Brisbane, Australia, 12 March 2026 – A surge in investment in meetings and events is redefining the global business landscape in 2026, with safety, engagement, and innovation at the forefront.

The FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E) 2026 Trends Report reveals that nearly eight out of 10 industry professionals now place safety and security as their top priority, and 74% cite employee engagement as the primary reason for bringing people together.

With budgets rising - 35% of organisations planning increases of more than 10%- the events sector is poised for a landmark year of growth and strategic impact.

Strong investment continues to define the sector’s outlook. According to the report, an impressive 92% expect their meetings and events budgets to either hold steady or increase.

These figures demonstrate broad recognition of the power of face-to-face connections as a strategic driver of business success.

What are the top priorities for corporate meetings and events in 2026?

Trends Report Key Findings:

• 74% said meetings drive employee engagement
• 79% responded with safety and security as the top priority
• 35% said they will spend AUD$1M–AUD$10M in 2026
• 35% also revealed that their 2026 budget will be more than 10% higher than last year.

Simone Seiler, Global General Manager at FCM M&E, observed a growing appetite for innovation, service excellence, and attendee wellbeing.

“Events are being crafted with greater care and creativity, ensuring people feel valued and safe,” Seiler said. “This focus is empowering organisations to engage teams and build lasting impact.

“With 79% of respondents citing prioritising safety and security, this tells us the safety of delegates is the number one priority of our clients, which is crystallised by the current atmosphere.

“Choosing the right destination for your people, ensuring your supply chain is trusted throughout, and ensuring contingency plans are in place are some of the many ways customers can travel to events with confidence for when worlds meet.”

Which meetings and events trend has increased the most?

Employee engagement has quickly risen to the top of corporate agendas, with 74% of respondents now viewing it as the primary purpose of meetings and events – marking substantial year-on-year growth.

“As organisations adopt more flexible work models, bringing people together in meaningful ways is essential to strong teams and cultures,” said Seiler.

“Medium-sized events are emerging as the preferred format for many businesses, offering the ideal blend of scale and personalisation. This approach enables more frequent, impactful interactions, optimising both programme return on investment and attendee experience.”

What role do sustainability and AI play in event planning?

Sustainability and artificial intelligence actively shape planning decisions in 2026. 

Planners make visible strides with environmentally conscious choices in venue selection, catering, and waste management. There is growing interest in responsible, scalable solutions for global programmes.

“Technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly integrated into the planning process, supporting efficiency and precision,” said Seiler.

“With 55% of professionals embracing AI to streamline their work and enhance outcomes, the sector is harnessing fresh opportunities to innovate, while maintaining a strong focus on quality and human experience.”

The report tells a compelling story of optimism, resilience, and proactive evolution. Organisations are not only investing more but are raising the bar across safety, value, and impact.

Industry leaders remain committed to fostering rich connections, sustainable practices, and the adoption of smart technology that will shape the future of meetings and events worldwide.