The data shows that global hotel group room nights reached 97% of 2019 levels, reflecting sustained progress in event delivery. Request for proposal (RFP) activity remains above pre-pandemic benchmarks at 102%, highlighting continued demand for business events.
A notable trend identified in the report is the shift toward longer-term planning. RFP activity for events scheduled more than 12 months in advance continues to grow, signalling confidence in the long-term value of in-person and hybrid gatherings.
Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council, said: “The Q4 2025 data showed, despite uncertainty the year brought to our sector and global society, we continued to see that across our global community the demand for business events remained strong, and their value deeply understood. As we move into 2026, while we believe that our sector now matters more than ever, the operating environment has shifted significantly. Last year closed with solid momentum and clear indicators of sustained interest in in-person gatherings, but the early months of 2026 have brought new disruptions that are creating heightened uncertainty for our sector.”
Calvert added: “In the near term we anticipate it will reflect increased volatility related to the war in Iran and the resulting global impact on fuel supply, travel patterns, and economic confidence. These emerging pressures underscore the importance of real-time insights and coordinated industry response. We will continue to work closely with our members and partners including Oxford Economics to monitor the situation and provide data-driven updates to help our community navigate this evolving landscape.”
The Barometer also highlights persistent cost pressures, with global room rates averaging 139% of 2019 levels. These increases, combined with broader macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, are influencing near-term event activity.
Calvert noted: “In the short term, organisations are navigating a complex mix of cost considerations, travel dynamics and global uncertainty. At the same time, there is clear, sustained belief in the long-term impact of bringing people together to drive collaboration, innovation and progress.”
The findings are set against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting travel flows, business confidence and investment decisions.
Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics at Oxford Economics, stated: “The rapidly evolving conflict in the Middle East underscores how deeply interconnected global organizations and economies have become. Event plans, business decisions, and conversations shift rapidly. In our latest forecast update, we downgraded our outlook for global travel spending, with impacts concentrated in the Middle East, but higher oil prices and weaker economic prospects also playing a role. Tourism Economics expects global travel to remain resilient: we currently anticipate 6% growth in international arrivals this year – down from 8% previously, driven by the enduring importance of business events and travel.”
Alongside the Barometer, EIC is advancing the 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study in partnership with Oxford Economics. The findings are scheduled for release in May, in conjunction with Global Meetings Industry Day.
Calvert said: “This study is foundational to our industry’s ability to advocate effectively. It provides the credible, global data needed to demonstrate not only the economic impact of business events, but their broader societal value.”
The study builds on previous research measuring the sector’s global economic contribution and aims to deliver updated insights for policymakers, business leaders and stakeholders worldwide.
EIC is also calling on industry stakeholders across all regions and sectors to participate in the global survey informing the study, which remains open through 13 April 2026.
Calvert added: “Strong data depends on strong participation. This is an opportunity for organisations and professionals around the world to contribute to a unified, evidence-based narrative that will shape how our industry is understood and supported.”
The Global Business Events Barometer, commissioned by EIC and conducted by Oxford Economics using data from Amadeus’ MeetingBroker platform, Cvent and STR, serves as a benchmarking and planning tool for destinations, venues, organisers and suppliers worldwide.
By providing real-time insights into global trends, the Barometer supports industry decision-making, enabling stakeholders to manage risk and identify opportunities in a rapidly evolving environment.
Calvert concluded: “As an industry, we have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to tell our story with clarity, consistency and credibility. Together, through research and collaboration, we can ensure business events are recognised for the measurable value they deliver to economies, communities and societies around the world.”
Tags: Amy Calvert, Events Industry Council Adam Sacks, Oxford Economics
