Trends in the Meetings & Events Industry: What You Need To Know in 2026

As a planner, you know this industry moves fast. Stay ahead of what’s next to ensure this year is the best of your career (so far). Here’s what our team wants you to know about the latest trends in the meetings and events industry.

What Is The 2026 Global Meetings & Events Forecast?

Our friends at American Express Global Business Travel highlight five key takeaways in their 2026 Global Meetings & Events Forecast:

1. Positivity levels are high: 85% of surveyed meeting professionals state that they are “optimistic” for the sector this year. Slightly tempering this good news is the 38% who identified cost as their number one challenge.
2. AI will be prolific: Say what you will about the technology but a growing number of planners report they will: “embrace AI throughout the meetings journey” (50%), “deliver AI-powered event apps” (40%), “use AI to generate creative concepts” (34%) and “use AI to track attendee experience” (28%).
3. Engagement is king: For the second year in a row, respondents identified the creation of engaging attendee experiences as their top priority.
4. Audiences want more: Meeting participants are seeking increased interactivity (42%), opportunities to socialize with other attendees (40%) and sustainability measures (40%). You can check out our resort’s green meetings practices here.
5. Measurement makes the scene: To help quantify the value of meetings, planners will utilize data and ROI tools (36%) and AI for post-event evaluation (28%).

Additional top-level findings from the report indicate budgets are increasing (per 88% of respondents). The five types of meetings and events expected to see the greatest jumps are: product launches (54%), internal team gatherings (50%), conferences without trade show/exhibits (49%), conferences with trade show/exhibits (47%) and incentives/special events (45%).

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that, when PCMA Convene asked a smaller group of domestic meeting planners about their outlook for 2026, the forecast wasn’t as sunny. It’s reported that the respondents’ overall mood “can be characterized as anxious resilience.” So, if you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone.

Just know that you can count on Lansdowne Resort as your meetings and team building experts — over 60% of our business comes from the group market. We have flexible venues to host any kind of group gathering and an on-site AV team to handle any tech set-ups you require. You also have the comfort of knowing that assistance with of-the-moment administrative tasks is covered, thanks to our dedicated conference concierge.

Fun Meeting Trends

To help deliver for audiences wanting more, here are five fun meeting trends we’re most enthusiastic about for 2026.

1. Gamification-driven participation: Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Award points for completion of specific tasks that further interaction. This can include asking questions, providing solutions and racking up wins in team building exercises. Keep the group informed about frontrunners with digital leaderboards.
2. Breakthroughs from breakouts: Large-group lecture-style presentations will always have their role in meetings. But convening smaller, cross-departmental teams to conduct problem-solving sessions or collaborative workshops gives everyone a voice. Have a spokesperson from each team share insights from their discussions with the full group. You’ll find that these diverse perspectives often lead to fresh ideas.
3. Shaken-up breaks: As the clock ticks on, attendee stamina wanes. Be sure to build brief breaks into your agenda that allow your group to reboot. Our themed packages make planning easier for you and the guided break options — including yin yoga and meditation — make meetings more enjoyable and restorative for attendees.
4. Food as “social glue”: Rather than traditional group dining, where attendees only interact with those seated nearby, take a page from wedding receptions. A tasting stations format encourages far more mixing and mingling. Or turn up the heat with team building experiences from our Culinary Competitions collection.
5. Work hard, play hard: Allow ample time between business functions for leisure time and group activities. Think: local outings, live entertainment and on-site recreation. Our 9-hole Sharkbite Course, designed by Greg Norman, is the ideal setting for both avid golfers and non-players to tee up some fun.

Engaging Event Trends

As you’re planning, consider the complete attendee journey. You want to create touchpoints along the way that boost inspiration and engagement. We have our eye on these five event trends to get the job done.

1. Immersive environments: Remember the last time you visited a major theme park? You didn’t just board a ride. You were brought into a story. Planners need to treat event venues the same way by transforming spaces with branded, dynamic and multi-sensory elements. On the resort, we’ve further established niche spaces for groups, including purpose-designed breakout rooms for small-group collaboration.
2. Personalized experiences: If your gathering hosts simultaneous sessions, turn to apps that allow attendees to map out those they would find most relevant and interesting. With Lansdowne Resort as your host, groups have plenty of options to offer customizable wellness and recreational experiences.
3. Dedicated downtime zones: Allow participants to step away from structured sessions for moments of calm and quiet. Ultimately, this move results in greater contentment and commitment. Past groups have enjoyed relaxation lounges and meditation rooms we have set up for the exclusive use of their teams.
4. Real-time collaboration: Incorporate digital tools that allow attendees to provide instantaneous feedback via polls and sentiment tracking. This data can be used to tailor content on the spot.
5. Post-event feedback: Develop a vehicle to collect input after the close of your gathering. Make it clear that these collective insights will actionably steer future events, so attendees feel they are a valued part of the process.

Ready to make your next meeting your best meeting? Our expert specialists are eager to help. Submit your RFP today to get started and discover your momentum.