Ten Trends in 2025 and Beyond for Conferences
As we ready ourselves for our first conference of 2025 and look ahead to projects for the rest of the year and beyond, we see that the wider events industry is adapting quickly to new technologies, evolving attendee preferences, and shifting global priorities.
For OD&V, understanding new technology isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about making sure that we are at the top of our game so that we can continue to transform traditional events into exceptional experiences.
AI is a current industry buzzword so we put it to the test and asked ChatGPT what it thought the conference trends would be for 2025 and beyond.
This led us down a path of discovery We found technology that we’d never heard of and some that we can see would work very well for some of our clients.
Here’s what it said…we added our thoughts on how we could use the technology and some details about what our research is uncovering because, let’s face it, we’re always learning!
We’d love to continue the conversation so do let us know if you have any experience of the technology listed below in the context of events for the association/membership bodies market.
1. Hyper-Personalised Hybrid Events: Merging Physical and Digital in New Ways
The hybrid model has matured, moving from a simple digital option to a truly integrated experience where virtual and in-person attendees connect seamlessly. There’s a focus on tailoring both content and engagement tools based on an individual’s preferences. AI-powered platforms are making it possible to customise sessions, networking, and even entertainment for each participant, regardless of how they’re attending.
We’ve discovered:
Advanced tech that can offer mixed-reality experiences, personalised content feeds, and AI-driven networking recommendations that connect people with shared interests, such as Microsoft Mesh.
Thoughts…
Could this open up more sponsorship possibilities, allowing brands to personalise their touchpoints across both virtual and physical spaces?
2. Sustainability and Carbon-Neutral Events
With sustainability now front and centre, we need to move beyond recycling and reusable materials to host carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative events. This includes partnerships with eco-friendly suppliers, carbon offset options, energy-efficient venues, and initiatives to track and report an event’s carbon footprint. Increasingly eco-conscious attendees expect transparency and meaningful action from the events that they attend.
We’ve discovered:
Venues and suppliers with green certifications, tech solutions for tracking energy use and emissions, and ways to engage attendees in sustainability efforts such as offsetting travel.
Thoughts:
Encouraging our clients to choose carbon-neutral dining options and perhaps share with delegates apps such as Klima that measure their sustainability impact.
3. AI-Driven Event Automation and Insights
AI is rapidly changing event planning and it is no surprise that automation tools can make it easier to personalise experiences and optimise logistics. From real-time engagement analysis to automated registration, AI tools would allow us to focus more on creativity and strategy whilst analytics can help anticipate attendees' needs.
We’ve discovered:
AI-powered matchmaking and networking tools that provide smart agenda suggestions based on past events and event management platforms that use AI to anticipate needs and maximise engagement.
Thoughts:
You can never underestimate the volume and vastness of enquiries in the lead up to a conference, many of which will require a human answer but can AI-driven chatbots help by providing real-time support to attendees for streamlined and immediate responses?
4. Health, Wellness, and Well-Being
Wellness remains a top priority for us, and we are noticing a broader approach to holistic well-being. Beyond physical health, attendees are looking for events that support mental, emotional, and even digital wellness. Wellness areas with relaxing activities and calming zones are becoming more standard at larger conferences.
We’ve discovered:
Dedicated simple quiet rooms or the more bespoke wellness zones with services like mental health support, yoga and meditation sessions, and increased options for both healthy and dietary-specific meals should be an industry standard.
Thoughts:
Introduce device-free areas or “silent sessions” that encourage deep focus because no matter how amazing the technology, it’s always good to encourage and enable old-fashioned conversation!
5. Micro-Experiences and Niche Events
ChatGPT tells us there is a high demand for micro-events with niche gatherings being very popular. The conferences that we work on tend to be rather niche in their subject matter anyway, but we are sometimes asked to plan smaller, focused gatherings pre or post-conference that allow for more authentic connections and tailored experiences in addition to the main event.
We’ve discovered:
That venues with flexible layouts are much more easily adapted to accommodate intimate gatherings, this allows us to incorporate smaller events such as breakfast seminars that can be tailored to niche groups or shared interests within the wider conference community.
Thoughts:
Offer hands-on workshops or small-group discussions such as informal, ‘kitchen table’ talks to enhance attendee satisfaction and provide additional value.
