New national survey reveals that delegates love great food and networking – but hate jargon and travel woes at corporate events. Casa Hotel’s recent survey into what delegates love and hate about corporate events is an invaluable insight for EAs, PAs and other event organisers and managers. The publication of the results marks also 15 years in business for Casa Hotels, as they celebrate having welcomed 370,000 guests over the years…
So, what do delegates hate and love at corporate events?
The findings show that while people continue to value the fundamentals – food, networking and convenience – they are equally clear about what frustrates them, from corporate jargon to travel headaches.
What people enjoy most
When asked what they most enjoyed about corporate events:
- 36% said networking, camaraderie and team building were the best part, making professional connections the number one benefit.
- 27% highlighted food, snacks and pleasant venues, confirming the central role of catering and setting.
- 9% valued learning, workshops and speaker sessions, seeing events as a chance to gain new perspectives.
- A smaller group noted that they appreciated a break from the office routine.
What people dislike most
When asked what they disliked:
- 27% pointed to travel and logistics – including long journeys, parking struggles and uncertainty ahead of events.
- 18% criticised corporate jargon and buzzwords, with โcircling backโ and โfinding synergyโ singled out as particularly off-putting.
- 9% disliked long days and packed schedules, with some saying events left them exhausted rather than energised.
- Very few described events as boring outright, though several hinted at uninspiring or repetitive formats.
The wider picture
Beyond likes and dislikes, the survey also highlighted several broader trends shaping corporate events:
- Food is a dealbreaker: Importance was rated at an average of 9.2/10, with 82% scoring it 9 or 10 out of 10.
- Wellbeing goes mainstream: Employee wellbeing scored 8.6/10 on average, with 64% rating it highly.
- Sustainability splits opinion: Exactly 50% said eco-friendly practices would make them more likely to attend, while the other half said it wouldnโt affect them.
- Value for money under scrutiny: 50% said venues offered good value, 30% fair value, 10% excellent, and 10% poor.
For Casa Hotel founder Steve Perez, the results reinforce the hotelโs philosophy:
โWhen I couldnโt find a premium hotel in the Midlands that met my business needs, I decided to build one. Fifteen years later, this survey shows the fundamentals havenโt changed – people still want good food, comfort and convenience. But they also want a human touch: fewer buzzwords, better logistics, and events that feel energising rather than draining.โ
Casa Hotel is already meeting many of the expectations conveyed in the survey results. With 12 purpose-built meeting rooms for 2 to 250 delegates, 100 bedrooms, and 250 free parking spaces, it offers the convenience respondents said they value most. Just 1.4 miles from Chesterfield station and 10 minutes from the M1, the hotel removes many travel frustrations.
Delegates enjoy flexible meeting spaces with natural light and modern AV, supported by a dedicated events team. Overnight stays range from stylish rooms to luxury hot tub suites, while the 2 AA Rosette Cocina restaurant serves farm-to-fork dining sourced from Walton Lodge Farm, complemented by tailored conference menus. Barca Bar adds to the appeal with creative cocktails and live music. Designed with individuality and care by co-owner Angie Perez, Casa combines quality, character and comfort in a way that sets it apart from national chains – delivering the blend of convenience, hospitality and atmosphere delegates say matters most.
Top 5 Corporate Event Trends for 2025
- Networking matters most – 36% said it was their top benefit.
- Food is the dealbreaker – 82% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10.
- Wellbeing goes mainstream, with two-thirds rating it highly.
- Corporate jargon is a major turn-off, disliked by nearly one in five.
- Comfort and convenience remain non-negotiable, from easy travel to quality overnight stays.
