Travel managers are increasingly managing business meetings as well

The dividing line between managing business travel and business meetings is blurring rapidly. According to new research by Business Travel Show Europe, 60.5 percent of corporate travel buyers are now jointly responsible for both travel and meetings; an increase from 50 percent in 2025. This shift points to a broader wave of consolidation within the field, driven by cost pressure and the need for greater control over expenses.

The research, based on a survey of 192 business travel professionals who responded in April 2026, shows that the expansion of the scope of duties is partly recent. 8.4 percent of travel managers took on the additional responsibility for meeting management in the past twelve months, while over 10 percent took on that task more than a year ago. A large group – over 42 percent – ​​stated that they have always combined both functions. Of the nearly 40 percent who do not yet manage the two areas together, 21.85 percent believe it is only a matter of time.

Greater insight into expenses

Respondents cite cost savings, greater insight into expenses, and increased efficiency as the main benefits of integrating travel and meetings. According to the respondents, the biggest disadvantage lies primarily with overburdened and understaffed teams. The researchers link this trend to rising cost pressure, the need for consolidated data, and increasing expectations regarding risk management and sustainability.

"These figures confirm what we are hearing across the sector: the boundaries between travel and meeting management are rapidly disappearing," says Louis Magliaro, executive vice president of trade fair organizer The BTN Group. According to him, organizations are striving for greater visibility, stronger control, and a more strategic approach to their expenses, bringing the two functions closer together than ever. 

In line with previous research

Previous research by technology supplier Cvent among more than 1,600 travel managers showed that 91 percent of them now purchase hotels and venues for their own meetings and events, compared to 64 percent in 2017. In addition, more than four out of five respondents (83 percent) reported that jointly managing both programs had led to cost savings.

At the same time, the sector is under pressure: a Morgan Stanley poll of travel managers predicts that business travel budgets will rise by 5 percent worldwide in 2026, with European companies leading the way.

Business Travel Show Europe 2026

Business Travel Show Europe presents the figures in the run-up to the 32nd edition of the event, which will take place on June 24 and 25, 2026, at ExCeL London. The program for that edition includes a private session on strategic meeting management, where buyers can compare experiences and working methods.

 

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In total, 192 people completed the Business Travel Show Europe survey in April 2026…

60% Business travel buyer, manager, or booker

19% Purchasing staff with responsibility for business travel

6% Meeting and/or event manager

3% Executive assistant/personal assistant who books business travel

31% from the United Kingdom

42% from Continental Europe

27% from outside Europe