexpected price increases. Tips for servers are typically included in the final catering bill, but buyers should pay special attention to these costs, especially if the staff performs well during the event.

Duties & Taxes

Admission to an event in the form of entertainment, amusement, recreation, or marketing purposes is taxable unless the event is hosted by a nonprofit that is tax-exempt.

Hidden Fees

There is the potential for agency abuse in the form of kickbacks and commissions, which can add to the total cost of ownership. Some hotels offer a finder’s fee payable to event planners when they bring buyers to their venue for an event.

Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations

In 2026, buyer power amounts to -2.2 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Forecast Price Trend. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more

United States

-2.2

Canada

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Europe

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Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future

Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now

  • Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
  • Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
  • Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components

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Supply Chain Risk

The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:

1st

Tier Suppliers

  • Caterers
  • Computer Manufacturers
  • Fabric, Craft, & Sewing Supplies Stores

2nd

Tier Suppliers

  • Food Service Contractors
  • Internet Service Providers
  • Toy & Craft Supplies Wholesalers

Biggest Party & Event Planning Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue

The largest Party & Event Planning Services vendors by revenue in the US are Wonderland Events Limited, AALP, Inc. and Blue Plate. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more

Supplier Operational Size Headquarters Number of Employees Market Share (%) Market Share Performance (3yr trend) Total Revenue ($ million) Profit Level (%) Risk Level
Dentsu Group Inc. Global Tokyo, JP >10,001 < 5
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Abigail Kirsch Local Charlotte, NC >10,000 < 5
Wonderland Events Limited Global London, UK 25-50 < 5
Choura Events Regional Torrance, CA 101-250 < 5
AALP, Inc. Global Los Angeles, CA 251-500 < 5
Blue Plate Regional Chicago, IL 101-250 < 5
Brightspot Incentives & Events, Inc. International Irving, TX 51-100 < 5
CAW Cowie Inc. National New York, NY 25-50 < 5
David Beahm Experiences National New York, NY <25 < 5

Looking for a list of suppliers by country?

Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.

Profit Analysis

The average profit margin across vendors in the Party & Event Planning Services market is 15.5% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Overhead. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more

Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis

Upstream food wholesalers and linen providers pose a moderate risk to supply chains in the market because they have faced changes in demand and disruptions to logistics.

Even the most prominent companies in the market, typically located in large cities with robust party and event rosters, do not capture significant market share due to the market’s high fragmentation. ProcurementIQ estimates that there are approximately 63,000 suppliers that buyers can choose from, ranging from freelance planners to large event planning companies.

Vendor financial risk is high on average due to the low market share concentration, which fuels strong price-based competition between suppliers. The high rate of failure among small, and especially new, businesses and the lack of event diversification contribute to high bankruptcy risk among these firms.

The United States is a net importer of computers, meaning it imports more computers than it exports. While lower manufacturing costs abroad drive down prices for imported computers, relying on imports can lead to potential shortages or price increases if there are supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or global crises.

Supplier Information

AALP, Inc.

AALP, Inc. is a private company operating globally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services. Founded in 1986, the company is currently headquartered in Los Angeles, California, United States of America with an estimated 375... Subscribe to learn more

Abigail Kirsch

Abigail Kirsch is a private company operating locally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services. Founded in 2008, the company is currently headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more

Arena Events Group Plc

Arena Events Group Plc is a public company operating globally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services and party supply rental. Founded in 1761, the company is currently headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with an... Subscribe to learn more

Blue Plate

Blue Plate is a private company operating regionally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services. Founded in 1983, the company is currently headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America with an estimated 175 employees.... Subscribe to learn more

Brightspot Incentives & Events, Inc.

Brightspot Incentives & Events, Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services. Founded in 1994, the company is currently headquartered in Irving, Texas, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more

CAW Cowie Inc.

CAW Cowie Inc. is a private company operating nationally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services. Founded in 2010, the company is currently headquartered in New York, New York, United States of America with an estimated 37... Subscribe to learn more

Choura Events

Choura Events is a private company operating regionally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services and party supply rental. Founded in 2007, the company is currently headquartered in Torrance, California, United States of America... Subscribe to learn more

David Beahm Experiences

David Beahm Experiences is a private company operating nationally in the other services (except public administration) sector. The company's offerings include party & event planning services. Founded in 2002, the company is currently headquartered in New York, New York, United States of America with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more

Dentsu Group Inc.

Dentsu Group Inc. is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services and other services (except public administration) sectors. The company's offerings include search engine marketing services, party & event planning services, promotion fulfillment services, social... Subscribe to learn more

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Procurement Management KPIs for the Party & Event Planning Services Market

Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Response Time and Budget Iterations. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Qualifications and other factors.

KPI Level of Importance (1-5) Measurements Key Considerations
Average Response Time

Number of client inquiries

Total response time

The average response time measures the speed at which party and event planners respond to client inquiries.

Slow response times or miscommunication with planners can impact the effectiveness of an event.

Budget Iterations

Number of project or event budget iterations

Number of finance staff members

Tracking the number of budget iterations measures both the accuracy of the budget production process and the efficiency of the budget approval process.

A higher number of iterations may indicate the provider is prone to errors or has difficulty managing the client's money.

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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations

How can I gain leverage during negotiations?

Experience and Expertise

How many years of experience do you have in this field?

Do you have a certain type of event that you specialize in?

Customer Service

How do you maintain communication with your clients?

What is your process for responding to client concerns?

Vendor Financial Risk

What is your company's policy on event cancellations?

What is your company's five-year plan?

The ultimate prep for procurement negotations

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Party & Event Planning Services RFP Guidelines

What should my RFP include?

Organizational Overview

Buyers should give a broad overview of their organization, including their locations.

Buyers should indicate the scope of the contract, including a broad overview of the event they are holding.

Statement Of Need

Buyers should include a detailed description of their events and their intended purpose.

Buyers should indicate the event dates and locations.

Project Budget

Buyers should specify their event budget, inclusive of planning services.

Buyers should define payment schedules.

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Our Reports include:

  • Opportunity assessment
  • Market dynamics
  • Recent developments
  • Positive and warning trends
  • Buyer power levers
  • Price environment and market pricing
  • Geographic wage rates
  • Global market updates
  • Total cost of ownership
  • Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
  • Supply chain and vendors
  • Global supplier breakdown
  • Market share concentration
  • Regulation and business requirements
  • Vendor management and KPIs
  • Sourcing strategy guidance