Global DMC Partners (GDP) delivered a forward-looking vision for the global meetings and events industry during its 2026 Connection conference, held January 8–11, 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal. Hosted alongside Emotionstore DMC, the invitation-only gathering brought together top planners, destination management companies, and industry leaders for strategic discussions on the evolving MICE landscape.
The event focused on the critical forces reshaping global meetings and events, including macroeconomic uncertainty, rising costs, changing attendee expectations, and the accelerating role of artificial intelligence. Despite these pressures, GDP leadership emphasized that human connection remains the foundation of business events, reinforcing the sector’s long-term resilience.
Opening the conference, GDP President & CEO Catherine Chaulet delivered a keynote highlighting that uncertainty is now the industry’s new baseline. She noted that while event budgets may appear stable, buying power has declined, pushing planners to prioritize value-driven program design and measurable business impact rather than traditional attendance metrics.
Chaulet outlined several key 2026 trends, including shorter booking windows, increased interest in secondary destinations, and the rise of “FOMO + Slow-Mo” agendas that balance meaningful pacing with deeper destination immersion. She also highlighted a shift in sustainability and CSR strategies, moving from reporting metrics to creating tangible local impact, as well as AI adoption expanding beyond ChatGPT into practical planning applications.
“The landscape is shifting fast,” Chaulet said, emphasizing that global DMC networks provide trusted local expertise, collective buying power, and consistency at a time when fragmented supplier relationships pose increased risk.
A panel featuring GDP Global Sales Advisors reinforced the importance of early transparency around budgets, goals, and constraints, enabling planners and DMCs to collaborate more effectively under tightening timelines and economic pressure.
Additional highlights included keynote speaker Tim Hines, who explored strategies for capturing attendee attention in an increasingly distracted world, and hands-on AI workshops led by industry experts, underscoring the growing role of technology in event strategy and delivery.
Beyond education, attendees experienced Lisbon as a premier meetings destination, with curated site visits, cultural tours, and immersive local experiences designed to showcase the city’s value and versatility for global events.
The conference also recognized excellence across the industry, with GDP Awards honoring standout planners and DMC partners for innovation, collaboration, and performance. The event concluded with the announcement of Sorrento, Italy, as the host destination for Connection 2027.
With Connection 2026, Global DMC Partners reaffirmed its role as a strategic leader in the global MICE industry, offering a clear roadmap focused on smarter planning, stronger partnerships, and future-ready event design in an increasingly complex global environment.
