Global conflicts increasingly threaten international meetings: new survey

Recent data reveal a growing perception that global conflicts threaten the very ability to plan and host international meetings, but on the ground, signs of resilience are emerging among professional conference organisers (PCOs) that have been quick to step up on destination diversification, stakeholder communications and contingency planning.

According to the 2026 Global Socio-Political Impact Survey, a staggering 73.84% of respondents said global conflicts have impacted their ability to plan or host international meetings, up sharply from 53.92% in 2025.

The survey was led by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) in partnership with AIPC, AMC Institute, International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, International Congress and Convention Association and Professional Convention Management Association.

The survey, which gathered responses from 130 organisations worldwide, further pointed to signs of actual disruption. More than 65% of respondents reported travel disruptions affecting clients or participants, while 58.46% saw reduced international attendance. Nearly half also cited rising costs for both organisers and delegates.

One-third of respondents said they had frequently or occasionally cancelled, postponed or relocated events due to safety concerns or regional instability, while 42.31% reported moving events away from destinations perceived as politically unstable.

PCOs adapting at the forefront

“There’s a lot happening and impacting on our growth. Some of these [have proven to be] challenging. But, PCOs are at the forefront [of navigating these challenges], by taking a proactive stance and communicating clearly to members, partners, collaborators, clients, stakeholders all involved,” said Martin Boyle, speaking at a press conference at the recent IMEX Frankfurt.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instability, a separate survey of how PCOs are working with association clients, reveals resilience in the form of destination diversification, proactive stakeholder communication and diligent contingency planning.

Destination diversification

PCOs are embracing a broader diversification of destinations across regions, acknowledging the “potential opportunities in some [areas]” while these opportunities “reduce in others”, Boyle shared.

It is not enough that PCOs are willing to be flexible with choice of destination. They must also be nimble with last-minute changes and the need to switch to suppliers who can support events in their newly chosen destinations.

“When reassigning destinations, suppliers PCOs currently work with may not be able to easily transition to the next. There are opportunities to consider new supplier networks [including] suppliers who can deliver logistics services across the globe without a question,” Boyle explained.

Related: Middle East conflict could boost Southeast Asia travel

Proactive communication

“Members tell us that proactive client communication is key,” Boyle said. “PCOs need strong communication streams with everyone involved, and it has to be proactive rather than reactive.”

That includes ensuring stakeholders receive regular updates – sometimes daily or hourly – as situations or global conflict evolve, alongside clearly communicated recommendations should events need to be rescheduled or relocated.

At the same time, rebuilding traveller confidence has become a growing priority. Boyle said organisers are leaning more heavily on data-driven insights and strengthened safety protocols to put out more accurate and reliable communications that can encourage attendance at international meetings.

Related: What risk mitigation looks like in an era of geopolitical conflicts

Contingency and risk take centrestage

Contingency planning has also taken on renewed urgency. PCOs are revisiting protocols more frequently and maintaining closer oversight of geopolitical developments.

Insurance coverage for geopolitical risks is another area of concern for organisers. Sissi Lignou, president, IAPCO, said the association remains in active dialogue with insurers to explore ways of better protecting events, even as insurance companies do not often provide protection against geopolitical threats, Lignou said.

The new normal of instability also renews the importance of risk sharing. “It is not just PCOs that should bear the risks. Bringing events to destinations means risks have to chain across the entire ecosystem [including hotels and venues],” Lignou stressed.

At the minimum, PCOs should be ready with short-term recommendations in case events have to be rescheduled or reallocated, and ensure such recommendations can be effectively disseminated to all on short notice, Boyle said.

“What was once in the background is now in the foreground,” he summarised.