A new white paper explores why geopolitical instability should change how you plan meetings
Geopolitical instability is no longer a temporary disruption — it’s the new operating environment for associations and the meetings they convene.
A new white paper from The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau and the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) outlines just how urgent this reality has become, arguing that associations—and by extension, the planners who serve them—must build resilience strategically across four critical areas: event delivery, DEI, cybersecurity, and innovation.
The report, Exploring the Geopolitical Landscape: Implications for Associations, surveyed 99 global association leaders and found that 85% have already faced disruptions due to geopolitical instability, while 88% expect further challenges ahead.
“This isn’t just about risk,” said Bas Schot, Head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau. “It’s about strategic change across all associations globally. From where events are held to how boards govern, associations are building new operational and ethical resilience models.”
For planners, this isn’t theoretical. Here’s what the report identified as the four most pressing areas requiring immediate attention.
Events Are Now Political Decisions
Event planning is no longer simply about finding the right venue and securing good rates. In a world of geopolitical uncertainty, every event location has become a statement—and a potential risk. The white paper reveals that 26% of associations have already experienced negative impacts on their event planning due to geopolitical instability, while 28% have relocated meetings to more politically stable destinations. This shift means that risk assessments, values-driven site selection, and hybrid contingency planning are becoming standard practice. For planners, understanding the broader political and social context of a destination is now essential to protecting the mission and reputation of the organizations they serve.
DEI Moves from “Soft” to Strategic
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have evolved from being seen as a “nice-to-have” to a strategic priority that can stabilize organizations during turbulent times. According to the report, over 60% of association leaders view DEI as “very important” for maintaining internal stability. At the same time, the rise of anti-DEI sentiment and legislation in certain regions is actively influencing where associations choose to hold their events, whom they partner with, and how they craft their messaging. For planners, this means weighing whether a destination’s policies align with the values of their clients—and recognizing that attendees increasingly expect organizations to take a stand on these issues.
Cybersecurity Can’t Be an Afterthought
As associations accelerate their digital transformation efforts, they become more attractive targets for cyber threats. The report highlights that 81% of respondents expressed concern about cybersecurity, yet 23% have no formal protections in place, and only 15% have cyber insurance coverage. For planners managing digital registration systems, mobile event apps, and hybrid participation platforms, cybersecurity is no longer a technical footnote; it is a core part of ensuring participant safety and organizational credibility. Planners must prioritize working with venues and technology providers that demonstrate rigorous data protection and cybersecurity protocols.
FURTHER READING: HOW TO USE U.S. TRAVEL ADVISORIES DURING SITE SELECTION
Innovation Under Pressure
Despite increasing budget pressures, associations are prioritizing innovation as essential to their future resilience. The white paper notes that 72% of respondents identified alternative funding and revenue generation strategies as critical for navigating today’s uncertainties. While 57% are investing in digital transformation, only 22% have a formal innovation strategy in place, reflecting both ambition and capacity challenges within the sector. For planners, this presents an opportunity to advocate for technologies and meeting models that support hybrid flexibility, enhance attendee engagement, and create new revenue opportunities that can future-proof events against further disruptions.
The New Normal Requires New Leadership
The report found that only 13% of associations feel well prepared for geopolitical turbulence, even as they acknowledge the risks.
“Leadership must now be structural, strategic, and courageous,” said Ioannis Pallas, Managing Director of ESAE. “From cybersecurity and DEI to funding and advocacy, associations must prepare not for the exception but for the new normal.”
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
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