Conflict, policy shifts and socio-political instability are increasingly disrupting the international meetings and conferences industry, according to the 2026 Global Socio-Political Impact Survey led by International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)
Conducted in partnership with AIPC, AMC Institute, ICCA, IFES and PCMA, the survey gathered responses from 130 organisations worldwide.
The findings show a sharp rise in disruption compared with 2025, with 74 per cent of respondents saying global conflicts had affected their ability to plan or host international meetings, up from 54 per cent last year.
Travel disruption was reported by 65 per cent of respondents, compared with 42 per cent in 2025, while 58 per cent said they had seen reduced international attendance or participation. Nearly half also reported rising costs for both organisers and delegates.
Sissi Lignou said the findings show geopolitical instability is no longer a secondary issue for the sector:
“Conferences and meetings are where knowledge is shared, research is advanced, relationships are built and industries move forward. These findings show that global socio-political instability is now directly affecting that essential exchange.
“IAPCO Accredited PCOs play a critical role in helping associations, destinations and participants navigate this uncertainty with professionalism, agility and care.”
The impact is being felt across the entire event lifecycle, with 33.07% of respondents saying they had cancelled, postponed or relocated events, or withdrawn participation because of safety concerns or regional instability.
Meanwhile, 42 per cent reported moving away from destinations perceived as politically unstable or affected by conflict.
Government policy is also reshaping planning decisions. Almost 60 per cent of respondents said US government policies introduced in 2025 and 2026 had affected their ability to plan events for 2026–2028. Funding cuts impacting academic and scientific travel, alongside visa and immigration restrictions, were cited as the biggest challenges.
Martin Boyle said the findings underline the growing importance of Accredited PCOs in navigating uncertainty:
“This research reflects the reality of what PCOs around the world are seeing every day. The meeting and conference industry is operating within increasing complexity and the role of the Accredited PCO has never been more important.
“From contingency planning and destination advice to stakeholder confidence, budget management and participant safety, PCOs are helping clients adapt to changing global conditions while making informed decisions in a fast-changing world.”
IAPCO members organised 23,512 meetings and events worldwide in 2025, managing more than 7.7 million participants across 187 office locations and generating €17.36 billion in economic impact.
IAPCO said the findings reinforce the need for stronger industry advocacy, improved contingency planning and closer collaboration across associations, destinations and organisers.
Boyle added: “The global meetings industry exists to bring people together around issues that matter: science, medicine, education, business, policy and progress. When conflict, policy and instability restrict participation, the impact reaches far beyond individual events. It affects research visibility, the exchange of ideas, and the ability of communities and industries to progress collectively.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
