We ask a selection of UK eventprofs to makes some predictions for the New Year

hris Booker , new business and marketing director , TRO : A rebalancing in people ’ s priorities will mark a shift towards in-person participation in 2025 . Consumers will seek out IRL experiences that deliver more trustworthy connection and sensorial stimulation .

In the relentless quest to make seemingly everything digital and content-worthy , perhaps the value of the tangible is quietly increasing ? Whisper it , but perhaps a rebalancing is underway ?

Disposable camera sales are through the roof , the vinyl revival has shown people still value physical items and equally – and importantly – the rituals and communities formed around collecting them .

In its recent Life Trends Survey for 2025 , Accenture delves into the concept of ‘ Social Rewilding ’, a growing movement among younger people who are “ rethinking how they spend their free time , finding joy and balance in real-world activities and genuine human connections – changing the opportunity for businesses ”. The seeds are certainly being sown .

In 2025 we should see more businesses connecting with their communities through in-person meet-ups , particularly in sectors where

there ’ s a need to establish and build trust – think finance or digitally native brands , for example .

With clients under pressure and delivering value higher on the agenda than ever , there ’ s no hiding the fact that experiences will need to work hard and be integrated across other channels for maximum impact .

Ultimately , in a world of chatbots , let ’ s not forget the value of a chat . After all , the best things happen in real life , don ’ t they ?

Jessica Gallagher , venue and hospitality manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry at Burlington House : Finding an event ’ s point of difference With a more saturated calendar of events than ever , delegates are having to be particularly selective in the events they choose to attend in person . Organisers will therefore have to think harder about how to stand out in 2025 . Delegates now prioritise unique , memorable experiences over conventional content delivery in conferences and meetings . This shift includes immersive environments , interactive technology and multi-sensory engagement .

Additionally , events are emphasising curated networking and activity-based sessions , making connections feel organic and purposeful . Beyond content , these elements help differentiate events by

Above : Chris

Booker and

Shonali Devereaux

creating memorable shared experiences that challenge the delegates ’ way of thinking .

Rafael Azzopardi , head of events at Regent ’ s Events : A holistic approach to event planning In 2025 , event planners will increasingly integrate wellness initiatives , such as yoga breakout sessions , outdoor venues and relaxation spaces into their offerings .

This shift reflects a broader transformation in how success is measured in the industry , with event organisers focusing on emotional and mental impacts alongside traditional metrics like ROI .

Shonali Devereaux , chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association : Tackling ongoing employee retention challenges The business meetings and events sector continue to tackle ongoing challenges in recruitment in retention , while also preparing for impending UK employment law changes that will further shape hiring practices and workforce engagement in 2025 .

To tackle these challenges , the sector will be focusing on broadening entry routes , such as apprenticeships and vocational pathways . n