The survey, conducted with AIPC, AMC Institute, ICCA, IFES and PCMA, collected responses from 130 organisations worldwide. It shows a marked increase in disruption compared with 2025. Travel interruptions affected clients and participants for 65.38 % of respondents. Reduced international attendance was reported by 58.46 %. Almost half said costs had increased for their teams, while 48.46 % reported higher costs for clients or participants. In addition, 33.07 % said they had cancelled, postponed or relocated events, or withdrawn participation, due to safety concerns or regional instability.

Policy Change and Travel Disruption Affect Future Event Planning

The findings also point to a wider effect on future planning. 59.32 % of respondents said USA government policies introduced in 2025 and 2026 had influenced their ability to plan and deliver events for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Funding constraints, visa requirements and immigration rules were identified as major challenges for international participants, staff and speakers. 42.31 % of respondents also reported a move away from destinations seen as politically or regionally unstable. IAPCO said the results underline the role of accredited professional congress organisers in supporting planning, risk management and participant safety in a more uncertain operating environment.

The full report, The Global Socio-Political Impact Survey 2026, is available on IAPCO’s website.