The business events industry remains resilient despite economic and geopolitical pressures, according to the latest Events Industry Council (EIC) data. The Q2 2026 Global Business Events Barometer, released this month, shows that demand for future events is holding steady—even exceeding pre-pandemic levels in key areas.
Requests for proposals (RFPs) for upcoming events now stand at 113% of 2019 levels, a clear sign that companies continue to prioritize in-person gatherings.
Hotel room demand, however, remains at 92% of 2019 levels, unchanged from the previous year. The data suggests a cautious but confident outlook: while short-term travel and budgets may be constrained, long-term planning for business events is accelerating.
The report was compiled in partnership with Oxford Economics**, reflecting a sector dealing with persistent challenges. Inflation, higher borrowing costs, and geopolitical instability have reshaped how organizations approach spending. Yet, the numbers tell a different story from the headlines. Amy Calvert, EIC’s President and CEO, framed the findings as a contrast between immediate pressures and enduring commitment to face-to-face engagement.
“Yet even in this environment, organisations are choosing to invest in bringing people together. That speaks to the essential role business events play in building trust, exchanging knowledge, developing talent and creating opportunities for meaningful progress,” Calvert said.
The distinction between near-term constraints and long-term priorities is further highlighted by the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study. The research quantifies the sector’s global footprint: in 2025, business events drew 1.65 billion participants across 180 countries, generating significant direct spending. When indirect and induced impacts are included, the sector supported $3.1 trillion in total business sales and contributed $1.8 trillion to global GDP, sustaining 24.2 million jobs worldwide.
The industry’s advocacy efforts will center on Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2027, scheduled for 6 April 2027. The event will coincide with the release of the 2027 Futures Landscape Study, which will examine emerging forces shaping the business events ecosystem.
