Which 2026 event trends are here to stay? Our expert opinions

Authentic, in-person connection is back in a big way this year. Even amid broader global volatility, corporate events continue to thrive as essential forums for connection and commerce.  

In the Incentive Travel Index, over 70% of buyers expect activity to stay the same or increase through 2027. But they are adjusting elements like gifting, entertainment and decor to offset rising transportation and hotel costs. 

Trends toward human-centric experiences should give corporate event leaders the confidence to ramp up ambitious programs designed to build trust in your brand. Focus strategic investments on areas that are poised to add measurable value.

We asked several of our event solution leaders to share their outlook on 2026 trends worth watching.

Q: Will AI’s impact on the event industry live up to the hype?

“Yes, AI will indeed have a significant impact on the event industry, but perhaps not in the way one might initially expect. The research highlighting an AI trust gap among Gen Z and millennial consumers, paired with an increased emphasis on authenticity as a counter to AI dominance, suggests that live events will become more valuable and relevant than ever before. 

AI will make live events more necessary for human connection. To that point, AI is best utilized behind the scenes. The attendee experience—not  tech novelty—should drive the adoption of new technologies by event teams. After the initial excitement around AI integration, savvy planners are now asking critical questions: 'Does this tool make the event more intuitive, more engaging or more valuable?' We are not relying on AI to replace human creativity or personal connection. 

Instead, we approach AI as an enhancer. We've discovered ways to boost efficiency and unlock better real-time insights throughout the event lifecycle, enhancing planning, personalization, logistics and analytics. For instance, analyzing historical attendee data can help predict which sessions might fill up and optimize schedule flow to minimize content overlaps. This strategic use of AI supports behind-the-scenes planning, ensuring that the human elements of creativity and connection remain at the forefront.”

Related: Read Ashley’s take on the future of corporate events blending experience, tech and ROI.

Q: What event sustainability trends will shape the future of corporate events?

“The urgent need for credible, traceable sustainability reporting is shifting event planning conversations. Tightening government regulations in Europe, California, Canada and other key markets require robust measurement and verifiable impact.

This affects how we collect and present data for event programs. It creates the need to proactively map an event’s impact on the environment, local community, labor and human rights and, of course, financials. Venues, travel, F&B, production, logistics—must all be ready to measure and report emissions, and from there, manage them, in ways that satisfy climate commitments. Strong partners see sustainability as a strategic imperative. Sustainability credentials and platforms are emerging as essential trust signals in the event space now more than ever.”

Related: Explore more on the role of supplier partner accountability in event sustainability.

Q: Why are “micro events” trending and will they continue?

“Cost considerations and a turn toward intentional community building are driving more regional events. Events focused on 20–100 attendees attract new generations with shorter time commitments, curated networking and local experiences that promise highly relevant interactions. 

We’re seeing larger organizations explore regional meetings for their global events (North America, EU, APAC). Instead of their larger user conferences, brands are embracing a roadshow model with more hands-on workshops. 'Mini-wide' meetings using two to three hotels and alternative meeting spaces like theatres, convention centers and even breakouts in local museums are also trending. These are perfect for 800–1,500-attendee meetings. Instead of taking over the whole city for a 'city-wide,' they’re prioritizing a couple of hotels for accommodations and booking smaller, functional breakout spaces.  

Some event strategists predict a rise in hub-and-spoke event models, where a flagship event is supplemented by smaller satellite events. This brings mega conferences to a more human scale and extends the event from a once-a-year gathering into a meaningful, personalized experience.  

Although there’s lots to love about this trend, I’d caution planners against seeing this strategy as an easier, more affordable option. Executing multiple micro events, you may miss out on the economies of scale and can multiply planning efforts.” 

Related: Launching an attendee journey mapping exercise informs effective event design.

Q: How are broader cultural and lifestyle trends influencing corporate events? 

“Today’s attendees demand corporate event concepts that feel current, meaningful and authentic. In an era where differentiation is paramount, leveraging the cultural moment positions brands as in-tune with their audiences. The key is to lead with a creative vision built on the brand message and attendee experience, adapting trends that enhance the event narrative and resonate with the target community. 

Prioritize genuine storytelling, humor and references to real cultural moments to humanize the experience and foster deeper audience connection. Tapping into nostalgia, wellness elements and today’s ‘little treat culture’ creates moments that resonate. Pay attention to whose voices are gaining influence to book speakers that enhance content and carry cache with attendees.”