Significant Increase in Investments for Meetings and Events in 2026

According to the Global Trends Report 2026 from FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), European companies are poised for a notable increase in their meetings and events budgets, with 63.1% of respondents in the EMEA expecting growth compared to 2025.

Factors Behind Increasing Budgets

Out of those planning to increase budgets, 62.9% attribute this to a broader range of activities, while 46.7% point to employee engagement and 42.9% link the increase to inflationary pressures.

Preference for Hotel Venues

Moreover, 74% of all event bookings across Europe are centered on hotel venues, signaling a shift in venue preferences with all events now seeking to eliminate single-use plastics to meet sustainability objectives.

Safety and Security Concerns

Safety remains a paramount concern, with nearly 80% of industry professionals prioritizing security. The evolving political and regulatory landscape is complicating planning processes, as highlighted by Victoria Deprez.

Emphasis on Sustainability

“The focus should move toward the holistic attendee experience, making events productive, restorative, and aligned with personal and corporate values,” stated Mallory Gerard.

The report indicates that the European MICE sector is on a strong trajectory, with organizations aiming to foster meaningful connections through enhanced event experiences.