BCD Meetings & Events Client Survey Finds Cost Pressures and ROI Driving Priorities in 2026

CHICAGO - EntSun -- BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has published its 2026 Global Client Survey, revealing a meetings and events industry that has stabilized after years of disruption but is now operating under stronger cost pressures and rising expectations for visibility and measurable value.

The survey, conducted between January and March 2026, gathered insights from 240 senior meetings and events stakeholders across North America, Europe, the UK, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. While most organizations expect budgets (57%), event volume (56%) and event size (70%) to remain stable, more than a third (36%) now identify demonstrating return on investment (ROI) as a key internal influence shaping meetings and events programs.

"Clients are functioning in a far more disciplined environment, where cost pressure, governance, and ROI expectations shape every decision," said Bruce Morgan, Global President, BCD Meetings & Events.  "Organizations generally aren't asking for more events; they want more value from the events they already run."

Cost pressure remains the industry's most significant external challenge, according to 85% of respondents, while organizations are also navigating increased complexity driven by cost containment measures (80%) and structural changes (48%). Together these findings point to a shift from rebuilding programs to optimizing them, making every event work harder and deliver greater strategic value.

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"Budgets might be stabilizing, but expectations certainly aren't," said Morgan. "That's changing the way programs are planned and measured—it's creating greater demand for partners who can help customers navigate complexity while demonstrating clear business outcomes."

Additionally, sustainability remains important but is becoming more selective and practical. Organizations are prioritizing actions that are easier to implement and deliver measurable impact, such as traveling more sustainably (43%) and recycling materials throughout events (32%). Broader or more complex initiatives, including carbon offsetting and zero‑waste policies, have declined year-over-year, reflecting a more realistic approach aligned with governance and budget realities.

The survey findings suggest organizations are shifting their expectations from execution to strategic partnership, from activity metrics to outcome accountability, and from broad sustainability goals to targeted, realistic implementation. As programs mature, meetings and events are increasingly evaluated through the lens of business impact rather than activity alone.

Access and download the full Global Client Survey, here (https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F5146564.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net%2Fhubfs%2F5146564%2FBCDME_Client%2520Survey%2520Results%25202026_FINAL_v2.pdf&data=05%7C02%7C%7C7ab6c88aa1dc4324993608ded229ad8c%7Ccdb191c8fc03...).

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About BCD Meetings & Events

BCD Meetings & Events are experts at creating experiences that connect organizations with the people that matter most. With 2,200 passionate people servicing clients in 60+ countries around the world, we offer services across event design, brand experience, meetings management, production and content, venue search and sports travel and hospitality. For more information, visit www.bcdme.com (https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcdme.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C7ab6c88aa1dc4324993608ded229ad8c%7Ccdb191c8fc034343aead2808b21fd513%7C0%7C0%7C639179273618836290%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY...). BCD Meetings & Events is a division of BCD Travel Group.