Have you been tasked with hosting or planning a corporate event?
When most people think of these events, they picture a grey room in a hotel, as well as a standard buffet. These were fine in the 1990s, but in 2025, those who attend these experiences expect something to be a bit more tech-driven, immersive, and more aligned with modern values. Nobody likes death by PowerPoint.
So, if you are planning a corporate event for your company, how do you ensure that it is on trend and thereby a success?
The days of passive listening and something akin to a university lecture are long gone when it comes to corporate event planning. People who attend this today want something that has engagement that is not about ticking a box. Experiences like VR encourage participation, so aim to include interactive workshops as well as immersive installations and even gamifying parts of the sessions. This will help to keep everybody engaged and on board.
In the modern business world, eco-conscious events are now expected, so you aren't going to really impress anybody if you order salmon from Nova Scotia! Make sure you choose a venue that has a green certification if possible, and try to minimise the use of single-use materials in your buffet, so no plastic forks. Make sure any PowerPoint slides that have to be in the presentation are sent via website or e-mail: do not print anything if possible, including check-in forms or passes. Try to make as much as you can digital.
Speaking of mobile check-ins, you need to look into other areas of technology to help you pull off a successful event that doesn't feel like it came from 1994. Try to use as many mobile apps, as well as virtual reality experiences or augmented reality experiences, as you can, which will help personalise the journey for those who attend the event. Even small touches like real-time polling can enhance convenience, as well as engagement, and also provide you with valuable data insights for the next event.
In 2025, wellness relating to mental and physical health is big, and they are also not going anywhere. So, if you are inviting modern professionals to your event, try to make sure that you have an emphasis on physical and mental well-being, such as offering calmer lighting and quiet times or even movement sessions. It's also worth looking at areas around inclusion, as reports have found that nearly 70% of all people who attend corporate events are more likely to participate if the events offer breaks relating to yoga or deep breathing to help everyone remain focused.
What is meant by memorable content? Storytelling over scheduling!
Remove the hours of PowerPoint with activities, such as podcasts, socialising events built into the corporate event, and, of course, keep any content concise and relevant to the point(s) you are trying to make. Minimise filler and make sure that every point or activity you show or demonstrate is relevant and leaves a lasting impact on those who have attended.
When you mix innovation, sustainability, and, of course, tech, you evolve your corporate event from something boring into something fun and on trend. So, try it out and see where it goes!