Following a rapid rebound, the APAC MICE market entered its pragmatic phase in 2025. The events industry found the desired rhythm: confidence returned, budgets stayed rational, and technology became less of a headline and more of a trusted co-pilot.
Planners and travel managers balanced rising costs with smarter choices, leaned on clearer information, and used tech where it actually saves time. 2026 will reward those who keep it simple: show value, reply faster, and make decisions easier.
Cvent spokesperson, Mr. Will Kataria, gave some insights into what to expect in 2026.
APAC meeting volume is still rising
Planners in Asia expect more in-person meetings in 2026, with 74 per cent* predicting up to a 20 per cent increase—higher than some other regions. Travel managers also remain broadly optimistic about business travel’s trajectory beyond 2025.
Success is shifting from “more events” to “better events”
Globally, planners now say attendee engagement and satisfaction are their top success metrics for 2026, overtaking pure cost control. Action: design for connection, not just capacity.
Costs are up; budgets are trying to keep pace
In Asia, 73 per cent of planners expect costs to rise by as much as 20 per cent in 2026, while 69 per cent expect budgets to grow at similar (but slightly lower) rates. Travel managers also report tougher rate negotiations across the region, which adds pressure on both sides. Action: Demonstrate value beyond price.
A defined sourcing process saves time and money
Most planners who follow a structured approach to identify, assess and book venues and vendors report 10–30 per cent savings in both cost and time. Action: integrate technology into response process to ensure speed, transparency and comparability – key requirements for planners.
Quick, clear proposals win
For smaller meetings, most planners expect venue responses within four business days—and they want personalised, complete answers. Action: reply on time, and spell out fit, availability, and fees up front.
Show, don’t just tell: content drives RFPs
In Asia, the items that most influence whether planners send a proposal request are floor plans (58 per cent), meeting room specs (50 per cent), and strong images/video. Travel managers in Asia also place higher value on visual content and virtual tours when assessing venues.
AI is moving from buzz to everyday utility
Across APAC, AI is widely used in sourcing: 84 per cent of planners in Asia already use AI, and 82 per cent expect to use it more for tasks like drafting RFPs, comparing bids, and analysing attendee data. Action: start with two measurable uses—auto drafting RFPs and comparing bids—track time saved and response speed for one quarter, then expand.
Centralising travel and meetings changes the brief
A growing share of travel managers now also handle meeting and venue sourcing, pushing suppliers to provide both travel and event detail in one place. Action: put room blocks, meeting space, transport, and basic ESG information together.
Sustainability is a real selection filter
Travel managers want verifiable, easy to understand sustainability actions and metrics during sourcing—not vague claims after the event. Action: publish what you measure (waste, energy, transport) and report the before/after.
Communication quality is a competitive edge
Planners across Asia say they need more information online and better two way communication as they shortlist options—especially where teams are lean and timelines are tight. Action: keep venue profiles complete and current, and make it simple to reach a knowledgeable contact.
APAC’s advantage in 2026 is focus. Keep proposals fast and clear. Make content easy to scan. Use AI where it saves real time. And design programmes people will remember. The teams who do these basics best will win—no matter the budget cycle.
