Yesterday, BCD Meetings and Events released its tenth annual trends guide.
Sponsored by Meliá Hotels International, the guide examines how organisations will need to adapt their approach to planning and delivering events in 2027.
It also outlined the five destinations that event organisers should have on their radar for 2027.
Below, are the five destinations:
Phu Quoc – Vietnam
The report says that Phu Quoc is gaining attention as an Asia-Pacific option for incentives and selected meetings, supported by growing resort infrastructure, nature appeal and increasing hospitality investment.
Its coastline, biosphere setting and integrated resort developments give planners a destination that blends beach experience with business-event potential.
Best suited for – Incentive programmes and groups seeking integrated resort, beach and group activity options.
Planner Consideration – Transfer times, wet-season conditions, air access and specific property capacity should all be confirmed before shortlisting.
Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain
The report explains that together Bilbao and San Sebastian combine culture, gastronomy, coastal scenery and contrasting urban personalities. Used well, they can create a two-centre programmes with strong incentive appeal and a memorable sense of place.
Best suited for – incentives, leadership gatherings and food and culture-led programmes.
Planner Consideration – The two-centre format adds movement and logistics, so test whether the added experience value justifies the operational complexity.
Panama City, Panama
Panama City combines regional connectivity, modern infrastructure, historic districts and access to tropical landscapes. Its appeal lies in the ability to move from business content to food, culture and nature within one destination.
Best suited for – Regional Americas meetings, incentives and programmes combining business content with food, culture and nature.
Planner consideration – Reconfirm route options, hotel capacity, transfer times and seasonality for the intended dates.
Big Sky, Montana USA
Big Sky offers mountain experiences, year-round outdoor appeal and a growing hospitality and meetings base. The report says that for the right group, the setting becomes part of the event experience rather than just a backdrop.
Best suited for – leadership retreats, incentives and smaller groups seeking active or nature based experiences and high-quality accommodation
Planner consideration – season, weather, transfer time and activity accessibility should shape programme design
Bath, UK
Bath combines a compact city centre, strong heritage appeal, distinctive venues and easy rail access.
Best suited for – leadership meetings, incentives, client gatherings and off-site programmes where character and walkability matter.
Planner consideration – Historic venues may create constraints around access, production, capacity or conservation, so confirm technical feasibility early.
