Close to two-thirds of European companies expect to increase spending on meetings and events in 2026, according to research by FCM Meetings & Events.
The survey of more than 500 meetings and events professionals across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, conducted between November and December, showed a largely positive outlook for meetings and events expenditure in 2026.
Ninety-two per cent of respondents expect their budgets to either hold steady or increase this year, while 35 per cent anticipate budget increases of more than 10 per cent year on year.
In Europe, 63 per cent of companies surveyed anticipate an uptick in meetings and events spend, while 29 per cent expect budgets to remain unchanged and only 8 per cent forecast a decrease.
Similar figures were noted among corporates in North America, with 63 per cent set to increase spend, 36 per cent expect budgets to remain flat and 2 per cent anticipate a decline.
Respondents across Asia, meanwhile, expect the biggest increase in meetings spend this year, with 67 per cent anticipating bigger budgets, while 26 per cent foresee no change and 7 per cent prepare to tighten the purse strings.
It’s important to note, however, that the recent outbreak of war in Iran and the surrounding Gulf region could affect this spending forecast, as travel and meetings professionals brace for potentially higher airfares due to rising fuel prices.
"While the ongoing Gulf conflict has presented challenges in the Middle Eastern market, the global MICE industry continues to adapt with resilience,” said FCM M&E global general manager Simone Seiler. “Many regions, including the Americas, Europe, East Asia, and Australia and New Zealand have maintained strong activity, with organisations balancing safety considerations and logistical efficiencies to ensure successful events.”
Seiler told BTN Europe that the company has “observed some shifts” in destination preferences as a result of the conflict, particularly for long-haul incentive travel.
"Companies are increasingly looking to Asia for their events, while European businesses are opting for more localised travel. However, long-haul travel remains an important part of the MICE landscape, with businesses continuing to prioritise impactful and meaningful experiences for their teams,” she said.
According to the report, 41 per cent of professionals – the largest segment – expect to spend less than $1 million on their meetings and events programmes in 2026. A further 35 per cent anticipate managing between $1 million and $10 million in meetings spend this year, representing a 20-percentage point increase compared to 2025. A smaller proportion will oversee larger programmes, with 9 per cent responsible for budgets ranging from $10–$50 million and 10 per cent managing budgets of between $50 and $100 million.
Additionally, 79 per cent of survey respondents ranked safety and security as their top priority for 2026, up from 65 per cent who said so in 2025. FCM M&E suggested the uptick reflects a broader shift in how meetings and events are now being planned. “Many now price-in disruption from the start,” the company said.
“Political uncertainty, regulatory change and shifting travel conditions mean risk planning now starts at the brief stage,” said FCM M&E UK business leader, Victoria Deprez.
“Visa checks are built into timelines, routing and contract negotiations to protect attendance and control cost. Security and duty of care remain central, particularly in the UK where Martyn’s Law has increased scrutiny on venue standards and emergency planning. Contracts are reviewed more carefully, with flexibility negotiated early to allow programmes to pivot if needed,” she added.
Across the US and Canada, FCM M&E’s regional business leader Gabriella Antoniotti flagged how changes in trade policy, visa expectations and the broader political climate have influenced meeting and events – echoing findings from recent surveys regarding US planner sentiment.
“What is changing is how programmes are being planned and delivered. Planning cycles are tighter than in previous years,” Antoniotti said. “Cross-border travel is more complex to navigate, particularly around visas, documentation and entry requirements. While this has not significantly reduced attendance, it does require earlier coordination and clearer contingency planning. Closer alignment between meetings and travel teams is now essential for international programmes.”
The survey also highlighted how corporates allocated their meetings spend in 2025, with 37 per cent focused on medium-sized events, which FCM categorised as events with between 50 and 150 attendees. This format outpaced both large events of more than 150 attendees (the focus for 28 per cent of respondents) and small events of less than 50 attendees (19 per cent).
Employee engagement and training emerged as the biggest driver of meetings and events in 2026, as indicated by 74 per cent of respondents, followed by learning and development (62 per cent), business management (62 per cent) and industry engagement (58 per cent).