The international meetings and events industry is navigating multifaceted pressures, from operational logistics to stakeholder confidence and financial viability. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/KohXD (AI generated)
The international meetings and events industry is facing mounting challenges from global unrest, with a new report from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) underscoring how geopolitical instability is hampering event planning, impacting travel, and threatening financial viability across the sector.
According to the Global Socio-Political Impact Survey of 2025, developed in collaboration with IAPCO’s National PCO Association Task Force and global strategic partners, 60% of respondents said that geopolitical conflict had negatively affected their ability to plan or host international events – 14% significantly and 45% moderately. Additionally, one in four organisers reported cancellations, postponements, or relocations due to safety concerns or regional instability.
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Martin Boyle, IAPCO CEO, said: “The results paint a clear picture of an industry navigating multifaceted pressures, from operational logistics to stakeholder confidence and financial viability. The findings reinforce the need for continued adaptability, contingency planning, and enhanced collaboration across the global meetings and events community.”
The breadth of disruption is evident in IAPCO’s own event data: in 2024 alone, its members organised nearly 19,500 events worldwide. Over half of respondents reported that up to 10 of their clients’ events were impacted; 6% said between 11 and 20 events faced disruptions.
The scale of disruption is underscored by IAPCO’s event volume alone: in 2024, members delivered nearly 19,500 events around the world. More than half of survey respondents (57%) said up to 10 of their clients’ events were impacted, while six per cent reported disruptions to 11 to 20 events.
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The financial toll is also increasing. Over a quarter of respondents (26%) cited losses of up to €50,000, while nearly 15% reported losses exceeding €150,000. In addition to direct financial damage, respondents highlighted longer-term impacts on client trust and event delivery timelines.
The survey also pointed to growing policy-related challenges, particularly with the Trump Administration’s recent freeze on international academic travel. This has introduced new barriers for research collaboration and global knowledge exchange – core drivers of international congresses and conferences.
Despite the setbacks, Boyle highlighted the industry’s resilience: “IAPCO members are at the top of their game. Whilst these challenges are biting, members are leaning on each other to innovate and work together for the benefit of their clients. The power of our global community has never been more important.”