Events Sector RFP Activity Surpasses 2019 Levels
Business owners should expect sustained demand for professional events as planning activity outpaces historical norms.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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The Events Industry Council released its Q2 2026 Global Business Events Barometer, detailing the significant economic footprint of the global meetings and events sector. Business operators should note that RFP activity has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels as demand for large-scale professional gatherings recovers.
Why it matters
Understanding these metrics helps operators assess long-term demand for services, venues, and travel, as the sector's contribution to global GDP and total sales remains a bellwether for business-to-business commerce. These indicators provide a standardized look at growth trends across the global events landscape.
The sector saw 113% of 2019 RFP activity levels, while hotel group room demand remains at 92% of that same benchmark. The industry sustained 24.2 million jobs globally in 2025, generating US$1.3 trillion in direct spending.
The players
Events Industry Council
An international organization representing the global business events sector through advocacy, research, and workforce development.
Oxford Economics
A global advisory firm providing economic forecasting and analytical services to institutions and business leaders.
The details
The industry's resurgence is evidenced by RFP volumes that now exceed 2019 baseline levels, signaling a structural shift in how businesses prioritize in-person collaboration. Despite this strength in future event planning, actual hotel group demand is still slightly lagging, suggesting a shift in procurement habits or meeting formats. These findings, developed with Oxford Economics, underscore the sector's role in supporting broader macroeconomic stability.
Timeline
2025: Business events supported 1.65 billion total participants.
Q2 2026: The Events Industry Council released the Global Business Events Barometer.
April 6, 2027: Global Meetings Industry Day and the Futures Landscape Study release occur.
Market Landscape
This barometer sets current performance against the 2019 global business events baseline to gauge the post-pandemic industry recovery. It highlights a disconnect where future event planning activity has outpaced actual hotel room occupancy.
Operators should adjust their inventory and staffing plans to match RFP activity that has exceeded 2019 levels. Monitor upcoming landscape studies to identify shifting client preferences for event formats that may impact your procurement or service contracts.
The takeaway
The events sector is showing resilience, with future planning activity signaling strong long-term momentum. Business leaders should monitor the 2027 Futures Landscape Study for specific shifts in industry-wide demand patterns.
What happens next
The industry will release its 2027 Futures Landscape Study on April 6, 2027.
Further reading
For broader trends in global commercial activity, see Economic Indicators.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TravelDailyNews International.
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