10 event trends to ring in the new year

Here are the top ten activity trends Global DMC Partners predicts will impact the industry in 2025.

Change is the only true constant you can rely on, and this is especially important when it comes to meeting and event trends. With new technological innovations, shifting consumer priorities and a variety of global challenges on the horizon, “the focus will remain on creating meaningful, forward-thinking events,” said Global DMC partners Catherine Shoret, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The following 10 event trend predictions according to Global DMC Partners, a global network of independent destination management companies and professional event service providers, will help shape meetings and events in the coming year.

1. Break away from traditional site selection methods. Immediately after the pandemic, attendees want to stay closer to home and more familiar. That’s now changing, according to Global DMC Partners. Instead, the trend now is for events to seek out lesser-known destinations for their projects, as well as more exotic destinations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Even in common hotspots like Portugal, planners are looking to untapped areas outside Lisbon that haven’t yet felt the pressure of overtourism.
2. Supply chain challenges remain a force to be reckoned with. As demand for air travel continues to outpace supply and airlines continue to deal with everything from parts shortages to airline bankruptcies, prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon. Hotels and audiovisual companies also continue to face ongoing supply challenges. To control costs while still delivering an immersive experience, planners are increasingly choosing four-star hotels over five-star venues.
3. Timetables will continue to be compressed. Last-minute decisions will also continue into 2025, DMC Global Partners said, citing geopolitical tensions and economic pressures. Flexibility will also be key to avoiding cancellations.
4. Off-season is increasingly popular. Boston in February, which once would have received a cold reception from conference attendees, is now more of a viable option as winters in the Northeast become milder. “Extended seasonality helps planners avoid peak pricing while still delivering a desirable experience,” DMC Network said in a statement.
5. Sustainable development becomes a reality. Greenwashing is over – especially in the meetings and events industry, which is becoming a key driver of sustainable tourism. The 2025 agenda will focus on waste reduction, locally sourced food and drink and experiences that have a positive impact on local economies and communities.
6. Artificial intelligence becomes personal. The trend towards delivering customized experiences has been going on for some time, now fueled by artificial intelligence assistance, making it easier to personalize itineraries and develop creative engagement tools. In 2025, we will focus on education planners and actors using these tools effectively to ensure technology complements, rather than replaces, the human touch.
7. Face-to-face still dominates. While virtual and hybrid events briefly gained traction during COVID-19, once people are able to meet in person, they will do so, and this trend will continue, according to DMC Network. “Companies recognize the importance of face-to-face connections to build relationships, foster creativity and drive innovation.”
8. Prepare for an increasingly diverse audience. From adapting to generational differences to physical and neurodiverse challenges, planners need to be prepared to make everyone feel welcome by providing accommodations such as flexible seating, free time and self-guided activities, and closed captioning and virtual options .
9. Higher levels of health are on the agenda. Dawn massages and yoga were a good start, but attendees now want to take things to the next level. According to DMC Network, “Inspired by athlete recovery technology, the 2025 event will offer medical wellness experiences such as advanced diagnostics, customized recovery plans and extreme self-care practices designed to enhance physical and mental vitality.”
10. Business casual becomes very casual. Sneakers are not only present at major trade shows, but also at conferences and events of all types. Companies and attendees alike want to express their authentic selves through fashion, which may or may not be typical everyday attire.

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