The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, in collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), has released the whitepaper exploring association resilience: Exploring the Geopolitical Landscape: Implications for Associations.
“Unlike previous studies, this paper captures a sector at a strategic crossroads, one where resilience is being redefined by geopolitical change through action in four key areas: event delivery, digital security, diversity and inclusion, and innovation,” said Bas Schot, head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau.
Based on insights and a global survey of 99 association leaders, it reveals that 85 per cent of organisations have already experienced disruption due to geopolitical instability, and 88 per cent expect further challenges.
“This isn’t just about risk, it’s about a strategic change needed across all associations around the word,” continued Schot. “From rethinking where events are held to how boards are governed; associations are building new models of operational and ethical resilience. Our findings show that this shift must be integrated, values-led, and responsive to complexity. Destinations like The Hague have a clear role, not just as hosts, but as strategic partners.”
Here are the four key areas of consideration:
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Events: Once logistical endeavours, events are now deeply political decisions. Twenty-six per cent of respondents reported negative impacts from geopolitical instability on their event planning, while 28 per cent have moved events to more politically stable destinations. Risk assessments, hybrid models, and values-driven site selection are becoming standard practice.
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DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion): Far from a soft issue, DEI has become a critical focus point. Over 60 per cent of respondents rated DEI as ‘very important’ to internal stability, yet nearly 17 per cent still see it as peripheral. Anti-DEI laws and sentiment are actively affecting location choices, partnerships, and messaging.
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Cybersecurity: As associations digitise, they are becoming vulnerable targets. Eighty-one per cent of respondents expressed concern about cyber threats, but 23 per cent report having no formal cybersecurity protections at all. Only 15 per cent have cyber insurance, exposing a critical preparedness gap.
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Innovation: Despite budgetary pressure, innovation is gaining traction. Seventy-two per cent identified alternative funding and revenue generation as critical, with 71 per cent favouring more organisational flexibility. While 57 per cent are investing in digital transformation, only 22 per cent have a formal innovation strategy, highlighting both ambition and constraint.
While some associations are evolving fast, others remain constrained by complexity or capacity. Just 13 per cent feel well prepared for the geopolitical landscape, despite widespread awareness of the risks.
To download the full white paper, click here.
