3:26USA and Lisbon Lead Global Meetings Rankings in 2025
Published by YuToday Staff
0 views · 1 hour ago · 3:26 read · September 2, 2026
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has released its 2025 GlobeWatch rankings, revealing the USA and Lisbon as the top destinations for international association meetings. The report, based on data from over 12,438 meetings worldwide, underscores the evolving dynamics of the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.
Key takeaways
- The USA and Lisbon topped the 2025 ICCA GlobeWatch rankings for international association meetings.
- Europe remains the leading region, but Asia-Pacific and Latin America are growing rapidly.
- The data reflects the global shift toward more diverse and inclusive event destinations.
- Lisbon’s rise highlights the potential for secondary cities to challenge traditional industry leaders.
How the USA and Lisbon Dominated the 2025 Rankings
The USA secured the top spot in the ICCA GlobeWatch Country Rankings for 2025, reflecting its enduring appeal as a hub for international conferences and conventions. Lisbon, meanwhile, claimed the highest ranking among cities, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for global events. The rankings are based on the number of international association meetings hosted, with Europe leading the regional breakdown. The data, compiled by the ICCAResearch team, provides a snapshot of the industry’s health and growth trends. While the USA and Lisbon stand out, other regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America are also expanding their presence in the global meetings landscape.
Regional Breakdown: Where Are Meetings Happening?
Europe remains the dominant region for international association meetings, accounting for the largest share of the 12,438 meetings analyzed in the 2025 ICCA GlobeWatch report. Asia-Pacific and North America follow closely, while Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East are showing steady growth. This regional diversity highlights the global nature of the MICE industry and the increasing accessibility of emerging markets. The report suggests that while traditional hubs like Europe and North America continue to lead, newer destinations are gaining traction as viable alternatives for organizers.
What the Data Says About the Global MICE Industry
The 2025 ICCA GlobeWatch rankings offer a comprehensive view of the global meetings and events landscape, revealing key trends that are reshaping the industry. The dominance of the USA and Lisbon reflects their strong infrastructure, strategic location, and ability to attract international associations. Meanwhile, the growth in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East indicates a shift toward more diverse and inclusive event destinations. The data also underscores the importance of adaptability in an industry that must respond to geopolitical and economic changes.
Why Lisbon’s Rise in Global Meetings Matters
Lisbon’s ascent to the top of the city rankings is a testament to its strategic investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and event hosting capabilities. The city has become a magnet for international associations, offering a blend of cultural appeal, affordability, and logistical efficiency. Lisbon’s success also reflects broader trends in Europe, where cities are increasingly competing to host major conferences and events. The city’s rise highlights the potential for secondary destinations to challenge traditional industry leaders.
The Future of the Global Meetings Industry
The 2025 ICCA GlobeWatch rankings provide a roadmap for the future of the global meetings industry, with the USA and Lisbon setting the standard for excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, organizers and destinations must focus on innovation, sustainability, and accessibility to remain competitive. The growth of emerging regions suggests that the global MICE landscape will become more diverse and dynamic in the coming years. Industry stakeholders are likely to prioritize destinations that offer unique experiences, cost efficiency, and strong support for international associations.
What happens next
The 2025 ICCA GlobeWatch rankings set the stage for a more competitive and diverse global meetings industry. As destinations like Lisbon and emerging regions gain prominence, industry stakeholders will need to adapt to shifting trends. Expect to see increased focus on sustainability, technological integration, and unique experiential offerings to attract international associations. The report also signals potential shifts in regional dominance, with secondary cities poised to challenge traditional hubs.
People also ask
What criteria does the ICCA GlobeWatch ranking use?
The rankings are based on the number of international association meetings hosted in each country and city, as compiled by the ICCAResearch team.
How many meetings were included in the 2025 report?
The 2025 ICCA GlobeWatch report analyzed data from over 12,438 international association meetings worldwide.
Which regions are growing fastest in the MICE industry?
Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East are showing the most significant growth in the global meetings landscape.
Why is Lisbon a top destination for international meetings?
Lisbon’s success is attributed to its strong infrastructure, strategic location, affordability, and cultural appeal, making it a preferred choice for organizers.