BCD Meetings & Events Releases 10th Edition of Annual Trends Guide, Revealing Four Shifts Shaping 2027

Geopolitical uncertainty, climate disruption and continued cost pressures are changing how organizations plan meetings and events, while advances in AI are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency and demonstrate business value, according to the annual trends guide from BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E).

The 10th edition of BCD M&E’s Meetings & Events Trends 2027, sponsored by Meliá Hotels International, examines how organizations will need to adapt their approach to planning and delivering events in 2027.

The guide identifies four shifts set to shape how organizations approach meetings and events next year: building resilience into event planning, using AI to deliver measurable value, creating experiences that earn attendee attention and trust, and managing meetings and events as a strategic investment.

“If the last 10 years have shown us anything, it’s the remarkable resilience of this industry,” said Bruce Morgan, Global President, BCD M&E. “We’ve faced extraordinary challenges, but meetings and events continue to adapt. Looking ahead to 2027, we’re investing in our people and technology to help our customers respond to change and deliver greater business impact.”

Beyond the four shifts, the guide covers sustainability, creative strategy and life sciences, with regional outlooks across five markets:

• APAC: Growth in India, China and emerging Southeast Asian destinations, with cost and sustainability considerations shaping planning across diverse markets.
• EMEA: Resilient demand alongside economic, regulatory and geopolitical uncertainty, increasing the importance of market-specific planning and risk management.
• LATAM: A growing focus on flexibility and experience-led programs amid economic uncertainty.
• NORAM: Stable demand, tight budgets and a continued focus on cost control and measurable business impact.
• UK: Budget pressures will drive greater scrutiny of event investments, with a focus on efficiency, flexibility and business value.

The guide also highlights destinations to watch for meetings, events and incentives next year: Phú Quốc in Vietnam, Bilbao and San Sebastián in Spain, Panama City in Panama, Big Sky in Montana, USA and Bath in the UK.

Access the full report here.