Is APAC finally bouncing back from uncertainty?

Optimism is on the rise, but the latest Northstar–Cvent survey reveals mixed signals and lingering concerns across the region.

Optimism rebounds among APAC planners and organisers.
Optimism rebounds among APAC planners and organisers. Photo Credit: iStock/Diki Prayogo

Northstar–Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey
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Uncertainty is making way for optimism in APAC’s events industry, a sign of the region’s quick rebound from tariff shocks, according to the Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey September 2025.

APAC hopeful: Among the APAC organisers and planners polled in September 2025, around 70% indicated an improvement in outlook for meetings and events over the past six months.

Mixed views on attendance: Notably, greater optimism in APAC does not translate to stronger expectations of attendance growth. Nearly 30% of APAC respondents expect an increase in the following year’s event turnout, down from almost 50% in the 2024 survey.

Where are events headed: APAC will continue to be a darling feeder market, with 76% of respondents looking to hold their events overseas. Despite what’s been happening in the US, North American destinations are still on the radar of planners.

Smoother ride with suppliers: The survey results also reflect diminishing overall supplier-related challenges, particularly when it comes to factors like flexibility of contract terms, staffing adequacy and F&B costs.

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