WASHINGTON, D.C. – From supply chain challenges to attendees’ changing destination preferences, planners are tasked with staying ahead of the curve when organizing events. As 2024 draws to a close, industry expert Catherine Chaulet, president and CEO of Global DMC Partners, the world’s largest independent DMC network, offers her opinion on what planners can expect next year and a list of industry predictions for 2025.
“Overall, the events industry is embracing a future that values intentionality, resiliency and sustainability, while balancing the transformative potential of technology with the irreplaceable power of human connection,” said Chaulet. “As planners navigate these trends, The focus remains on creating meaningful, forward-thinking events.”
Destination preferences are changing based on factors such as changing attendee tastes, geopolitics and climate change. Chaulet said planners are looking for more diverse destinations, including more remote and exotic places around the world, namely in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
People’s tastes have also changed due to overtourism, as destinations are concentrated in lesser-known areas of the country, such as Portugal promoting areas outside of Lisbon. Chaulet noted that in addition to transporting attendees to new locations, hosting conferences and events in undiscovered cities can help alleviate the environmental and logistical pressures of larger cities.
“Destination selection will increasingly take into account the challenges of overtourism, with some destinations facing reduced industry demand or a shift to the off-season,” said Cholet. “At the same time, three- and four-star hotels are more expensive than five-star hotels. Class luxury resorts are preferred by planners, offering excellent value and strong ROI options for events.”
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Regional tensions are also affecting how and where planners book events. Chaulet believes it is more important for planners to monitor global stability to avoid last-minute cancellations. While some hotspots are forcing planners to relocate, other areas are opening up more options as seasonality expands as climate change brings milder weather to former off-season winters in cities like Boston. Booking during less touristy seasons can help planners reduce costs.
Prices for hotels, flights, audio and video and dining remain affected by supply chain issues. Chaulet predicted that attendees and planners won’t see prices drop as demand continues to outpace supply. Additionally, several geopolitical challenges around the world are forcing airlines to fly longer routes to avoid dangerous airspace. Airlines in particular have had to contend with rising parts costs due to shortages, which has led some smaller airlines to go out of business or declare bankruptcy, leaving attendees and planners with fewer low-cost options.
Chaulet also expects that sustainable tourism will continue to gain traction, with planners prioritizing reducing waste, incorporating locally sourced food and drink, and providing experiences that contribute positively to local economies and communities.
Chaulet said health and programs that prioritize “high-performance living” will be popular in 2025, including medical wellness experiences such as advanced diagnostics, tailored recovery programs and self-care practices designed to enhance physical and mental vitality.
Chaulet said artificial intelligence will also continue to transform the events industry. “Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing efficiency for trade show and event planners, delivering transformative benefits to those who embrace it. However, this shift brings new considerations: efficiency now needs to be improved while project pricing (once ” will need to reflect the speed of AI implementation.”
AI will also help planners deliver personalized itineraries and creative engagement tools, as the benefits of face-to-face contact and networking will continue to drive growth in the industry.
Contact Catherine Chaulet at catherinec@globaldmcpartners.com
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