Driven by a blend of innovation, shifting consumer priorities and global challenges, the meetings and events industry continues to evolve at an accelerated pace.
From her global perspective leading the largest worldwide network of independent Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and specialised event service providers, Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet has stayed keenly attuned to broader business and industry trends. She recently identified 10 key predictions for meetings and events professionals to be mindful of heading into 2025.
“Overall, the MICE industry is embracing a future that values intentionality, resilience, and sustainability while balancing the transformative potential of technology with the irreplaceable power of human connection,” said Ms Chaulet. “As planners navigate these trends, the focus will remain on creating meaningful, forward-thinking events.”
More and More Diverse Destinations are Being Selected by Planners
Beyond the traditional destinations, planners are seeking new destinations for their programs. The demand for secondary destinations as well as exotic destinations such as in Asia, Africa and Latin America has increased.
Further, overtourism is pushing destinations to promote lesser-known regions. For example, Portugal is spotlighting areas beyond Lisbon, offering unique opportunities for MICE groups to explore untapped locales while reducing strain on overvisited cities. This approach aligns with sustainability goals and offers planners fresh options to engage attendees.
Supply Chain Constraints Shape Pricing and Accessibility
Hotels, airlines, and A/V providers face ongoing supply challenges, from airline part shortages to bankruptcies such as the recent announcement by Spirit Airlines. Attendees and planners should not expect price reductions as demand continues to outpace supply. Longer flight routes to avoid risky regions are further impacting logistics and costs.
To combat this, planners are increasingly opting for 4-star over 5-star properties. This shift reflects a growing focus on attendee preferences, as groups prioritize immersive destination experiences over time spent in their accommodations. By selecting premium yet less extravagant lodging options, planners can allocate budgets more effectively while still providing comfortable and high-quality accommodations that meet attendee expectations.
Geopolitical Uncertainty and Its Impact on Planning
Geopolitical tensions and international economic pressures are driving last-minute decision-making. Event planners are monitoring global stability closely to avoid cancellations, with flexibility becoming a top priority.
Expanding Seasonality
Regions once considered off-season are becoming viable year-round destinations. As an example, Boston’s now milder February and March months are seen as less risky for events, and expanded seasonality helps planners avoid peak pricing while still offering desirable experiences.
Sustainability: More Than a Buzzword
MICE events are becoming key drivers of sustainable tourism. Planners are focusing on reducing waste, incorporating locally sourced food and beverage and offering experiences that positively contribute to local economies and communities. Destinations view high-value MICE business as an essential tool for sustainable growth and cultural appreciation.
Personalisation Through AI and Creativity
Artificial intelligence is transforming the event experience, from personalized itineraries to creative engagement tools. 2025 will see a strong focus on educating planners and attendees on leveraging these tools effectively, ensuring that technology complements—rather than replaces—the human touch. Many of these new technological tools can positively impact the attendees’ experience as well as improve the ROI of events.
Face-to-Face Interaction Remains Paramount
Despite advances in AI and virtual tools, the enduring value of face-to-face networking remains the cornerstone of the MICE industry, especially with cost concerns of hybrid events. Companies recognize the importance of in-person connections for building relationships, fostering creativity, and driving innovation. One caveat to this is the pharmaceutical industry where virtual meetings are still prevalent due to the last-minute nature of programmes.
Catering to Diverse and Multigenerational Attendees
Planners are incorporating different facets of meetings to accommodate diverse audiences and their needs and preferences, such as flexible seating arrangements, free time and self-guided activities, closed captioning and virtual options.
Beyond Wellness: Extreme Recovery and Elevated Living
Wellness is moving beyond massages and yoga retreats. Attendees are seeking programs that prioritize high-performance living. Inspired by athlete recovery techniques, 2025’s events will offer medicalized wellness experiences such as advanced diagnostics, tailored recovery programs, and extreme self-care practices designed to boost physical and mental vitality.
An Extension of the Self-care Trend
The rise of athleisure wear in events has resulted in attendees embracing comfortable yet stylish attire, such as company-branded, fashion-forward sneakers. Individuals and companies are expressing themselves through their fashion choices in a new and authentic way rather than conforming to previously accepted business attire.
“As the meetings and events industry faces unprecedented complexities, DMCs have become indispensable partners for planners navigating the road ahead,” said Ms Chaulet. “From managing geopolitical risks to uncovering secondary destinations and crafting bespoke, sustainable experiences, DMCs bring local expertise, creative solutions, and logistical precision to every event. In 2025, planners should lean on DMCs to ensure seamless execution, unlock hidden gems, and deliver experiences that resonate deeply with attendees while respecting the unique challenges of each destination.”
