Cost Pressures and Safety Concerns Reshape U.S. Meetings Landscape, New MMGY Study Finds 

New research shows in-person demand remains strong as planners and attendees look for greater value, transparency and security 

Kansas City, MO (March 4, 2026) – MMGY Travel Intelligence released today its 2026 Portrait of Meeting Planners & Attendees™ “U.S. Edition,” revealing that cost pressures and safety concerns are the dominant forces affecting the meetings and events industry. While in-person events continue to grow in popularity, the study – produced in partnership with Grand America Hotels & Resorts – found that planners and attendees alike are demanding stronger value, greater transparency and heightened security from destinations and venues. 

Based on a survey of 300 meeting professionals and 1,000 meeting/conference attendees from the U.S., the study examines the evolving priorities of corporate and association planners alongside the motivations and barriers influencing attendees. The findings point to an industry that remains committed to face-to-face connection but is operating under greater financial constraints and elevated expectations around safety, technology and experience delivery. 

“Attendee experience has become the ultimate measure of success,” said Simon Moriarty, Vice President of Syndicated Research at MMGY Travel Intelligence. “Planners are navigating tighter budgets while remaining equally accountable for delivering meaningful impact. The ability to balance fiscal discipline with high-quality, memorable experiences will define the meetings industry in 2026.” 

Notable insights from the study include: 

• Spending Scrutiny Intensifies – Financial pressure is shaping nearly every planning decision. Nearly two-thirds of planners (63%) cite travel costs to host destinations as a key concern in the next 12 months. Among attendees, event cost is the primary barrier to participation at 43%. As accommodation and transportation expenses rise, value has overtaken price as the decisive factor. Planners increasingly prioritize transparent pricing, early cost estimates and bundled packages that reduce uncertainty from the outset. 

• Safety Is Nonnegotiable – Alongside cost concerns, safety has emerged as a defining consideration. Crime level influences destination selection for 72% of planners, while terrorism risk and crime both strongly influence attendee decisions at 62%. Safety concerns now rank nearly as high as cost as a barrier to participation, reinforcing that visible safeguards and proactive communication are essential to building confidence. 

• Face-to-Face Still Wins – Despite these pressures, the appetite for in-person connection remains strong. Ninety percent of planners agree that face-to-face interaction is critical to the meetings and events they organize, and 85% expect to plan in-person meetings in the year ahead. Among attendees, 83% have participated in in-person events in the past, and 61% prefer them over hybrid or virtual formats. 

• Urban Hubs Dominate – When it comes to destination choice, major cities continue to lead. Miami (60%), New York City (58%) and Las Vegas (57%) rank as the most likely meeting destinations over the next two years. Hotel and resort ballrooms remain the backbone of event infrastructure, with 84% of planners having used them in the past two years and 83% expecting to do so in the next two. At the same time, interest in historic landmarks is growing, reflecting demand for distinctive experiences that enhance programming without sacrificing convenience. 

• Tech Is Table Stakes – Underpinning all of these decisions is the expectation of seamless technology. Planners increasingly require robust infrastructure, with cybersecurity (62%), accessibility technologies (56%) and dedicated on-site production teams (52%) ranking among the top must-have elements for large conferences. Technology capability is no longer a differentiator; it is a baseline expectation. 

Together, the findings underscore a meetings industry that is resilient but more exacting. Destinations and venues that reduce financial friction, elevate safety standards and deliver high-quality in-person experiences supported by reliable technology will be best positioned to compete. 

The full study – including detailed data tables, strategic implications and recommendations for destinations, venues and event stakeholders – is now available for purchase or as part of an all-access subscription to EurekA!, MMGY’s AI-powered research platform. To learn more, visit store.mmgyintel.com.  

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About MMGY 

As MMGY Global’s flagship integrated marketing and communications agency specializing in travel, tourism and hospitality – MMGY knows travel. Drawing upon our own research and insights from over four decades of working with clients around the world, we bring a new perspective to connecting travel brands with today’s traveler. Offering services from integrated marketing and creative to destination representation and PR, we provide our clients with unrivaled expertise. For more information, visit mmgy.com.  

Media Contact 

Derek Klaus 
MMGY Global 
dklaus@mmgyglobal.com