WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. (18 June 2026) — The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, today released the Q1 2026 Global Business Events Barometer, revealing a business events sector that continues to look confidently toward the future despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The latest findings show global hotel group room nights averaging 92% of 2019 levels, while overall request for proposal (RFP) activity for future events remained above pre-pandemic levels at 101% of 2019 activity. Most notably, RFP activity for events scheduled more than 12 months in the future climbed to 122% of 2019 levels, up from 115% in the previous quarter.
The results suggest that while organisations continue to navigate short-term challenges related to global mobility, economic conditions and geopolitical tensions, they remain committed to investing in future meetings, exhibitions, conventions and incentive travel programmes.
“Perhaps the most compelling story in this quarter’s data is the contrast between today’s realities and tomorrow’s expectations,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “While many organisations continue to face near-term complexity, the significant increase in demand for events planned further into the future reinforces the enduring value of bringing people together. Business events are increasingly recognised not simply as activities or expenditures, but as investments in talent, innovation, relationships and community growth.”
Regional performance varied considerably during the quarter. RFP activity was strongest in Asia Pacific (131%), followed by North America (124%), Western Europe (120%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (114%), all exceeding 2019 levels. Meanwhile, hotel group room nights remained strongest in North America and Latin America, each reaching 96% of 2019 levels.
The report comes on the heels of EIC’s recently released 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, which reaffirmed the industry’s role as a major driver of economic activity, workforce development, innovation and community growth worldwide. Together, the two studies provide a comprehensive picture of both the current health and long-term importance of the global business events sector.
“The Barometer continues to demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of our industry,” said Stephanie Harris, Chair of the EIC Board of Directors and President of the Incentive Research Foundation. “Across every sector of the business events ecosystem, organisations understand that meaningful human connection remains essential to business performance, professional development and innovation. The continued strength of future bookings reflects confidence in the role business events play in helping organisations achieve their most important objectives.”
According to Oxford Economics, the global economy continued to grow at a solid pace during the first quarter despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. While the conflict in the Middle East and associated disruptions to transportation and trade networks remain areas of concern, Oxford Economics currently expects the global economy to avoid a more severe downturn.
“Business events are powerful connectors of organisations and individuals, but disruptions to safety, air transportation networks and future commitments impede what is possible,” the report notes. “Even with a resolution, the effects of the Middle East conflict on business events will take time to dissipate.”
The Global Business Events Barometer is produced by EIC in partnership with Oxford Economics and incorporates data from Amadeus MeetingBroker, Cvent, STR and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). The Barometer was launched in 2023 as part of EIC’s commitment to providing the industry with timely, actionable data to support strategic decision-making and advocacy efforts.