Imagine crafting an event like preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, where every ingredient, every dish, and every seat at the table has been considered with intention and care. Today, the events industry is cooking up something different—a transformation fueled by deeper human connection, inclusivity, and a touch of technological magic. Just as a homemade meal draws us together in a celebration of our shared stories and individuality, events in 2025 will bring people together in ways that honor the unique experiences they bring, whether they’re tuning in from a thousand miles away or sitting right next to us.
We begin with the foundation of connection—a universal craving that’s become more profound as we emerge from years of distancing. Just as a meal shared around a table fosters togetherness, events today are designed to build a sense of community and belonging. Hybrid formats blur the lines between in-person and digital experiences, inviting remote and on-site attendees into shared moments, where everyone feels like they have a seat at the table. At events like IMEX America and MPI World Education Congress, we see this shift in action: virtual attendees aren’t just passive spectators but active participants, with real-time Q&As, curated meetups, and interactive content, creating a harmony across physical and digital spaces. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a bridge, extending connection to all.
Our recipe continues with an emphasis on psychological safety and inclusivity. Picture a Thanksgiving dinner where everyone’s favorite dish is served—bánh xèo sizzling on the griddle, pancit piled on a platter and steamed dumplings stacked high. It’s a meal where everyone feels at home, welcomed and truly seen. Similarly, inclusivity in 2025 will go beyond checking boxes; it’s about creating spaces where attendees feel free to show up fully as themselves. Today’s events incorporate sensory-friendly areas, quiet zones, and multilingual support, ensuring that each attendee—from the neurodivergent individual to the person managing sensory sensitivities—experiences genuine care. This shift moves us from uniformity to personalization, from “everyone welcome” to “welcome exactly as you are.”
Read More: Neuroinclusion: Events for Everyone
Sustainability is like cooking with ingredients sourced close to home, with a respect for the earth that nourishes us. Attendees today expect events that reflect their values, prioritizing environmental responsibility and giving back to the communities they touch. Inspired by Burning Man’s “Net Positive” approach, planners are designing events that don’t just minimize waste but actively leave a positive impact. Whether repurposing materials or supporting local causes, this effort reflects the sentiment of a meal that honors its roots and gives back to the land. It’s a shift from the disposable to the regenerative, where events contribute as much as they consume.
Then there’s technology, our secret ingredient that brings the event experience to life and elevates each moment, like the scent of fresh herbs wafting from the kitchen. AI is like that eager child or cousin who can’t wait to help in the kitchen, their small hands carefully tasked with peeling, stirring, and adding ingredients just at the right moment. They may not be leading the meal, but their enthusiasm and attention to detail help bring the cook’s vision to life. In the same way, AI and supportive administrative teams work behind the scenes, handling the details so planners can focus on the heart of the experience.
Imagine AI as the young helper who watches over each simmering pot and stirs with just the right rhythm, ensuring every element is in harmony. Like carefully adding salt to balance the flavors, AI enriches the event by seamlessly managing registration, streamlining schedules, and personalizing agendas. These thoughtful touches make each attendee feel truly seen, much like each family member’s favorite dish is lovingly prepared to make them feel at home.
Read More: Why AI Might Mean Salvation for the Meeting Industry
Imagine walking into a bustling kitchen, the aroma of garlic mingling with the savory scent of soy sauce and ginger, the clatter of pans, and laughter from the dining room. Each guest is welcomed with something familiar yet special, arranged just for them. AI brings that same attentive hospitality, adapting to each attendee’s needs and preferences. Perhaps an attendee arrives full of energy, ready for a packed day, but by the afternoon, their needs shift. AI quietly adjusts, suggesting a sensory-friendly space or a low-key networking session. It’s as if someone noticed and cared, offering just the right “dish” to suit the mood.
With AI and augmented reality, the event space becomes a responsive, intuitive experience, like a well-run kitchen, where each sizzling sound and fragrant aroma blends into a seamless dance of flavors. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about delivering the warmth, nourishment and comfort of a home-cooked meal, ensuring each person feels attended to and valued.
And lastly, we turn to safety and allyship as the grounding principle. Just as loved ones watch out for each other around the dinner table, 2025’s events foster environments of emotional and psychological security. It’s more than metal detectors or security staff; it’s about training attendees and staff in allyship, creating a culture where everyone is responsible for the well-being of others. At some recent events, we’ve seen clear codes of conduct, spaces for confidential reporting, and resources for those who need support. Safety today is not just physical; it’s about creating spaces where people feel safe to share, explore, and engage.
The table is set for 2025, and it’s more than just a gathering; it’s a homecoming. Like a meal prepared with love, care and tradition, these events are crafted to nourish not only the mind but the soul, celebrating each person’s story and the humanity we all share. Across every distance, every difference, they bring us together, honoring every voice as an essential part of the experience. Just as a family meal stays with us—its flavors and scents echoing in our memory—these events will leave a mark that lingers, nurturing bonds and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
We aren’t merely producing events; we’re creating moments that feel like coming home, feeding the heart long after the last guest has gone. And when the lights go down and the crowd fades, what remains is something precious, a quiet echo of all the lives touched, a warmth that will live on in the stories we carry forward.
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Khris Baizen is a visionary in brand storytelling and experiential marketing, dedicated to crafting narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. With over a decade of hands-on production experience, Baizen has guided some of the industry’s most prominent brands, bringing fresh perspectives and strategic insights that elevate every project. As senior director of production sales at Encore, he seamlessly orchestrates high-profile productions—from televised award shows to fundraising galas—ensuring each event leaves a lasting impact.
Baizen’s influence extends beyond his professional role, as he leads Encore’s API and WellBeing employee resource groups, where he champions holistic wellness and the Asian & Pacific Islander community. His leadership as Chair of MPI’s Global Advisory Committee on DEI underscores his commitment to creating a truly inclusive industry, advancing opportunities and support for underrepresented communities worldwide. With a passion for mentorship and advocacy, Baizen inspires trust and connection in every partnership, leaving an indelible mark on those he works with. His work reflects a dedication to not just creating events but to shaping meaningful, inclusive experiences that bring people together.
