But in tackling the big issues the industry faces, planners can reboot, re-energise and restore events according to Jo Austin, sales director, from venue sourcing company Lime Venue Portfolio.

The survey of more than 60 meeting and event planners shows hygiene and operations around Covid-19 rose up the priority list ahead of content and price, according to the Beyond Food report, which looks at changes in the buying behaviours of meeting planners.

“It’s predictable that sustainability has had to take a back seat in the face of the pandemic, and safety and health need to take priority,” Austin says.

“However, we do think the industry needs to continue to make progress in terms of its commitments to the planet. Our customers, and their delegates, won’t forgive us if we don’t and we, as an industry, need to meet the challenge.”

The Beyond Food Report series looks at the evolution of events and specifically, the role food will play in experiences.