The vast majority, 92 percent, of companies expect meetings and events budgets to increase or stay flat year over year in 2026, and 35 percent anticipate budget increases of more than 10 percent, according to a new survey by FCM Meetings & Events.
The survey of more than 500 meetings and events professionals across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, conducted in November and December, showed a largely positive outlook for meetings and events spend in 2026.
In North America, 63 percent of corporates surveyed expect a year-over-year increase in meetings and events spend, while 36 percent expect budgets to remain flat, and only 2 percent anticipate a decline in spending.
The report noted that organizations across the U.S. and Canada continue to prioritize in-person meetings to support culture, alignment and client relationships.
"What is changing is how programs are being planned and delivered. Planning cycles are tighter than in previous years," said Gabriella Antoniotti, FCM M&E business leader for the U.S. and Canada.
Antoniotti also flagged how shifts in trade policy, visa expectations and the broader political climate have influenced meeting and events, echoing findings from recent surveys about U.S. planner sentiment.
"Cross-border travel is more complex to navigate, particularly around visas, documentation and entry requirements," Antoniotti said. "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 programs."
In Europe, 63 percent of companies surveyed anticipate an uptick in 2026 meetings and events spend year over year, while 29 percent expect budgets to remain unchanged, and only 8 percent forecast a decrease.
Respondents across Asia, meanwhile, were most likely to project an increase in meetings spend this year, with 67 percent anticipating bigger budgets, while 26 percent foresee no change and 7 percent 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 spending forecasts, 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 organizations 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 localized travel. However, long-haul travel remains an important part of the MICE landscape, with businesses continuing to prioritize impactful and meaningful experiences for their teams," she said.
According to the report, 41 percent of professionals, the largest segment, expect to spend less than $1 million on their meetings and events programs in 2026. A further 35 percent anticipate managing between $1 million and $10 million in meetings spend this year, representing a 20-percentage-point increase compared with 2025. A smaller proportion will oversee larger programs, with 9 percent responsible for budgets ranging from $10 million to $50 million and 10 percent managing budgets of between $50 and $100 million.
Additionally, 79 percent of survey respondents ranked safety and security as their top priority for 2026, up from 65 percent 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 programs to pivot if needed," she added.
The survey also highlighted how corporates allocated their meetings spend in 2025, with 37 percent focused on medium-sized events, which FCM categorized as events with between 50 and 150 attendees. This format outpaced both large events of more than 150 attendees (the focus for 28 percent of respondents) and small events of less than 50 attendees (19 percent).
Employee engagement and training emerged as the biggest driver of meetings and events in 2026, as indicated by 74 percent of respondents, followed by learning and development (62 percent), business management (62 percent) and industry engagement (58 percent).