BCD Meetings & Events’ new What’s Trending 2026 report predicts another year of tight budgets, rising supplier costs and increasing pressure on planners to deliver value - with UK managing director Helen McCabe warning that “something will have to give” as economic challenges bite.
Now in its ninth edition, What’s Trending 2026 - sponsored by Minor Hotels and Hilton - explores the global forces shaping meetings and events in the year ahead, from experiential design to consolidation and spend optimisation. The UK picture, McCabe says, is one of heightened caution mixed with creativity.
“M&E spend is likely to be even more budget conscious in 2026,” she said. “Supplier costs will rise due to increases in UK national insurance, taxes, labour, utilities and F&B. These should all be closely monitored by buyers. High inflation and weak economic growth will also weigh heavily on the sector.”
With costs climbing and client perceptions of value lagging behind, McCabe predicts that budgets won’t stretch to match expectations, forcing planners to make strategic trade-offs.
“Managing expectations will be an increasing challenge,” she said. “Something will have to give. There could be greater consolidation in 2026, resulting in fewer meetings with higher average spend per event.”
That means UK event planners may see a shift toward fewer, high-impact experiences that justify investment through creativity, engagement and measurable ROI. Agile, flexible event formats and shorter lead times will also grow, she added, as organisations look to stay nimble in an uncertain economy.
Rise of immersive, experience-led events
McCabe noted that a growing number of planners are rethinking traditional formats, focusing instead on immersive, high-value experiences that justify spend and boost engagement.
“There is a trend toward creating more valued and immersive experiences in the UK as opposed to formulaic, traditional events,” she said. “Planners increasingly question the value and impact of their M&E spend. B2B corporations are also more likely to adopt an experiential approach, which has traditionally been more prevalent with B2C.”
The report also highlights the continued rise of hybrid meetings as organisations weigh safety, sustainability and cost factors when moving teams around the globe.
Consolidation and regional growth
For budget-conscious corporates, consolidation is key. McCabe expects more businesses to channel spend through a single agency partner to drive efficiencies, maintain consistency and eliminate siloed approaches.
“To save costs, planners will increasingly consolidate spend with single agencies to drive efficiencies, ensure quality and consistency in delivery,” she said. “This is also true for multi-national companies looking for global support with local capabilities.”
Economic and geopolitical uncertainty is also prompting corporates to extend payment timelines, while regional sourcing becomes more attractive. McCabe predicts a continued shift away from long-haul destinations, with strong demand for secondary UK cities.
“Expect more regionally sourced meetings in the UK and less interest in long-haul destinations such as the US in 2026,” she said. “Secondary cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Liverpool will grow in demand, driven by rising London venue costs and increased investment in infrastructure, technology and large-capacity venues outside the capital.”
Global context
Globally, the BCD M&E report finds that economic uncertainty and budget constraints are pushing organisations to consolidate suppliers, optimise spend and focus on high-impact, measurable experiences. It also spotlights the growing importance of inclusion, neurodiversity and behavioural science in event design.
“Meetings and events have evolved far beyond logistics,” said Bruce Morgan, global president at BCD M&E. “They’re now essential drivers of business strategy, connection and growth. Our 2026 guide reflects how organisations are rethinking spend, design and purpose to drive greater impact.”
Among the trending destinations for 2026, BCD M&E highlights Manchester, alongside Scottsdale (Arizona), Berlin, Kuala Lumpur and Mexico City - reinforcing the UK city’s growing international profile.
The full What’s Trending 2026 report is available via BCD Meetings & Events.
