During the latest GDP University session, 2026 MICE Outlook: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities, Catherine Chaulet, President & CEO of Global DMC Partners, shared how today’s planners are navigating economic uncertainty, rising costs, and rapid industry change while keeping human connection at the center of their programs. She emphasized the importance of designing smarter, communicating ROI through business impact, and building strong partnerships to stay resilient. Attendees gained practical insights on balancing efficiency with experience, selecting destinations strategically, and future-proofing their events in 2026 and beyond.
Webinar recap:
Interested in viewing the full on-demand video of this webinar? Log in to GDP University, and find the full video, “2026 MICE Outlook: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities”, on our Courses page.
Key Takeaways:
- Uncertainty & Resilience: Geopolitical shifts, inflation, visa challenges, and AI disruption continue to shape planning decisions, making adaptability and strong partnerships more important than ever.
- Smarter Budgets & ROI: While budgets may appear stable, rising costs require planners to prioritize value, negotiate strategically, and clearly demonstrate business impact beyond attendance numbers.
- Evolving Experiences & Destinations: Trends like FOMO paired with “slow-mo” agendas are driving more meaningful, immersive programs, while destination selection increasingly depends on safety, accessibility, and value.
- Sustainability with Local Impact: CSR and sustainability efforts are moving beyond reporting to focus on supporting local communities and economies.
- Accelerating AI Adoption: AI tools are expanding rapidly, but planner expertise, creativity, and human insight remain irreplaceable.
Interested in viewing the full on-demand video of this webinar?
Log in to GDP University, and find the full video, “2026 MICE Outlook: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities,,” on our Courses page. If this is the first time you’re hearing about GDP University, the first step is registering (it’s free!), which will give you full access to on-demand videos, resources, and upcoming live webinars.
