Moving beyond point-in-time risk assessments, single-destination assumptions and reactive decisions. AdobeStock/Andrii Yalanskyi
Geopolitical disruption and climate exposure are reshaping meetings and events planning, according to the 10th edition of BCD M&E’s Meetings & Events Trends 2027, which calls for a different approach to risk monitoring and management.
The report recommends moving from “point-in-time risk assessments, single-destination assumptions and reactive decisions”, towards “continuous monitoring, trigger-based decisions and multiple viable options”.
It further highlighted the need to define decision ownership, what evidence will be used, and when to activate an alternative.
Changing entry requirements, transport pressures and perceptions of destination safety are also affecting access, costs and event continuity.
In an April 2026 Global Business Travel Association poll cited in the report, 76% of buyers said geopolitical conflicts were affecting travel and meetings decisions, while 56% had changed their meetings or events strategy in the preceding three months.
The report says climate risks now influence venue suitability, attendee comfort, seasonal timing and operating costs – not just sustainability. It recommends assessing climate exposure, transport resilience and duty of care alongside destination cost and appeal, with viable alternatives built into event plans.
Planners should set decision triggers in contracts, assign responsibility for escalation and establish communication protocols. At programme level, teams need data and resources to identify emerging risks and respond quickly across their event portfolios.
In Asia Pacific, the report describes growing interest in emerging destinations across Southeast Asia, supported by investment, expanding event infrastructure and supply-chain diversification.
Its 2027 outlook expects Singapore to remain a leading premium meetings hub, Bangkok to appeal on flexibility and relative affordability, and India and China to lead regional growth. Airfares remain a planning concern, while food waste is becoming a practical sustainability priority for banqueting-heavy events.