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Plannernet Expands into Europe and the UK, Enhancing Corporate Event Talent Solutions

Leuven, Belgium – January 2025 – Plannernet, the largest US-based provider of on-demand freelance talent for corporate meetings and events, is excited to announce the launch of its dedicated European business unit in Leuven. This expansion enhances Plannernet’s ability to service the growing demand in key markets, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the UK, with comprehensive local support and expertise on the ground.

Plannernet already has a strong history of supporting businesses across Europe with its extensive network of local freelancers in 70 countries. The new business unit will provide deeper, region-specific services, maintaining the high standards of quality, reliability, and compliance that Plannernet is known for.

“The European freelance platforms market is projected to reach a revenue of over $3.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7% from 2024 to 2030,” said Rich Parker, CEO of Plannernet, citing Horizon Research. “We see this growth as a clear signal of the market need, and our expansion ensures we are well-positioned to deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.”

The new business unit will be guided by Plannernet’s EU Market Strategist, Elina Jutelyte, who brings over 20 years of international experience as an event management professional and Founder of the Freelance Business Community.

“The freelance market in Europe is evolving rapidly as companies increasingly recognize the potential of freelancers to drive cost-effective, flexible solutions,” said Elina Jutelyte, European Market Strategist at Plannernet. “With this timely expansion, we’re helping businesses unlock access to exceptional event industry talent while navigating the complexities of compliance, enabling them to adapt to changing market demands with agility and efficiency.”

Leading the Way in Event Talent Solutions

The European market’s demand for flexible, compliant event solutions continues to grow, especially among industries like life sciences, technology, and finance that require high-volume event support in multiple regions. Plannernet supports this by offering:

  • Customized talent pools tailored to event specifics
  • Compliance with European and UK labor standards
  • Efficient contracting and management of freelance talent
  • Access to compliant and vetted talent in over 70 countries

“In 2024 alone, the demand for freelancers in Europe has experienced notable growth,” said Sasha Smith, COO of Plannernet, citing a report by Malt. “The proportion of freelancers collaborating with large corporations has increased significantly:

  • France: From 15% to 26%
  • Spain: From 5% to 16%
  • Germany: From 20% to 31%

We understand the growing need from our customers for an in-market solution that simplifies how they connect with local freelance talent. At the same time, we see more event professionals across the EU moving toward freelancing as a preferred way of working. We feel confident that our business model, combined with Elina’s perfectly aligned expertise, allows us to be uniquely positioned to bridge these needs, providing businesses and freelancers with an efficient, compliant, and seamless way to collaborate.”

Bringing Decades of Experience

With a track record of facilitating over 200,000 hours of event support annually, Plannernet is well-equipped to meet European market expectations. By providing local freelancers for event planning and execution, Plannernet helps businesses reduce travel costs, enhance sustainability, and adapt seamlessly to cultural nuances. At the same time, Plannernet empowers small business freelancers by giving them access to new customers and opportunities that help grow their businesses easily. Through our streamlined platform and local expertise, we enable freelancers to connect with high-quality clients, expand their networks, and build sustainable, thriving businesses.

About Plannernet

Founded in 1989, Plannernet specializes in connecting meeting and event companies with top-tier freelance meeting and event professionals to manage and execute corporate events. Designed to address the unique needs of the meetings and events industry, Plannernet provides unparalleled customer service, supporting clients globally with a team of Talent Specialists and their proprietary Evailable® platform. This platform streamlines the management of freelance talent, enabling clients to quickly onboard, contract, and manage freelancers while ensuring compliance and efficiency across global operations. With Evailable, businesses can customize talent pools and access local event support across 70 countries.

About Elina Jutelyte

Elina Jutelyte, European Market Strategist for Plannernet, brings over 20 years of international experience in event management and marketing. A former President of MPI Belgium and Founder of the Freelance Business Community, Elina has delivered hundreds of global events across 40+ countries. She has collaborated with leading global PCOs like MCI and Congrex, as well as high-profile clients, including ASIS, Globalaw, IBA (proton therapy solutions), and Showpad (SaaS). Elina is also the creator of Freelance Business Month, the largest global gathering of freelancers, which fosters innovation in the freelance ecosystem. Recognized for her expertise, she was appointed Board Advisor at Plannernet before taking on her current role to lead its European and UK expansion.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tiffany Dougherty, VP Enterprise Solutions
tiffanydougherty@plannernet.com