This is the strategic decision that shapes everything else. Get the operating model wrong and even good sourcing work fails to stick.
The failure mode of full decentralisation
Left entirely to teams, event buying is fast and responsive — but fragmented. Suppliers proliferate, rates vary, contracts are inconsistent and no one can see the total. It is the natural state that creates the invisible spend problem.
The failure mode of full centralisation
Pull everything into the centre and you gain control — but risk becoming a bottleneck. If central sourcing is slow or rigid, teams route around it, and you get the worst of both worlds: a central function and maverick spend.
Why hybrid usually wins
The model most organisations converge on centralises leverage, standards and visibility while leaving event choice with the teams. Central: consolidation, benchmarking, frameworks, reporting. Local: which venue, which concept, which supplier from the approved network.
Centralise the leverage, not the creativity. That single principle resolves most of the centralised-versus-decentralised debate.
Designing for your organisation
The right balance depends on your culture, spend profile and event mix. A partner-led firm needs more local autonomy; a large regulated corporate needs more central control. Our guide to centralised vs decentralised event procurement and a procurement review help you find it.