The Power of Human Connection: In-person Event Trends
M&IW’s meeting and event planners believe in the power of human connection, so much so that it’s the theme of our 2025 M&IW Summit. Our signature event, taking place this August, always explores the latest trends and best practices in the meetings, events, and incentives industry, but some of these trends are so impactful that we couldn’t wait to share them. Whether you’ve long championed these best practices or are just being introduced to them, they’re sure to shape 2025’s in-person events in a big way.
In Case You Missed It: The Power of Human Connection: The Benefits of In-person Events
In-person Meeting and Event Trends
Armed with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, M&IW’s expert meeting and event planners identified four trends that are already shaping this year’s in-person events. From corporate meetings to large-scale conferences and trade shows, these trends can be seen across many types of programs.
Sustainability
Event sustainability can hardly be considered a trend anymore. At this point, it’s an expectation, even a requirement. However, since the meetings and events industry still has a long way to go toward sustainable in-person events, we would be remiss not to touch on it here.
A recent survey revealed that 47% of meeting professionals have sustainability goals and an action plan, while an additional 23% have goals but no plan. Clearly, sustainability is an area of interest, even if not everyone is sure how to act on it.
Of those who have stepped up their sustainability game, the same survey revealed the most popular sustainability solutions already implemented include:
- Minimizing disposables.
- Practicing waste management.
- Offering sustainable food and beverage.
The top solutions that event professionals plan to implement for the first time in 2025 include:
- Minimizing ground transportation emissions.
- Prioritizing sustainable venues.
- Education and engagement initiatives for internal stakeholders.
Learn More About This In-person Event Trend: Event Sustainability 101
Accessibility
In-person events and incentives are ramping up their accessibility efforts so all attendees can fully participate. AI is increasingly effective, particularly for language accessibility thanks to language interpretation devices and live captioning capabilities. Sign language interpreters, already common for large-scale or social events like concerts, are being used more frequently for smaller, corporate events as well.
Physical accessibility is another area that has long been considered. In the US, ADA guidelines help ensure venues are accessible, but also consider your layout within the venue. Planners know to allow space for mobility aids in floor plans, but a new trend on the rise is dedicated accessibility seating. This is most often seen with reserved seating at the front of the venue for those who are hard of hearing, have limited vision, or may otherwise require accommodations with seating.
To forgo accessibility considerations when planning is to exclude attendees, which doesn’t benefit anyone.
Learn More About This In-person Event Trend: How to Improve Diversity and Inclusion at Meetings and Events
Attendee Engagement
Of course, we always want attendees to be engaged with the content and presenters, but recently, we’ve seen a shift toward increasing engagement between attendees as well. This isn’t surprising given that one of the benefits of in-person events is the ability to form stronger connections.
In 2025, events will include more time to network and connect than ever before. This includes both structured networking, like small group roundtables, and unstructured networking, like welcome receptions.
- Curated Experiences: More networking and social events are focusing on shared traits or niche interests rather than being open to all attendees. Examples include first-time attendee receptions (or new employee receptions for internal corporate events) and nominee happy hours for events that include an awards ceremony.
- Longer Breaks: Not only do longer breaks allow more time for attendees to engage with each other between sessions, but they also improve memory retention, so attendees are more engaged with each other and the content.
- Connecting Through Technology: It’s still possible to foster engagement and connection using technology. For example, if you’re showing off cool tech like virtual reality, make it a synchronized VR that attendees can experience together rather than each being in their own digital world.
Learn More About This In-person Event Trend: How to Make Events More Interactive
AI for Connections
Expanding on the above trend, to make sure attendees are making the most valuable connections, you’ll see a rise in AI matchmaking tools at in-person events.
AI can match attendees with each other and with exhibitors based on a variety of considerations, including both professional factors, such as industry and job title, and personal factors, such as hobbies and other areas of interest. Some attendees may not need the help, but others who feel overwhelmed or simply don’t know where to begin may appreciate the insights. AI matchmaking results in smarter, stronger relationships with greater potential to last beyond the event. For sponsors and exhibitors in particular, it can be used to generate qualified leads and prove ROI.
AI is also being used to generate personalized agendas based on attendee preferences and interests. This level of personalization not only helps attendees feel seen, it also means the other attendees in their session share similar preferences and interests, leading to more valuable and meaningful connections.
Learn More About This In-person Event Trend: 2025 Event Technology Trends On Demand
Always Trending: Event Planning Partnerships
At M&IW, our expert meeting and event planners stay ahead of the trends so you don’t have to. Contact us to discover the best practices for your programs and elevate your current and future programs. Already an M&IW customer? Contact your Customer Success Manager.
To stay up to date on the latest trends and industry insights, join our mailing list or follow us on LinkedIn. In addition to sharing best practices and strategic solutions for meetings, events, and incentives of all scales, we’ll continue to explore The Power of Human Connection leading up to the 2025 M&IW Summit, including how to create connections at virtual events.
Interested in joining the M&IW team? View our open positions.