As India’s hospitality industry embraces an AI-driven future, the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Today’s event planners are seeking faster, more intuitive, and personalised venue sourcing experiences, prompting hotels to rethink their approach to information presentation, inquiry responses, and data utilisation to maintain a competitive edge.
Sandeep Nagpal, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing for India at Cvent, identifies three pivotal changes that will shape how hotels attract and secure MICE business by 2026. The first is smarter discovery. With AI-enhanced sourcing, the traditional manual search methods are being replaced, allowing planners to simply articulate their needs and receive tailored venue options instantly. This evolution necessitates that hotels go beyond basic digital listings and invest in comprehensive, accurate, and regularly updated content. Platforms like the Cvent Supplier Network, which facilitated over $18 billion in global sourcing last year, are already harnessing conversational search to support this transition.
The second significant change is the shortening of planning timelines. As quicker decision-making becomes the standard, hotels face increasing pressure to respond with speed, accuracy, and consistency. Automation and AI now empower venues to generate high-quality, personalised proposals in a fraction of the time, enabling sales teams to concentrate on building relationships and designing experiences. Nagpal
points out that while technology accelerates processes, the human touch remains vital for creating unforgettable events.
The third emerging focus is data-driven intelligence. With talent shortages affecting the sector, it has become essential for hotels to leverage AI to transform fragmented data into actionable insights. Understanding booking trends, forecasting demand, and benchmarking performance are no longer optional; they are crucial for thriving in an experience-centric MICE market.
AI: Enhancing Hospitality Talent, Not Replacing It
In a digital-first industry, the true strength of AI lies in enhancing the human aspect of hospitality. By automating repetitive and administrative tasks, it frees professionals to concentrate on creativity, empathy, and guest engagement. “AI can streamline operations, but hospitality will always be about people,” Nagpal stresses. The ethical and transparent adoption of AI ensures that technology complements, rather than overshadows, professional expertise.
Technology Driving Sustainable Events
Sustainability has become a strategic imperative for the MICE industry, with technology enabling tangible and credible actions. Predictive tools help optimise room allocations and food planning to minimise waste, while virtual site inspections and digital layouts reduce travel-related emissions. Integrated platforms also empower planners to evaluate venues based on verified sustainability credentials rather than mere marketing claims.
Nagpal emphasises that sustainability gains significance only when it is standardised, transparent, and easily assessable. Hotels that consistently share verified sustainability data throughout the sourcing process are better positioned to protect their margins and cultivate stronger brand loyalty.
How Indian Hotels Are Leveraging Cvent’s Solutions
With increasing expectations for credible sustainability information, Indian hotels are turning to Cvent for support through verified certifications showcased on Supplier Network profiles. Collaborations like Cvent’s integration with BeCause further streamline access to reliable sustainability data.
Innovative tools such as Event Diagramming and 3D virtual walkthroughs lessen the need for physical site visits while expediting evaluations. AI-driven RFP responses and integrated Q&A features ensure accuracy and consistency, enabling hotels to efficiently meet the rising expectations of planners.
Fueling Growth Across the MICE Value Chain
Cvent remains dedicated to helping hotels simplify complexities and convert more business through actionable intelligence. Solutions like Planner Navigator, enhanced search capabilities, CventIQ™ recommendations, and performance analytics empower hotels to engage planners at the moment of intent. With India emerging as a key hub for innovation and talent, Cvent continues to expand AI-driven solutions tailored to the rapidly evolving MICE ecosystem—streamlining workflows, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of events.
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