Meeting planners are optimistic going into 2026, according to a new survey, though concerned about rising costs and delivering engaging experiences across increasingly diverse attendee groups.
The 2026 Global Meetings and Events Forecast [PDF], released last month by American Express Global Business Travel, is based on a survey of 601 global meeting planners conducted in July 2025. Overall, respondents are feeling good about the health of the sector, with 85 percent saying they are “optimistic” about meetings in 2026—the highest percentage since the height of the pandemic.
The report credits a more stable meeting environment for the optimism. "The meetings sector [is] settling into its new normal," the report said. "We're seeing greater consistency when it comes to strategy and meeting management."
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