Changing technologies, societal trends, and consumer expectations continually challenge event management companies and those working to create memorable event experiences. In these changing times, events of 2025 and beyond are set to be all about personalisation, AI integration, and a renewed focus on health and wellness. And although we don’t know exactly what this will look like, it is clear that the events industry is poised for significant transformation over the coming years, but for now, here are the key event trends for 2025 to look out for.
1. Immersive Events Take Centre Stage
Want to push the boundaries of traditional event experiences? Immersive experiences centred around interactive or hands-on moments and unique visuals are taking the lead for many events pushing through 2025 and beyond. It’s all about engaging experiences that are more memorable than the standard passive consumption techniques.
Immersive events could include things like using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to create interactive exhibits, virtual tours, or simulations and incorporating interactive art, live performances, and gaming to encourage audience participation. Or even just designing event spaces with multisensory atmospheres using sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The possibilities are endless!
2. Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable
The expectation for an eco-friendly approach to pretty much everything is a given no matter what industry you’re in. Consumers are no longer impressed by basics such as recyclable cups or removing plastic straws, the baseline has moved and people are more socially conscious than ever.
This means prioritising the use of eco-friendly materials/merchandise (ethical sourcing), minimising waste, recycling, promoting sustainability and even offsetting carbon emissions, as well as supporting local communities. The promotion of sustainable transportation also matters, as it encourages attendees to use public transport, carpooling, scootering, or biking to events. As does reducing the need for printed materials through event apps and online registration methods for example.
3. Digital First Approach – Incorporating AI Event Technology
AI is currently pushing the boundaries of event technology, offering new tools and solutions for event organisers on all fronts. Advanced networking/matchmaking, analytics, content delivery/ interaction and facial recognition capabilities lead the pack, along with software and AI tools that streamline event planning and attendee experiences.
Throughout the year and beyond it is likely that AI will continue to be a driving force, improving the event space making for a more engaging, accessible, and reusable experience for all stakeholders. Some examples we can expect to see might be facial recognition for ticketing/check-in, deeper insight into attendee engagement, sentiment, and the key factors that drive value for their audiences using more intelligent analytics and greater personalisation of the attendee experience, such as interactive features and accessing event information. When creating cutting-edge events, staying up-to-date on the latest event technology will be crucial for event planners and technical event solution providers.
4. Hybrid Events Are Here To Stay
The combination of in-person and virtual attendees is fast becoming the norm within the event space, whether it’s a seminar, conference concert or more personal event like a funeral or wedding. Maximising accessibility, inclusivity, engagement and greater flexibility are just some of the benefits of merging these two delivery methods, with the added bonus of increased attendee numbers, and without any additional onsite costs.
The advancement of the hybrid event space is largely untapped, with endless possibilities on the horizon such as interactive breakout sessions, virtual exhibit booths, AR integrations and AI-powered networking opportunities just waiting to be utilised!
5. Expected Rise Of Event Personalisation
With the aid of a good understanding of your target audience and robust data collection, tailored event experiences designed to enhance the overall event experience are being prioritised over more generic event agendas. Catering to attendees’ individual interests, opinions and preferences not only encourages attendance and engagement but also it allows for a more immersive event experience where attendees can get the most out of what’s on offer.
Personalisation of events might include leveraging the power of AI to analyse attendee information to deliver tailored content, live questionnaires or quizzes, recommendations and networking opportunities and offering attendees a choice of artists, workshops, activities and experiences. Also, how you communicate with attendees before, during, and after your event with tailored emails, content and social media, or even app based interaction to further enhance the attendee experience.
6. Community And Connection Counts
In an increasingly digital world, people now crave genuine human connection more than ever before. Events provide a powerful platform for building relationships and fostering community connections. In addition, they provide the perfect opportunity to showcase who you really are from the ground up, allowing consumers to identify with your brand and create a real longstanding connection.
Event experiences are the perfect way for businesses to encourage more structured opportunities for building connections, collaboration and learning opportunities. Building a strong community of like-minded people around your event can generate long-term value through post-event engagement on social media, online forums and even follow-up events.
7. Satisfaction Through Data-Driven Decision Making
Event organisers are increasingly relying on data analytics to justify decisions and measure the impact of their events. Real-time data collection and analysis opens up the door to on-the-spot analytics which means more informed decisions, more rapid decision making and ultimately overall improvements in event satisfaction.
Whether it’s tracking attendee engagement, gathering instant feedback, identifying areas of improvement or forecasting future trends, having key performance indicators at your fingertips enables event organisers to create much more meaningful and impactful events.
8. Micro-Learning Takes Precedence
Attention spans are shrinking with each new generation. Event content and formats need to adapt to this fact by introducing shorter, more engaging, and more digestible content. The key is focusing on concise, high-quality, impactful content formats that keep attendees engaged.
Some examples might be live quizzes, games or questionnaires. Another option is offering attendees access to recorded sessions and other event content after the event is over, which is a great way to provide continued engagement but in their own time. It is also shareable potentially increasing exposure and reach organically.
9. Wellness Always Wins
Prioritising physical and mental wellbeing has been an ever growing trend ever since the pandemic and event organisers have been responding accordingly by incorporating wellness elements into their events for some time. Looking forward, it is likely this will see continued growth with more and more people finding value in health promotion.
Some good examples of wellness-style additions to events of all kinds might be moments of mindfulness and meditation for attendees to relax and de-stress, healthy food and beverage options, incorporating nature-based experiences into the event and designated quiet zones or relaxation areas.
10. Authenticity And Transparency Matter
People value their time. Making the decision to turn up to an event is a significant commitment, and in return, they want authentic and transparent experiences – or in other words, they want to get what they came for!
A big part of this one is genuine, open and honest communication (updates, changes, cancellations etc), genuine, relatable and valid content (useful and relevant to expectations), transparent pricing and purpose – a certain level of trust and transparency is expected.
Understanding and embracing these key event trends will aid in creating truly memorable and impactful event experiences that resonate with your audiences, ensuring your next event is a success! Looking for world-class lighting, sound and audio visual equipment for various events and formats? Contact TES (Technical Event Solutions) in Christchurch today!