Industry

Registration is now open for IBTM World 2026, which will take place from 17 to 19 November at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. The event will focus on the theme “The Age of Disruption” and address current developments shaping the meetings and events industry.

Antwerp hosts the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress (ECC10) from 12 to 16 July 2026. The event brings together researchers, industry representatives and academics while highlighting the city’s role as one of the world’s leading chemistry hubs.

The Hellenic Growth Fund and the ICCA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of Greece’s meetings and events sector. The two-year agreement focuses on infrastructure, international event attraction and knowledge exchange.

A new study by the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) examines how organisations measure the effectiveness of incentive travel programmes. The research identifies significant gaps in proving business impact and outlines opportunities to improve measurement practices across the industry.

ICRA 2026 concluded in Vienna with the highest attendance in the history of the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. Held under the theme Robots for All, the congress welcomed nearly 9,000 participants and 196 exhibitors.

Rising employment costs are limiting the ability of organisations to recruit young talent, according to new research published by the Meetings Industry Association (MIA).

The Meetings Show 2026 brought together nearly 6,000 event professionals and more than 550 exhibitors at Excel London. Over two days, the exhibition focused on business development, knowledge exchange and industry networking.

Travel Meet Asia 2026 will open in Jakarta on 23 and 24 June with a 20 % increase in net exhibition space compared to the previous edition. The event will bring together exhibitors, buyers and tourism professionals from across Asia and international markets.

The Meetings Show 2026 is preparing to bring together thousands of meetings, incentives and events professionals in London. The event will take place at Excel London on 24 and 25 June and feature exhibitors, destinations, education sessions and networking opportunities.

Local expertise and trusted relationships remain the most important criteria when selecting a destination management company (DMC). This is the key finding of the latest SITE PULSE survey conducted by the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE).

Liverpool City Region will host the second Accessibility for All Forum on 29 June 2026 at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool Experience Campus. Paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan MBE will lead the event, which focuses on accessibility and inclusion across the visitor economy.

Geneva will host the 12th Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology from 27 to 30 June 2026. During the same year, the city will hold the title of European Capital of Brain Health.

IACC has published its 2026 Meeting Room of the Future report, providing insights into the priorities and challenges influencing conference and meeting venues worldwide. The study is based on responses from 124 venues across North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 and ATM Travel Tech 2026 will take place on new dates. Both events will continue to be held at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will return to Sarawak, Malaysia, from 26 to 28 June 2026. The 29th edition of the event will take place at the Sarawak Cultural Village and will be held under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms”.

New IAPCO research indicates that global conflict, policy change and socio-political instability are increasingly affecting the international meetings and conferences sector.

New research from SITE and Maritz shows that incentive travel remains the most effective non-cash motivator for employees across all generations. The study also points to changing workforce profiles and evolving expectations around programme design.

More than 230 delegates from 30 countries gathered in Helsinki for the CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly 2026. Discussions focused on the future of Europe’s visitor economy and the role of local communities in tourism development.