2025
Global Forecast
2025
Global Forecast
Human connection reigns
Welcome to the 14th Global Forecast from Amex GBT Meetings & Events. Each year, we provide a comprehensive snapshot of the industry landscape, helping the meetings and events community to make more informed decisions and plan strategically for the future.
The 2025 Forecast points to solid growth for the industry, with increasing budgets and an optimistic outlook among meetings professionals, despite challenges such as rising costs and continued staffing shortages.
Human connection reigns
Welcome to the 14th Global Forecast from Amex GBT Meetings & Events. Each year, we provide a comprehensive snapshot of the industry landscape, helping the meetings and events community to make more informed decisions and plan strategically for the future.
The 2025 Forecast points to solid growth for the industry, with increasing budgets and an optimistic outlook among meetings professionals, despite challenges such as rising costs and continued staffing shortages.
Trending in 2025
Alongside the ongoing focus on sustainability and inclusivity, we're tracking these significant industry trends.
Trending in 2025
Alongside the ongoing focus on sustainability and inclusivity, we're tracking these significant industry trends.
Stronger demand for human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world.
While it’s clear meeting professionals plan to tap into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), we're also seeing a strong desire for human connection, with rising demand for face-to-face experiences.
Flexibility, data-driven insights and productivity at the center of strategic programs.
With connectivity at an all-time high, strategic planning for meetings is vital for success. Meeting professionals face increasing expectations and economic hurdles, prompting them to adopt advanced technologies and best practices to demonstrate the value of their programs.
Meeting professionals cement their role as connectors and strategic advisors.
With technology advancements happening in front of their eyes, meeting professionals are well positioned to identify new solutions to achieve their stakeholder’s objectives.
Experience is everything – impactful content and venue selection are key.
When aiming to deliver an all-around memorable experience, meeting professionals are investing in content and venue selection to set the desired vibe.
Stronger demand for human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world.
While it’s clear meeting professionals plan to tap into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), we're also seeing a strong desire for human connection, with rising demand for face-to-face experiences.
Flexibility, data-driven insights and productivity at the center of strategic programs.
With connectivity at an all-time high, strategic planning for meetings is vital for success. Meeting professionals face increasing expectations and economic hurdles, prompting them to adopt advanced technologies and best practices to demonstrate the value of their programs.
Meeting professionals cement their role as connectors and strategic advisors.
With technology advancements happening in front of their eyes, meeting professionals are well positioned to identify new solutions to achieve their stakeholder’s objectives.
Experience is everything – impactful content and venue selection are key.
When aiming to deliver an all-around memorable experience, meeting professionals are investing in content and venue selection to set the desired vibe.
After months of interviews and surveying, I'm very proud to see this year’s Forecast come to life. You'll find we’ve sharpened its focus this year, capturing insights into key themes that are most relevant. I’m confident you’ll come away with a clearer sense of direction to help you transform your meetings program and create unforgettable experiences. In our increasingly digital world, the Forecast continues to show how much we all value human interactions. Together, let’s amplify the value by strengthening existing bonds and building new connections.
Gerardo Tejado
Senior Vice President Professional Services, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)
After months of interviews and surveying, I'm very proud to see this year’s Forecast come to life. You'll find we’ve sharpened its focus this year, capturing insights into key themes that are most relevant. I’m confident you’ll come away with a clearer sense of direction to help you transform your meetings program and create unforgettable experiences. In our increasingly digital world, the Forecast continues to show how much we all value human interactions. Together, let’s amplify the value by strengthening existing bonds and building new connections.
Gerardo Tejado
Senior Vice President Professional Services, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)
All the data points in the Forecast, unless specified otherwise, come from third party research commissioned by Amex GBT Meetings & Events. Check the Methodology to learn more.
About Amex GBT Meetings & Events
We offer long-standing experience and leading capabilities, spanning program implementation to budget optimization. Our teams deliver impactful meeting and event experiences in face-to-face, hybrid, and virtual formats. With more than 40 years in the industry and a global presence in over 140 countries, we focus on managing strategic meetings, attendee travel, global venue sourcing, and creative events, integrating leading technology to drive visibility, savings, and memorable brand experiences.
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