Insights From 500+ Event Professionals

What does the future of events look like? It’s a question on every event professional’s mind as 2025 approaches. And it’s not just about staying on top of trends—it’s about anticipating what your attendees will crave and finding new ways to blow their minds. So, we decided to go straight to the source and turned to the experts—you.

We asked over 500 event professionals to share their predictions, polling them on the trends they believe will take center stage. The answers were as diverse as the industry itself. We’re talking about everything from immersive technologies to micro-events, gamification, and networking innovation. But let’s not spill the beans just yet. (Spoiler alert: the winning trend might just revolutionize the way you plan your next event.)

Here’s where it gets even better: to make sense of all the data and dive deeper into what’s next, we roped in some of the brightest minds in the industry. Bethany Murphy, Head of Events at 6Sense; Erica Spoor, Senior VP of Strategy at Sparks Freeman Company; and Brandon Wernli, CEO of BW Events Tech, joined us for an engaging webinar, 2025 Trends That Will Transform Events: An Insider’s Roundtable. Together, they broke down why these event trends are resonating with attendees and how they can be used to create impactful, memorable events.

Here’s what we uncovered—and how you can ride the wave of 2025 event trends. Let’s dive in.

Why 2025 Event Trends Are Game-Changers

Let’s face it: the days of dull, passive events are long gone. Today’s attendees don’t just want to show up, sit quietly, and leave with a tote bag. They’re looking for experiences that excite them, connect them with others, and leave a lasting impression. 

As Erica Spoor highlighted, “Attendees today crave experiences they can’t get online—exploring products, meeting experts, and participating in meaningful ways.” 

Attendees in today’s age demand more—they value flexibility, sustainability, and authenticity. Events have to evolve beyond traditional formats to meet these shifting expectations. Think personalized, interactive, and fun. It’s time to ditch the cookie-cutter approach and start crafting events that are truly memorable.

Mastering Event Tech: Trends, Tips, and Traps

In today’s fast-paced event landscape, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s the driving force behind innovation and unforgettable experiences. But while tech can take events to the next level, it can just as easily derail them if not used wisely. So, how can organizers harness its power without hitting roadblocks?

“Technology can be your best friend—or your worst enemy—when it comes to events,” shared Wernli. The key is knowing your audience. What may look shiny and exciting in a demo isn’t always something they’ll actually engage with. That’s why asking upfront, “What’s your strategy? What are your non-negotiables?” is crucial. It helps you avoid getting distracted by the latest, flashiest tool that doesn’t truly align with your goals.

Flexibility is another big factor. Wernli warned, “What you don’t want to do is corner yourself with platforms or solutions that aren’t very flexible.” If your tech can’t adapt, you could end up hitting more roadblocks than breakthroughs. 

Not every cutting-edge trend is worth the investment if it doesn’t fit your strategy or if your audience isn’t ready for it. The solution? Take it slow. A pilot approach—testing new tech with a smaller group of VIP attendees—can be a game-changer, giving you valuable feedback without going all in on something that might not land.

At the end of the day, when used wisely, technology isn’t just an accessory to your event—it’s the magic ingredient that turns ordinary into extraordinary.

Experiential Learning: A Core Trend for 2025

Alright, the wait is over. Drumroll, please! The standout event trend for 2025 is… experiential learning! This isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changing approach that takes attendee engagement to the next level.

Rather than passively consuming information, experiential learning puts attendees in the driver’s seat. They’re not just learning; they’re living the experience. “As attendees continue to seek deeper engagement, experiential learning provides the perfect avenue to foster real connections,” said Murphy. “It’s not just about content delivery anymore—people want to be part of the journey.” Gone are the days of endless PowerPoint slides. Today’s attendees crave hands-on opportunities to learn, interact, and truly connect with the content.

​​Erica Spoor shared how this shift is playing out in the agency world. “We worked with a client to transform their traditional sessions into interactive workshops. They ended up being the most popular and highest-rated sessions, and now they’re scaling the program.” It’s proof that when you give attendees a chance to actively participate, the results are nothing short of transformative.

Experiential learning isn’t just an option for 2025—it’s the opportunity to create events that truly resonate, leaving lasting impressions on attendees and driving engagement like never before.

A New Year, A New Playbook

Let’s talk about the attendees of today—and tomorrow. The new generation isn’t interested in stuffy conferences or marathon events that pull them away from their lives for days on end. They’re all about experiences over possessions and flexibility over rigidity.

That’s where immersive events come in. For event professionals, this means moving beyond traditional formats to create dynamic, interactive experiences that attendees won’t forget. From hands-on workshops to themed environments, immersive events create memorable moments that stick long after the day is over.

Today’s attendees are looking for events that align with their values. As Spoor explained, “Creating experiences that resonate with attendees’ priorities is how we ensure meaningful connections and successful events.”

Making 2025 Trends Work for You

Here’s one thing everyone agrees on: passive attendance just isn’t cutting it anymore. Your attendees are looking for events that inspire them, involve them, and make them feel like VIPs.

Luckily, you don’t need a huge budget or a tech-savvy team to get started. As Spoor emphasized, “Events don’t always need cutting-edge technology to be impactful. It’s about creating experiences that resonate.”

Take baby steps. Even minor changes can have a major impact. Bethany Murphy recommended piloting new ideas: “Start small. Experiment, gather feedback, and refine before scaling up.” Swap out one static presentation for an interactive workshop. Start a discussion with a trustworthy event management software to streamline your next event. Or rethink how you design your schedule to prioritize shorter, punchier sessions. These small but mighty adjustments can help you stay ahead of the curve.

The Future of Events: A Bright Outlook

The future of events is exciting, innovative, and packed with opportunities! By embracing trends like experiential learning, using technology in smart ways, and catering to what your audience really wants, you can create events that people will be talking about long after they’re over. “Events are a great avenue to test things out and push boundaries,” Murphy said—and she’s absolutely right.So, why not start now? Take a small step, dream big, and start shaping your 2025 events today. Need some inspiration? Check out our on-demand webinar for a deeper dive into expert tips, creative ideas, and a peek into what’s next for the industry. Don’t wait—the future of events starts now!