Meeting Trends

As the association meetings industry steps into 2025, planners face a rapidly evolving landscape driven by technological innovation, shifting attendee expectations and a renewed focus on sustainability and accessibility.

Many of the challenges association planners face today stem from continued issues related to the travel industry, ranging from high costs of hotels and flights to obstacles for international attendees getting timely visas to the U.S.

From collecting and sharing testimonials to leveraging social media for promotional purposes to sharing post-event content, planners can utilize a wealth of techniques to take an event’s reach to the next level.

Confidence among meeting professionals is notably stronger this year than last, according to Michelle Mason, president and CEO, ASAE, the center for association leadership.

Optimism reigned in 2022, as in-person meetings and events again took their place as the preferred method to network and learn. While hybrid and virtual meetings serve their own purpose, everyone agrees that nothing can replace face-to-face gatherings.

While banquet-style soirees with featured speakers and networking social hours are a traditional approach that is well-received, more of today’s events are teeming with technological advancements and interactive opportunities that are simply awe-inspiring.

A significant benefit of introducing wellness programs into events is improving attendees’ experiences by stimulating their mental and physical health.

Many association meetings experts were optimistic that 2021 would see things improve quickly after a dismal 2020. But two COVID-19 variants put a damper on the recovery.

Many planners are turning to social media to connect with potential meetings and events attendees.

Associations help attendees feel more physically and mentally fit by adding dedicated health and wellness programming to their agendas