Cost pressure is the biggest external challenge, while organisations are also navigating complexity driven by cost containment measures and structural changes. Photo Credit: iStock/sommart
Inflation and rising operating costs have emerged as the biggest challenge facing meetings and events professionals in 2026 as organisations shift their focus from recovery to maximising value from existing programmes, according to BCD Meetings & Events' (BCD M&E) 2026 Global Client Survey.
The survey, conducted between January and March 2026, gathered responses from 240 senior meetings and events stakeholders across North America, Europe, the UK, Latin America and Asia Pacific.
Cost pressure remains the industry’s most significant external challenge, cited by some (84.6%) of respondents, while organisations are also navigating increased complexity driven by cost containment measures (80%) and structural changes (48%).
When it comes to external factors, geopolitical instability was identified as a concern by 32.5% of respondents, followed by attendee engagement and participation (23.8%). Safety and security concerns were cited by 17.1%, while fewer organisations pointed to supplier ability to meet sustainability criteria (11.7%) or attendee reluctance to travel (11.7%) as major challenges.
Industry stabilising
BCD M&E noted that the industry appears to be entering a period of stability. More than half of respondents expect budgets (57%) and event volumes (56%) to remain unchanged this year, while 70% anticipate no significant change in average event size.
However, stability has not translated into lower expectations. More than a third (36%) of respondents identified demonstrating return on investment (ROI) as a key internal factor influencing meetings and events strategy, reflecting increasing pressure to prove business value.
“Clients are functioning in a far more disciplined environment, where cost pressure, governance and ROI expectations shape every decision,” said Bruce Morgan, global president of BCD Meetings & Events.
“Organisations generally aren't asking for more events; they want more value from the events they already run.”
The findings suggest many organisations have moved beyond rebuilding programmes following years of disruption and are now focused on optimisation, with greater scrutiny placed on event performance and business outcomes.
Morgan said stabilising budgets have been accompanied by rising expectations around accountability and measurement.
Sustainability gets down to earth
“Budgets might be stabilising, but expectations certainly aren't," he said. "That's changing the way programmes are planned and measured. It's creating greater demand for partners who can help customers navigate complexity while demonstrating clear business outcomes.”
The survey also found a shift in how organisations approach sustainability. While environmental considerations remain important, respondents are increasingly prioritising practical initiatives that can deliver measurable results.
More sustainable travel options (43%) and recycling programmes (32%) ranked among the most common sustainability actions, while more ambitious measures such as carbon offsetting and zero-waste policies declined year-on-year.