In the latest PULSE Survey, planner optimism has increased dramatically: The percentage of planners who are more optimistic than they were two months ago has nearly doubled since the March PULSE Survey. The research indicates meetings demand is strong — and that planners must navigate significant cost-related and geopolitical challenges to execute those business events.
AMI’s James Lancaster urges caution when making all-inclusive economic expenditure claims that collate such items as flights and accommodation as well as meetings-specific spend. Instead, our arguments have a better chance of influencing policymakers if we focus on the societal value generated, and frame our industry as an enabler of other sectors’ activity.
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and FIEXPO Exhibitions Group have announced the launch of the FIEXPO & IAPCO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and Jorge Castex Scholarship, a new regional initiative designed to identify, develop and support the next generation of leaders across the meetings and events industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Progressive policies and culture converge with mega-venue developments as Vietnam’s US$6 billion MICE sector is primed for growth. This pivotal growth phase is supported by economic stability, rising consumer spending and government efforts to liberalise the cultural and events industries, according to leaders speaking at the 2026 Exhibition, Event and Advertising Summit in Hanoi.
Developed by USTA’s Group Travel Network, MMTM is a unified industry platform and resource kit aimed at shaping how business executives understand when and why meeting in person is worthwhile. These resources are designed to be adapted and distributed to marketing and sales teams to incorporate into client campaigns, sales conversations and content channels.
In this episode of The Meeting Room, host James Lancaster sits down with Dr Mike Duignan, founder of the Centre for Events & Festivals (CEF), to unpack the BIG problems nobody is talking about enough, from fragmented advocacy and missing economic data to why festivals, sports events and business events must stop operating in silos.
The 2026 edition of IMEX Frankfurt closed today, confirming its biggest show floor to date, combined with strong buyer and exhibitor numbers. The show (May 19-21) saw almost 3,000 exhibiting companies, from destinations and venues to tech providers and event agencies, all representing the breadth of a future-focused global industry.
Meetings Capitalized is a fresh approach shaped by research and focus groups, which identifies experiential design as a defining priority for meeting planners. DDC’s updated approach makes it easy for planners to lead with experiences and outcomes, with Washington, DC’s institutions and offerings becoming integral to the meeting experience itself. From Exhibitor…
Global conflict, policy change and socio-political instability are having a growing and measurable impact on the international meetings and conferences industry. The findings reveal a significant shift in the operating environment for international meetings. 73.84% of respondents said global conflicts have impacted their ability to plan or host international meetings, up from 53.92% in 2025.
AI is increasing the need for human meetings, not reducing it, according to new research commissioned by The Meetings Show. Challenging assumptions about the role of technology in improving efficiency, almost two-thirds of business leaders (62 per cent) say AI is increasing the need for human discussion and alignment. From M&IT…
Germany continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international meetings, congresses and events. The MICE sector remains stable, reinforcing the value of personal connections and strong networks. Despite global market pressures, Germany’s event industry continues to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a strong focus on quality and international appeal.
Singapore is announcing major new long-term-focused infrastructure and investment initiatives on the back of continuing strong growth, whilst preparing for short-term challenges related to the Gulf conflict by expanding funding support for 2026 events. From M&C Asia…
The Autism Europe Congress 2025 in Dublin was more than a gathering of global experts – it marked a decisive shift in how events can be designed, delivered, and experienced when inclusion is not an add-on, but the foundation. That shift began long before the doors of the RDS opened in September 2025. When Fáilte…
Futurist, urbanist, author Greg Lindsay’s speech to the Events Industry Council on Global Meetings Industry Day draws parallels between the nuclear fusion of stars and serendipitous power of both cities and business events to unlock human potential. An inspiring take on the value of our industry that speaks to policymakers in language they will understand.
In 2025, IAPCO Accredited PCO members organised 23,512 meetings and events across 187 office locations worldwide (an increase of 20.77% from 2024), with over 7.7 million participants. While the number of meetings delivered has increased, average participant numbers per event have dropped from 408 to 328, pointing to a market that is changing shape.
Whether extending trade from exhibition halls into production floors, or grounding conference insights in real-world settings, factory access is playing a bigger role in MICE programmes. In sectors such as electric vehicles, robotics, aerospace and precision engineering, access to factories is important in driving programme differentiation, providing privileged insights and cementing economic positioning. From M&C/ASIA…
Destination East is the premier hosted-buyer event for qualified meetings and incentive professionals sourcing programs in the East. Destination East will include destinations, hotels, DMCs, technology and merchandise providers, and other services provided in the Eastern US. Learn from, and be inspired by, our guest speakers who will provide targeted education…
The UK’s leading event for meetings and events professionals, where the industry comes together for two days of fresh ideas, powerful connections, and unmissable opportunities. Exhibitors come from all corners of the globe, with over 80 international destinations represented, and a diverse exhibitor base, including hotels, destinations, destination management companies, conference centres, venues, technology suppliers…
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