Almost 20 per cent of event planners say their risk management plan was 'ineffective' following last week's Brussels terror attacks.

In a poll by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 19 per cent of respondents responded negatively to their company's risk management procedures after it was tested last week. A further 28 per cent said their company didn't have a risk management plan.

The results were taken from more than 300 travel buyers across 10 countries in Europe and the United States.

Michael McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO said: "Risk is a part of doing business and in the past year we have seen duty of care rise to the forefront as the number one issue for our members, so it is not surprising to see so many have risk management plans in place.

“Still, with 28 per cent reporting their company either doesn’t have a risk management plan in place or they are unsure if there is one and 13 per cent who found their plans ineffective after the Brussels attacks there is clearly still work to do. While 80 per cent would normally be seen as a great success rate, when lives are at stake, we need to do better."

GBTA says it will continue to work with members and provide resources around risk management.