ASSOCIATION organisers across the globe – including many in Asia – are feeling the heat from rising geopolitical instability, with 85 per cent of those surveyed already experiencing its impact and 88 per cent expecting more turbulence ahead.
The research, conducted by The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau in partnership with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), gathered insights from 99 senior leaders in the association and not-for-profit world. More than half of the respondents hold executive or board-level roles, giving the findings serious weight.
The results paint a picture of organisations under pressure from President Trump’s unleashing of trade tariffs and clampdowns on universities such as Harvard over foreign students and public-debate issues. Concerns would also include the rise of populist political parties in Europe with an agenda of tighter visa controls.
Only 13 per cent of respondents feel well prepared for the current geopolitical climate, while 72 per cent admit they are only somewhat ready. Fourteen per cent say they are not prepared at all.
“Instability is no longer an external threat – it’s part of the operating environment. Associations must sharpen their governance and communication strategies to stay afloat,” said Bas Schot, Head of The Hague and Partners Convention Bureau.
Seventy-seven per cent of respondents believe it is affecting their organisations, with nearly one-third deeply worried about its influence on board decisions. In response, 81 per cent are doubling down on their core missions, 63 per cent are tightening governance, and 61 per cent are pushing for more diverse board representation.
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Despite lessons learned from past crises like Covid-19 and the global financial crash, 42 per cent of leaders say they still face critical knowledge gaps.
Event planning is also shifting. While only 27 per cent have faced direct disruption in Europe, 28 per cent have already relocated events to more politically stable regions – a trend that could reshape the global meetings landscape.
This report is just the beginning. A more detailed white paper is on the way, and the research is expanding through partnerships in North America, promising a more global perspective when results are unveiled at IMEX America in October.
