Top destinations for corporate events in 2026
If you’re thinking about heading offshore this year, you’re in good company. More organisations are choosing destinations that tick off people’s bucket list, making the experience feel a little bigger than business as usual. And with the 2025 FCM Meetings & Events Trends Report telling us that most Australians are happy to jump on a 5–8 hour flight, the door is wide open. But where to go? Below, you’ll find plenty of contenders, all curated by a team who lives and breathes events and travelling.
Paris, France
The city brings effortless style and a whole lot of wow no matter what venue you choose. Once the work’s done, you and your people are in Pairs. Need we say more? Croissants, sunset canapes along the Seine, and group dinners that feel like a once in a lifetime experience. Attendees can duck out to the Louvre, snap their Eiffel Tower moment, or zip off to Champagne for a day trip.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona brings energy, colour, and coastline. With impressive convention centres, seaside terraces, and venues packed with personality, the city makes hosting easy. Everything is walkable or a quick train ride away. When the work wraps, attendees can wander through Park Güell, tuck into tapas they can’t get at home, or sip sangria on a rooftop.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo brings polish to every meeting and event. It’s close, clean, safe, and has one of the strongest business-events ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Beyond the agenda, Tokyo lights up with its neon filled streets, Japanese gardens, food that will change your life, and endless pockets of culture.
Singapore
Singapore is the definition of easy and efficient. With world-class venues, reliable transport, and a super-clean and safe city experience, it’s a natural pick for many work events. When the work is done, Hawker centres serve Michelin-rated street food, rooftop bars open with skyline views, gardens and waterfronts become busy, and some of the best shopping is open 10am-10pm.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai doesn’t do low-key. If you want scale, sparkle, and a little theatre for your next event, you’re looking at the right city. With enormous, modern venues and sunshine almost every day of the year, it’s designed for conferences that make a statement. It’s also a handy mid-way point between Asia, Europe, and Africa, ideal for multi-region teams. Outside the boardroom, Dubai serves up beach clubs, rooftop bars, desert dunes, old-world souks, super malls, and world-class restaurants.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is polished, multicultural, and effortlessly organised, it’s a brilliant pick for events that need solid infrastructure without the price tag of some nearby United States cities. After hours, attendees can wander the lakefront, catch a show, explore global food neighbourhoods, or grab those classic CN Tower views.
Ready to map out your next overseas event FCM Meetings & Events? Pack your bags, grab your passport, and let’s go!
Prefer to keep things close to home? Check out our top picks across Australia here.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What makes a destination suitable for international meetings and events?
Strong transport links, reliable venue infrastructure, accommodation options, safety, accessibility, and activities outside the agenda all play a role. Attendee appeal and ease of planning are also key.
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How far in advance should we plan an overseas event?
Most businesses start planning 9–18 months ahead, especially for large conferences, incentives, or events needing premium venues. High-demand destinations may need even earlier lock-in.
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What are the key considerations when choosing an international city for a business event?
Flight time, cost, safety, access, venue capacity, cultural fit, time-zone differences, local regulations, visa requirements, and overall experiences.
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Is it more complicated to host an event overseas?
It can be, but working with an experienced events partner removes most of the complexity. FCM Meetings & Events can assist with group travel, accommodation, visa guidance, logistics, suppliers, and on-ground support.
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What are the benefits of hosting an international meeting or event?
Higher engagement, stronger team connection, fresh environments for creativity, memorable experiences, bucket list spots, and the chance to combine business outcomes with leisure.
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What types of international events does FCM Meetings & Events support?
Everything from conferences and incentives to leadership retreats, training programs, team offsites, product launches, award nights, and more.