A new White paper from The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau and the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) has outlined what the partners believe is the sector’s need for a strategic response across four critical areas: Events, DEI, Cybersecurity, and Innovation. The White Paper ‘Exploring the Geopolitical Landscape: Implications for Associations’ is officially published in full. Following some extracts released at IMEX Frankfurt at the end of May.
“Unlike previous studies, this paper captures a sector at a strategic crossroads, one where resilience is being redefined by geo-political change through action in four key areas: event delivery, digital security, diversity and inclusion, and innovation,” said Bas Schot, head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau.
Based on qualitative insights and a global survey of 99 association leaders, it reveals that 85% of organisations have already experienced disruption due to geopolitical instability, and 88% expect further challenges. “This isn’t just about risk, it’s about a strategic change needed across all associations around the word,” Schot added.
At the team’s IMEX press conference Ioannis Pallas, managing director of ESAE, had criticised ‘populist’ governments for their stance on DEI, although it should be noted that fewer than a third (30%) of survey respondents in the White Paper were reported to have expressed a ‘concerned’ score of 4 or 5 (on a scale of 0-5) when that question was put.
“From rethinking where events are held to how boards are governed; associations are building new models of operational and ethical resilience. Our findings show that this shift must be integrated, values-led, and responsive to complexity. Destinations like The Hague have a clear role, not just as hosts, but as strategic partners,” Schot said.
Four key areas of consideration emerged from the White Paper:
Events: Once logistical endeavours, events are now deeply political decisions. Twenty-six percent of respondents reported negative impacts from geopolitical instability on their event planning, while 28% have moved events to what they term ‘more politically stable destinations’. Risk assessments, hybrid models, and values-driven site selection are becoming standard practice.
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion): Far from a soft issue, DEI has become a critical focus point. Over 60% of respondents rated DEI as ‘very important’ to internal stability, with nearly 17% seeing it as ‘peripheral’. The paper’s authors claim anti-DEI laws and sentiment are actively affecting location choices.
Cybersecurity: As associations digitise, they are becoming vulnerable targets. 81% of respondents expressed concern about cyber threats, but 23% report having no formal cybersecurity protections at all. Only 15% have cyber insurance, exposing a critical preparedness gap.
Innovation: Despite budgetary pressure, innovation is gaining traction. 72% identified alternative funding and revenue generation as critical, with 71% favouring more organisational flexibility. While 57% are investing in digital transformation, only 22% have a formal innovation strategy, highlighting both ambition and constraint.
Strategic gaps and a call for action
While some associations are evolving fast, others remain constrained by complexity or capacity. Just 13% feel well prepared for the geopolitical landscape, despite widespread awareness of the risks.
“What this research shows is that association leadership must now be structural, strategic and courageous,” said Pallas, adding that members must prepare for the new normal. “This paper offers practical guidance on how to lead with clarity, credibility, and collective purpose,” he added.
To download the full white paper, visit: https://thehague.com/conventionbureau/en/showcases/whitepaper-strategic-transformation-associations-unstable-world
