A new study promises a positive outlook for the meetings and events industry next year. American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) published its 14th annual Global Meetings and Events Forecast to provide a look ahead to the coming year. The forecast is based on a combination of interviews with industry experts and a survey of 519 meeting professionals. Participants came from North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

Here are some notable findings from the study:

Meeting Professional Optimism & Budgets Rising

74% of surveyed meeting professionals felt optimistic about the industry. Only 6% felt discouraged. This positive outlook comes alongside anticipated budget increases. 66% of meeting professionals expect to see their budgets grow in 2025.

In-person Meetings Dominate

While all formats have their place, in-person meetings will be the most frequent type of meeting in 2025. Meeting professionals expect internal meetings to be particularly popular, although rising costs may lead companies to be more selective about holding these events at hotels. North American meeting professionals show the strongest preference for in-person meetings.

Focus on Sustainability and DEI

More than half of meeting professionals believe sustainability is very or extremely important. Most companies have even defined sustainability goals to lower their carbon footprint. Despite DEI skepticism among some segments in the U.S., meeting professionals are also working to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion best practices into their events. 86% have already acted on DEI or plan to do so

Full Story: Meetings And Events Industry: Looking Good In 2025