BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has released its annual What’s Trending 2026 guide, which explores the forces shaping the meetings and events industry in the year ahead.
Now in its ninth edition, What’s Trending 2026 provides global insights, regional trends and practical guidance for organisations adapting to ongoing shifts in how meetings and events are planned and delivered. Topics include meetings as strategic investments, experiential and immersive event design and the growing importance of addressing neurodiverse audiences.
According to the guide, economic uncertainty and budget constraints continue to shape the industry, prompting organisations to consolidate suppliers, optimise spend and focus on high-impact experiences that deliver measurable ROI. Immersive and inclusive event design – rooted in behavioural science, accessibility and storytelling – is fast becoming the gold standard for engagement.
The guide also features in-depth analysis of five regions: APAC, EMEA, LATAM, NORAM and the UK. For instance, in APAC, regional insights reflect cautious growth and a focus on domestic, experience-led events in cost-effective destinations.
The guide also outlines trending destinations for meetings, events and incentives for 2026: Scottsdale, Arizona; Manchester, UK; Berlin, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Mexico City, Mexico.
The full report can be found here.
