According to the report, global RFP activity has reached 102% of 2019 levels, marking the strongest quarterly performance since the Barometer was launched, while hotel group room nights measured 94% of 2019 levels, up from 90% in Q1. Quoted room rates averaged 131% of 2019 levels, underscoring ongoing cost pressures for planners and delegates.
“The results illustrate both the resilience of our sector and the difficult environment in which we continue to operate,” said Amy Calvert, EIC President and CEO. “While it is encouraging to see RFP activity recover, slower global growth and heightened geopolitical risks continue to impact sentiment and create uncertainty for event professionals worldwide.”
Uneven recovery across regions
The Barometer reveals uneven recovery patterns across global markets.
- Western Europe (90) and North America (93) continue to lag behind pre-pandemic benchmarks.
- Latin America (123) and the Middle East (122), by contrast, are exceeding 2019 activity levels.
At the country level, India (144), Mexico (185), and the United Kingdom (156) recorded the strongest quarterly results, while Germany (58) and China (57) remained below average.
Globally, the data reflect improving momentum in event bookings and meetings demand, but rising room rates and uneven economic performance are constraining growth.
Broader economic context
The report references forecasts from Oxford Economics, projecting global GDP growth of 2.6% in 2025 and 2.4% in 2026, both below long-term averages. Slower travel spending growth – just 1.6% for North America—and continued geopolitical tensions, tariff uncertainty, and populist-driven economic policies in major markets are weighing on the outlook.
“Business events continue to provide essential value, but the global environment remains fragile,” said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, 2025 EIC Board Chair and CEO of ICCA. “The industry must remain focused on resilience and adaptability as we navigate this next phase of recovery.”
Looking ahead: Economic Significance of Business Events Study
EIC has begun work on the next Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, set for release on 5 May 2026 in Washington, D.C., during Global Meetings Industry Day and Business Events Week. Conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the study will quantify the economic impact of the $1.6 trillion global business events sector, building on prior editions first published in 2017.
Calvert emphasized the study’s importance for industry advocacy and policymaking: “EIC’s Economic Significance Study provides the foundation for our sector’s advocacy efforts and is an essential tool for amplifying the breadth and impact of our industry.”
Aligned with EIC’s Vision 2030, the study will further support workforce development and global advocacy efforts, reinforcing the business events industry’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, social progress, and community