6. Enhanced Data Analytics and ROI Focus
Data-driven insights have become essential for tracking engagement, measuring ROI, and refining future events. There are a range of advanced data tools that allow organisers to get an in-depth view of attendee preferences, participation, and engagement levels. This feedback is crucial not only for event improvement but also for justifying budgets and proving ROI to stakeholders.
We’ve discovered:
It’s not something we have used yet but our research uncovered platforms that allow real-time tracking of attendee movement, engagement levels, and feedback during sessions such as CrowdConnected or Zenus, which uses facial recognition and emotion detection to assess attendee engagement levels during sessions! The future is here!
Thoughts:
Could these tools enable a more accurate measurement of an event’s impact, to help us and our clients identify what resonates most with their audience and what can be optimised for future events? More reliable than a feedback survey, maybe?
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is Core.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continue to be defining principles in the conference sector. Events should be designed to ensure accessibility for all, including language accessibility, physical accessibility, and cultural inclusivity. Beyond the basics, DEI initiatives should also mean creating space for voices from underrepresented communities in sessions, on panels and in the audience
We’ve discovered:
That a partnership with diverse speakers is attractive to audiences. DEI training should be essential for staff, and venues need to be equipped to meet the needs of attendees of all abilities.
Thoughts:
Hybrid events also open the door to a broader, global audience, allowing people to participate who might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel. With regards to engaging audiences and widening participation, Edinburgh International Convention Centre, Welcome Brain Consulting, and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) recently launched a Neurodiversity in Events Checklist which provides simple and effective solutions and clear, practical guidance for all events. Equally important and one to watch for those organising events in the EU is the incoming European Accessibility Act, which is largely focused on the use of technology and accessible products and services
8. Immersive Networking Experiences
Networking remains one of the primary reasons people attend business events, but traditional mixers are being transformed into immersive, memorable experiences. Our clients have asked us to source venues where guests can break the ice with an interactive activity and whilst we haven’t explored it yet, we can imagine that using by AR, VR, and AI, it is possible to design even more interactive networking opportunities that break down social barriers and encourage genuine connection.
We’ve discovered:
Our research led us to activity-based networking, virtual and augmented reality spaces for remote attendees, such as RingCircleEvents and AI-powered matchmaking apps such as Remo.
Thoughts:
Unique experiences, like cooking classes, art sessions, and outdoor excursions are still valuable and can add a memorable screen-free twist to typical networking activities, whilst museums and galleries can often provide the perfect backdrop for a unique networking experience.
9. Bleisure Travel and Destination Experiences
The blend of business and leisure travel - ‘bleisure’ is proving popular; it enables attendees to extend business trips for personal enjoyment. As organisers we can help to facilitate this by providing additional information and easy booking solutions. City convention bureaus often offer a range of free services to help organisers promote the destination and the activities and experiences it can offer.
We’ve discovered:
Partnering with local tour companies, hotels, and restaurants allows us to offer packages, city tours and experiences that can enhance the appeal of the event and increase delegate satisfaction.
Thoughts:
Working with train operators, and local transport providers can help to improve packages; it’s also useful to make contact with the national tourist organisation such as VisitBritain to discover more about other destinations within the country.
10. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy as Top Priorities
As organisers rely increasingly on digital platforms, cybersecurity and protecting attendee data have become essential for earning and retaining trust. From registration systems to attendee data analysis, protecting privacy is a critical factor for every event.
We’ve discovered:
Platforms that use advanced encryption and security protocols, transparent data-use policies, and compliance with data protection regulations such as EventsAir are more important than ever before as they allow us to provide clear communication on how attendee data is used and protected.
Thoughts:
It is essential to communicate to delegates how their attendee data is used and protected as this allows us to build trust. Attendees themselves should also have the ability to manage their preferences and choose how their data is used or shared before, during and after the event.
With cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and DEI at the forefront, the future association events landscape is embracing innovation, inclusivity, and creating impact. By understanding and adapting to these trends, we can better equip ourselves to design experiences that resonate deeply with attendees, drive lasting engagement, and create value for all involved. Whether it’s through personalised hybrid formats, immersive networking, or radical sustainability initiatives, staying close to these shifts enables us to learn and develop so that we can always give the best advice to our clients.
If you’re planning a conference in the near future, keep these trends top of mind and if you’d like to chat through your plans, get in touch, we would love to hear your ideas.
