According to new research by the IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers), nearly 60 percent of organizers say global unrest has affected their ability to plan or deliver international events.
The Global Socio-Political Impact Survey 2025, released in April by IAPCO and its National PCO Association Task Force, found:
- 45.24 percent of respondents were moderately impacted
- 14.29 percent significantly impacted
- 25 percent cancelled, postponed or relocated events due to instability
“The report revealed that 57.14 percent of respondents had between 1 to 10 of their client’s venues impacted by global unrest, with 5.95 percent reporting this number was between 11 and 20. To put this into context, in 2024 alone, IAPCO members delivered almost 19,469 events globally,” said IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle in a media announcement.
The financial impact has been significant:
- 26.83 percent lost up to €50,000 (US$56,310.25)
- 14.64 percent lost over €150,000 (US$ 168,933.75)
The report also found that over half of respondents had 1 to 10 client venues impacted. Just under 6 percent reported disruption at up to 20 venues.
The results are clear—the current global unrest is impacting organizers, venues, travel and delegates ability to meet, learn, exchange knowledge and do business.
Boyle said organizers 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.
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