Global conflicts disrupt two-thirds of international meetings, says IAPCO
Nearly 60% of organisers say global unrest has affected their ability to plan or deliver international events, according to new research by IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers). The Global Socio-Political Impact Survey 2025, issued in April by IAPCO and its National PCO Association Task Force, found: 45.24% of respondents were moderately impacted 14.29% significantly impacted 25% cancelled, postponed or relocated events due to instability
“The report revealed that 57.14% of respondents had between 1 to 10 of their client’s venues impacted by global unrest, with 5.95% reporting this number was between 11 and 20. To put this into context, in 2024 alone, IAPCO members delivered almost 19,469 events globally – we are talking about vast numbers of conferences that have been disrupted,” said IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle.
The financial impact is significant 26.83% lost up to €50,000 14.64% lost over €150,000
The report also found that over half of respondents had 1 to 10 client venues impacted. Just under 6% reported disruption at up to 20 venues.
Boyle said organisers face “multifaceted pressures”, from logistics to stakeholder confidence. He called for stronger collaboration and contingency planning. Despite rising challenges, he said IAPCO members are “well-placed to deliver” due to global connections and robust quality processes.
He also said that IAPCO members are bracing themselves for further impacts, in particular due to the Trump Administration’s freeze on academics and researchers attending conferences (one French academic was refused entry to the USA due to critical comments about the President). “IAPCO members are at the top of their game. Whilst these challenges are biting, members are leaning on each other to innovate,” Boyle said.
Download the full report here
