• April 30, 2026

beam backs cancellation fees in updated fam trip guidance

beam backs cancellation fees in updated fam trip guidance

beam backs cancellation fees in updated fam trip guidance 900 600 micebook.

Event industry association beam has introduced updated guidance on familiarisation (fam) trips, as pressure grows across the meetings and events sector to raise standards and protect their long-term value.

The move follows months of industry discussion around the role of hosted trips, including concerns over late cancellations, poor return on investment and whether fams are always treated as a serious business tool rather than a perk. These issues were brought into sharp focus during The Industry Great Debate, where buyers and suppliers called for clearer expectations and greater accountability on both sides.

Under the new guidance, supplier members are encouraged to introduce cancellation fees for agency attendees who withdraw within seven days of a trip. The aim is to help offset costs already committed, including accommodation, catering and programmed activities.

beam is also placing stronger emphasis on shared responsibility, urging suppliers to more rigorously qualify attendees, while calling on agents to only accept places where there is genuine intent to do business.

The association has been explicit in its messaging: fam trips should not be viewed as a “jolly”, but as a commercial tool to build knowledge, relationships and pipeline.

The updated framework has been endorsed by ABPCO, mia, AIEA and BTA, signalling broader alignment across the sector.

David Tremmil, chair of beam, said the update reflects a “real shift” in industry sentiment: “Fam trips absolutely still matter – but they only work when there’s commitment on both sides. There’s growing frustration around late cancellations and a clear call for more consistency and accountability.”

He added that the changes are designed to “protect the value” of fam trips as a “critical business tool, not a freebie”.

Matt Stalker, executive director of ABPCO, said the guidance mirrors conversations within its own membership, particularly around ensuring the right buyers are hosted.

“Fam trips are an important part of how our industry connects, learns and does business, but their success relies on mutual respect and clear intent from the outset,” he said.

beam said the revised guidance is based on member feedback and is intended to create a more consistent and commercially robust approach to hosted trips across the industry.

Join Our Community

Join our community and receive the latest trending industry news in our weekly Departure Lounge and exclusive invites to events


    WordPress Ads