The third edition of The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 on 14-15 April in Singapore is expected to exceed lats year in terms of meeting volume. The overall projected spend at the show is near USD250 million in 2026…
Over half (52%) of event planners in Asia Pacific (APAC) expect to produce more meetings in 2026. 41% anticipate producing the same number. Only 5% predict a drop in production compared to 9% a year ago.
The new data comes from a survey of 167 planners in the APAC region by Cvent and Northstar Meetings Group, organiser of The Meetings Show Asia Pacific.
Interestingly, despite the anticipated uplift in volume, only one quarter (28%) of planners expect to see an increase in attendees. This compares to 45% last year.
Alexander John, Regional Director – Business Development at MCI Middle East, will be attending The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 in Singapore as a Hosted Buyer. He explains what’s driving this growth: “There’s a measurable shift in economic momentum and demand coming from APAC. The region is now large enough – and increasingly integrated enough – to generate more of its growth internally, even while remaining deeply connected to global markets. For example, East Asia and Pacific alone have a population of 2.39 billion and a GDP of US$32 trillion (2024), creating a scale of domestic and regional demand that can support “organic” growth.
Event planners in Asia Pacific see positive intra-regional growth
“That scale is reinforced by deeper intra-regional trade. UN ESCAP notes that in 2024, intra-Asia-Pacific trade accounted for 53% of the region’s exports and 56% of its imports, meaning more than half of goods trade is now anchored within the region itself (not primarily dependent on Western markets).
“APAC’s combination of massive market size, rising intra-regional trade intensity, and still-strong growth expectations helps it absorb shocks better than smaller, less-integrated regions – while not making it “immune” to global downturns, tariffs, or financial tightening.”
Nelson Khoo, Events Director at Northstar Travel Group, Asia, said: “With overwhelming market interest in The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, buyer applications reveal strong sentiments that APAC continues to demonstrate strength and resilience in MICE activities. Collectively, buyers project an annual meeting spend of over US$250 million, with strong demand for Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.”
Optimism in Asia Pacific far greater than in North America and EMEA
The research also shows significantly higher optimism among planners in APAC compared to last year and compared to their counterparts in EMEA and North America.
- 70% of APAC planners are more optimistic, compared to 44% in EMEA and 32% in North America
- Last year, these stats were 63% (APAC) and 47% in EMEA and North America
- Only 20% of APAC planners are less optimistic, compared to 26% in EMEA and 32% in North America
“The region has not only recovered from the pandemic but is now experiencing a strong and sustained phase of growth,” adds Alexander John in explanation of this burst of optimism.
“With relative stability, expanding trade relations, and a more predictable geopolitical climate compared to many other parts of the world, economic activity continues to strengthen. This combination of increasing commercial momentum, minimal geopolitical disruption, and steady health and political environments has created an ideal landscape for continued growth and enhanced economic output.”
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is the leading MICE trade show in the region
Launched in 2024, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is the region’s leading MICE trade show. Co-located with Business Travel Show Asia Pacific, these powerhouse events create the largest gathering of travel and meetings professionals ever seen in the region, delivering exceptional opportunities for networking, learning and business growth.
The annual event showcases the very best of APAC’s MICE industry with meetings and events planners discovering leading destinations, venues, hotels and technology suppliers under one roof.
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific takes place 14-15 April at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore and is free to attend for meetings and events professionals. The event also runs the largest hosted buyer programme in Asia for decision makers – places are already limited for 2026.
Registration is open
Register at www.themeetingsshow-apac.com.
PA Life will once again be supporting The Meetings Show, 24-25 June in London, as a media partner
