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.