A report has revealed the stark toll of geopolitical
instability on the international meetings and events industry, with almost two-thirds
of organisers reporting disruption due to conflict, policy shifts, and safety
concerns.
Published by the International
Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) in collaboration
with national task force members and strategic partners, the Global
Socio-Political Impact Survey of 2025 quantifies the fallout from the last two
years of global unrest on planners, venues, and delegates worldwide.
According to the findings, 60 per cent of respondents said that
conflicts had impacted their ability to plan or host international
events—either moderately (45%) or significantly (14%). A further 25 per
cent reported cancellations, postponements, or relocations of meetings due to
safety concerns or regional instability.
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 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.
The financial consequences are also piling up. Over a
quarter (26%) of respondents reported losses of up to €50,000, and nearly 15
per cent said the impact exceeded €150,000. Beyond direct losses, many cited
ongoing threats to client confidence, logistics planning, and overall
operational viability.
Adding to the complexity is mounting policy pressure,
particularly in light of the Trump Administration’s freeze on international
academic travel, which has raised new barriers for research exchange and international
collaboration.
Still, Boyle emphasised the sector'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.”
The full Global Socio-Political Impact Survey of
2025 is available now at www.iapco.org
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.
