FCM’s State of the Market survey found that more than 25% of businesses allocate over half their travel budgets to MICE activities. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/alfa27
FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E) has unveiled a US$20 million investment to expand its presence in the MICE sector, following the release of FCM’s landmark State of the Market survey, which found that more than 25% of businesses allocate over half their travel budgets to MICE activities.
The survey, conducted by Flight Centre Corporate, highlights a significant shift in corporate spending, with MICE becoming a priority for many businesses. In EMEA alone, 23% of companies dedicate more than 50% of their budget to MICE-related travel, while an additional 8% allocate between 25% and 50%.
Frits De Kok, head of FCM Meetings & Events, EMEA, emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation and expansion in the MICE sector. “We know the growth potential for this segment is unparalleled and that is why we’re investing so heavily in it. This $20 million global investment is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and results in this space.
“We are strategically investing in our people and technology, ensuring that we have the right teams in key locations across Europe, including the Nordics, Spain, and France, with an eye on expansion into South Africa and Dubai in early 2025,” Mr De Kok said.
Global scale with regional customisation
FCM Meetings & Events global general manager, Simone Seiler, highlighted that the business was repositioning worldwide to deliver a unified offering, leveraging itself as a subsidiary of FCM Travel, and harnessing its global scale across hub offices across four regions, but with local customisation.
“We now operate in more than a dozen countries globally, with future expansion plans in the works… we really see North America, Asia, and Europe as key regions with the largest opportunities for growth.”
The company has already achieved significant growth in Australia, India, and Mexico and is actively targeting expansion in markets such as the UAE and South Africa, increasing its global workforce.
A core element of FCM M&E’s future vision is a focus on sustainability, technology, and accessibility. The launch of the FCM Venue Finder platform aims to streamline the event planning process, offering clients an integrated solution that enhances the overall experience.
With a new global director of enterprise sales, Joanne Shaw, onboard, FCM Meetings & Events aims to to lead the industry by “offering sustainable, impactful meetings and events that are future-proof."