Alleanza’s Top Five Industry Trend Predictions for 2025
As we wrap up 2024, we are thinking back on the shifts and innovations in the industry we saw this year that signal even bigger trends for 2025. Based on our observations, we predict these five trends will drive the meetings and events industry in the coming year.
1. Technology, Smart Tools, & AI
AI isn’t going away. As it is gaining popularity, there are a million ways to utilize it to create fabulous experiences. Not only can it cut down the time it takes to do small tasks, it can be used creatively to connect with your attendees. Technology and smart tools will continue to grow, and their relevance in the meetings and events industry will change the way some things are done. It behooves our industry to stay abreast with the existing and emerging technologies that allow us to design and execute events that please everyone.
2. Immersive Experiences & Wellness
Attendees want memorable experiences and are craving new and innovative experiences. Introducing immersive elements or compelling design transports attendees into a richer environment, creating new opportunities to learn and soak in your event purpose. Along with new experiences, attendees want wellness-forward treatments. Offering morning yoga classes or afternoon meditation sessions allows attendees to relax and reconnect with their after being engaged in your event content. This type of attention to attendees' wellness helps them focus more on your content and mirrors for many the increase of well-rounded living that so many are trying to achieve.
3. Managing the Budget in Creative Ways
Budgeting is always in, but doing so creatively is on the rise. Sometimes your biggest event cost is fixed and there is no wiggle room without sacrificing quality. This is when you look at your entire budget and see who you can deliver. Many times, a small effort can make a big impact. Consider adding a sponsored portion of your event. Can you negotiate a discount with your AV provider? What can you ask for? Small things add up, and when you find multiple small things in your budget you can adjust, it will pay off in the end.
4. Return of Regional Events
With the events industry growing, it makes sense regional events are also growing. Thinking regionally helps companies hold their travel costs down and can also increase participation as attendees don’t need to be out of the office for travel days. One of the biggest benefits is the building of connection and collaboration between attendees as they see each other more regularly. You can still bring in the big bang items, even if you are not in a Tier 1 city, by focusing on creativity and what the region is known for and has to offer.
5. Non-Hotel Venues
Similar to the first point, attendees are looking for unique experiences, and that no longer includes simply a lineup of meetings at a hotel. Non-hotel venues are evolving, giving way to exciting occasions in unique spaces. Imagine a conference at a beautiful ballroom event space or a panel at a private theater. What are the options near the host hotel? Can you relocate portions of your event? Attendees want to see more than the airport and hotel, think out of the box on how to bring the location to your event.
