Destination authenticity. Artificial intelligence (AI) for inspiration and event design and using 3D printing to produce new elements. Industry consolidation as event tech companies, hotels, and event agencies continue to be affected by mergers and acquisitions. Those are three key trends highlighted in Special D Events’ list of “2025 Business Event Trends.”
The national meeting and event agency, which is also a destination marketing company in Detroit, says business travelers are seeking opportunities to connect deeply with local cultures and communities. “Let’s face it—if your meeting participant crosses the country to attend your event, never leaves the host hotel, and then flies directly back home, how memorable is that experience?” says Special D Events President and CEO Carol A. Galle in a more in-depth version of the report.
Special D Events says online graphic design tools like Canva were quick to embrace AI for design, saving event planners time. Special D itself uses the technology for mood boards and client design/decor presentations. “It’s an efficient tool to quickly determine a client’s preferences for the event look and feel,” Galle says. “We’re very careful, however, to explain what is real and what is imagined.”
As far as industry consolidation, Galle points to multiple significant mergers in the events industry in 2024, citing these examples: TrueLink Capital’s acquisition of GES; The Expo Group’s sale to New State Capital Partners; Maritz’s purchase of Convention Data Services; Cvent’s purchase of Splash, Jifflenow, and iCapture; CloserStill’s assumption of a majority stake in Partnership Network Events; and MSouth Equity Partners acquiring Fern Exposition Services, resulting in Fern joining forces with Nth Degree.
“Because of these changes, many planners may be dealing with supplier transitions in the future,” Galle says. “When that happens, it’s our job to negotiate supplier and venue contracts that minimize the risk.”
Special D Events also included a quick list of what is in and what is out in the business events industry:
- In: Quiet luxury, tier-two cities, immune-boosting snacks, prioritizing accessible venues, idea-management tools, enhanced security protocols, and self-care for planners
- Out: Overly ornate decor, excessive food consumption (due to increased use of weight-loss medication), passive engagement, overly complicated signature drinks, designing events for extroverts only, and pretending sustainability is a fad.specialdevents.com
