Demand was particularly strong for events scheduled more than 12 months ahead, with RFP activity reaching 122% of 2019 levels, up from 115% in the previous quarter. Photo Credit: iStock/batuhan toker
Despite a global rebound in request for proposal (RFP) activity signaling optimism in future events, recovery is uneven around the world, according to the latest Global Business Events Barometer from the Events Industry Council (EIC).
Global RFP activity recovers; APAC, Europe play catch up
The first-quarter 2026 report found that RFP activity for future events worldwide remained above pre-pandemic levels at 101% of 2019 volumes. Demand was particularly strong for events scheduled more than 12 months ahead, reaching 122% of 2019 levels, up from 115% in the previous quarter.
The results suggest that while organisations continue to navigate short-term challenges related to global mobility, economic conditions and geopolitical tensions, they remain committed to investing in future meetings, exhibitions, conventions and incentive travel programmes.
“Perhaps the most compelling story in this quarter's data is the contrast between today's realities and tomorrow's expectations," said Amy Calvert, president and CEO of EIC. "While many organisations continue to face near-term complexity, the significant increase in demand for events planned further into the future reinforces the enduring value of bringing people together.”
Recovery is uneven across the regions, however.
RFP activity showed the strongest rebound over 2019 levels in Africa (131%), Latin America and the Caribbean (124%), Middle East (120%) and North America (114%). Hotels still catching up to pre-pandemic levels include Asia Pacific (90%), Western Europe (89%) and Central and Eastern Europe (81%).
Japan leads
Despite the regional lag, several Asia Pacific markets outperformed global benchmarks.
Japan recorded the region's strongest rebound, with an RFP activity index of 167% relative to 2019 levels, making it the second-best performing market globally behind Mexico. Thailand and India also exceeded the global average, each registering an index of 106% and ranking 11th and 12th worldwide respectively.
The latest barometer follows EIC's recently released Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, which highlighted the sector's continued role in driving economic activity, workforce development and innovation.
“The continued strength of future bookings reflects confidence in the role business events play in helping organisations achieve their most important objectives,” said Stephanie Harris, chair of the EIC Board of Directors and president of the Incentive Research Foundation.
Produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, the Global Business Events Barometer draws on data from Amadeus MeetingBroker, Cvent, STR and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).