The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry, has released its “Global Events Barometer” for 2025 Q2. The findings show measurable progress compared to earlier in the year, with global RFP activity reaching pre-pandemic benchmarks and hotel group room nights continuing to move closer to 2019 levels. However, the report also points to uneven regional recovery and persistent headwinds from slower global growth and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
In 2025 Q2, the hotel group room nights index measured 94, equivalent to 94 percent of 2019 levels and up from 90 in Q1. RFP activity measured 102 percent of 2019 levels, the strongest quarterly result since the Barometer was introduced. At the same time, quoted room rates in RFP responses averaged 131 percent of 2019 levels, reflecting sustained upward pricing pressure.
“The results illustrate both the resilience of our sector and the difficult environment in which we continue to operate,” said Amy Calvert, EIC president and CEO. “While it is encouraging to see RFP activity recover, slower global growth and heightened geopolitical risks continue to impact sentiment and create uncertainty for event professionals worldwide.”
Key findings from the Q2 2025 Barometer include:
- Hotel group room nights at 94 percent of 2019 levels, showing modest improvement from Q1
- Global RFP activity at 102 percent of 2019 levels, though growth is not evenly distributed across regions
- Room rates averaging 131 percent of 2019 levels, presenting budget challenges for planners
- Recovery remains uneven: Western Europe (90) and North America (93) lag behind, while Latin America (123) and the Middle East (122) are above 2019 levels
- By country, India (144), Mexico (185), and the United Kingdom (156) recorded the strongest Q2 results, while Germany (58) and China (57) fell behind.
Broader economic context
Oxford Economics forecasts global GDP growth of 2.6 percent in 2025 and 2.4 percent in 2026, below long-term averages. Travel spending growth is slowing, with North America expected to see just 1.6 percent growth this year. Results from EIC’s “Global Risk Survey” point to geopolitical tensions, tariff uncertainty, and slower U.S. growth linked to populist economic policies as key risks weighing on the outlook.
“Business events continue to provide essential value, but the global environment remains fragile,” said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, 2025 EIC board chair and CEO of ICCA. “The industry must remain focused on resilience and adaptability as we navigate this next phase of recovery.”
EIC has also begun work on the next “Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study,” which will be released on May 5, 2026 in Washington, D.C., as part of Global Meetings Industry Day and Business Events Week.
This highly anticipated study, produced with Oxford Economics and supporting partners, will build on earlier editions first published in 2017. It evaluates the full scope and economic impact of the $1.6 trillion global business events industry and is widely cited by corporations, policymakers, advocacy professionals, investors, destinations and academia.
“EIC’s Economic Significance Study provides the foundation for our sector’s advocacy efforts and is an essential tool for amplifying the breadth and impact of our sector and those efforts,” Calvert said.
Aligned with EIC’s Vision 2030, the study will support workforce development initiatives and global advocacy efforts, ensuring policymakers and stakeholders recognize the industry’s role in driving economic, social and community impact
View the full 2025 Q2 Barometer.
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