Business Travel Trends 2026 show rise of risk-aware event planning and in-person demand
By Adrian Ephraim
The global meetings and events industry is entering 2026 with renewed confidence in face-to-face engagement, but a marked shift in how events are planned, budgeted, and managed.
New data from the FCM Meetings & Events (M&E) 2026 Trends Report shows that while organisations are doubling down on in-person events, safety, flexibility, and operational resilience have become central to decision-making.
According to the report, 92% of organisations expect their meetings and events budgets to either increase or remain stable this year, signalling strong post-pandemic recovery. However, this growth is being accompanied by heightened scrutiny, with 79% of planners ranking safety and security as their top priority.
Confidence returns – with caution
The data reflects a sector that has regained belief in the value of physical connection. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents say meetings play a critical role in driving employee engagement, reinforcing the strategic importance of in-person interaction in a hybrid work era.
At the same time, budgets are trending upward. More than a third (35%) of organisations expect their event spend to increase by over 10% in 2026, while 63% of respondents across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) anticipate higher overall MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) investment.
Yet this growth is not without constraints. Event planners are being forced to navigate a more complex risk environment – from geopolitical instability to logistical disruptions – fundamentally reshaping how events are designed and delivered.
Africa demand rises amid complexity
In South Africa and across the continent, demand is being driven by both local corporates expanding into African markets and international businesses looking to tap into regional opportunities.
Lance Nkwe, Business Leader South Africa at FCM M&E, says this has created a more sophisticated planning environment.
“Planners are not deterred by uncertainty – they’re planning around it,” he notes. “Medium-sized events, typically between 50 and 150 delegates, are emerging as the sweet spot. They offer strong engagement while managing cost and logistical exposure.”
This shift reflects a broader trend toward more controlled, high-impact gatherings rather than large-scale, high-risk events.
Risk management becomes a core capability
One of the most significant shifts highlighted in the report is the elevation of risk management from a supporting function to a central planning pillar.
Event organisers are now expected to demonstrate:
- Contingency planning for disruptions
- Flexible contracts and exit clauses
- Alternate destinations and routing strategies
- Proven crisis-response capabilities
In the African context, this complexity is amplified by additional factors such as visa constraints, infrastructure variability, and heightened security requirements.
Nkwe points out that services such as visa facilitation, VIP protection, and coordination with law enforcement – including compliance with Joint Operations Compliance (JOC) regulations in South Africa – are increasingly standard components of event briefs.
Sustainability and legacy gain traction
Beyond risk, sustainability and social impact are becoming key differentiators.
Companies are placing greater emphasis on environmentally responsible event planning, including venue selection, catering, and waste management. More notably, there is growing focus on the long-term impact of events on host communities.
“It’s no longer just about the event itself, but what it leaves behind,” Nkwe says. “Clients want to demonstrate that their presence contributes positively to local economic and community development.”
This aligns with broader ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) priorities shaping corporate strategy globally.
Technology and AI drive evolution
The report also highlights the increasing role of technology and artificial intelligence in enhancing event delivery – from smarter logistics planning to improved attendee experiences.
While the industry remains rooted in physical connection, digital tools are playing a critical role in improving efficiency, safety, and personalisation.
A more resilient industry emerges
Overall, the 2026 outlook points to an industry that is not only recovering but evolving.
Confidence in face-to-face engagement remains strong, but it is now underpinned by a more disciplined, risk-aware, and strategically aligned approach to event planning.
