What if the way you plan events today is already outdated? 

The event planning world is shifting faster than ever, and 2025 is set to challenge everything you thought you knew about creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you are orchestrating a high-stakes corporate meeting, curating an incentive trip that leaves your team talking for years, or hosting a conference that redefines industry standards, knowing what’s next isn’t just helpful—it is essential. 

At Extraordinary Britain, we are not just keeping up with the changes—we are ahead of them. We’ve uncovered the groundbreaking trends that will shape the future of event planning in 2025, and trust us; you will want to be in the know.  

So, are you ready to discover how to make your next event memorable and extraordinary? Let’s dive in.

1. HYPER-PERSONALISATION: CRAFTING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

In 2025, the “one-size-fits-all” approach is firmly in the past. Attendees expect events tailored to their preferences, interests, and needs. And how do we put this into practice? 

Leveraging advanced AI and data analytics, event planners can now create tailored experiences that resonate deeply with each attendee. Think customised agendas, personalised content, and even bespoke travel itineraries for incentive trips. 

But hyper-personalisation isn’t just about using tech—it is also about making every participant feel seen and valued. From pre-event surveys that gauge interest to real-time feedback loops during sessions, the focus is on delivering meaningful, memorable experiences.  

Imagine an incentive trip where every activity is curated to align with the personal passions of your team members or a conference where networking suggestions are powered by AI, connecting attendees with like-minded professionals effortlessly.  

By embracing hyper-personalisation, event planners can foster deeper connections, boost engagement, and create events that attendees will remember long after the final session ends. 

personalised gift on a bed

2. SUSTAINABLE EVENT PRACTICES TAKE CENTRE STAGE

As we all know, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. And as reported by the Incentive Research Foundation, event planners are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly practices when planning an event. From zero-waste conferences to striving for carbon-neutral incentive travel, sustainable event planning is no longer optional.  

Furthermore, beyond sustainability, the broader framework of ESG is becoming integral to event planning. Companies are increasingly looking to align their events with the SDGs(Sustainable Development Goals), from ethical sourcing and fair labour practices to community engagement and transparent governance. This trend reflects a shift towards more responsible and values-driven event planning, where the impact on people and the planet is considered alongside the bottom line. 

Today, destination management companies like Extraordinary Britain are focusing more and more on local sourcing, reducing carbon footprints, and integrating green technologies to meet these growing demands.  

At Extraordinary Britain, we offer our clients the option to use tools and make choices that align with sustainability. Through measurement tools we can track the impact of every event – extremely useful if a company wants to meet their ESG and CSR targets – and our procurement policy ensures our supplier list consists of only the best green, eco, and socially responsible suppliers in the UK. Moreover, we dedicate a part of the business development budget towards research and development, and we actively attend educational/industry events centred around ESG. 

Our efforts to be sustainable don’t end here, we have formed partnerships that cement our place as a greener event agency. Some of our partnerships include: 

  • event:decision – The leading provider of event sustainability/responsibility data tools 
  • You.Smart.Thing – The Travel demand platform for enhanced visitor experience and reduced carbon footprint. 
  • Institute of Tourist Guiding – The officially recognised standard-setting and awarding body for tourist guiding. 
sustainability in the events industry

3. EXPERIENTIAL INCENTIVE TRAVEL

Incentive travel is evolving from simple getaways to immersive experiences.  
Companies are looking for unique, new, memorable trips that offer cultural enrichment, adventure, and meaningful connections.  

As a destination management company, we are seeing a surge in demand for experiential travel that goes beyond the usual tourist trail, offering authentic, once-in-a-lifetime moments.  

This means that attendees aren’t just looking for a change of scenery—they are seeking genuine connections with the destinations they visit. As highlighted in a SITE Global article, this trend goes far beyond simply touring landmarks or sampling local dishes. It is about diving deep into the heart of a destination, embracing its culture, values, and traditions. 

Participants want to engage in experiences that allow them to live like locals, whether it is through hands-on workshops with local artisans, participating in traditional celebrations, or understanding the community’s way of life. This immersive approach enriches the attendee experience and fosters a deeper appreciation for the destination, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections.

cooking class experience

4. TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION: AI, AR, AND BEYOND

Technology continues to revolutionise event planning.  
In 2025, expect to see greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) in both the planning process and the events themselves.  

AI can streamline event logistics, personalise attendee experiences, and provide real-time data analytics. Meanwhile, AR can transform event spaces, creating interactive and immersive environments that captivate attendees.  

technology integration network

5. FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The conversation around mental health and wellbeing has become central to event planning.  
In 2025, events will increasingly incorporate wellness elements, from mindfulness sessions and yoga breaks to healthier catering options and stress-free environments. This is a particularly significant trend in corporate meetings and conferences, where high-pressure environments can take a toll on attendees.  

Planning an event with wellbeing in mind supports participants’ mental health and enhances overall engagement and satisfaction. 

woman doing yoga at an event

6. DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING

As we mentioned above, data is becoming the backbone of effective event planning with the rise of AI. From understanding attendee preferences to measuring event success, data-driven insights enable planners to make informed decisions and optimise their strategies.  
Therefore, in 2025, expect to see increased use of analytics tools to track engagement, ROI, and other key metrics. Leveraging data can help you improve the planning processwhile enhancing the attendee experience, making your events more impactful. 

data analysis

7. INCLUSIVE & DIVERSE EVENTS

As we navigate through 2025, the events industry is placing greater emphasis on the need for inclusivity and diversity in every facet of event planning.  
The goal is to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and represented regardless of background. From accessible venue designs and experiences to diverse speaker selections, creating events that speak to a broad spectrum of attendees is becoming a fundamental strategy for success. 

To create inclusive and diverse events in 2025 and beyond, the events industry needs to address several key areas:  

  • Accessibility: Ensure that event venues, both physical and digital, are accessible to all attendees.  
  • Diverse Speaker Line-ups: Plan events that showcase a variety of voices, backgrounds, and experiences. Representation should go beyond ethnicity and gender—it should also include diverse perspectives based on age, disability, socioeconomic status, and other factors.
  • Culturally Sensitive Content: Event planners must be sensitive to cultural nuances and ensure content is respectful and relevant to diverse groups. This involves understanding cultural differences and tailoring presentations, discussions, and materials accordingly.
  • Inclusive Marketing: Marketing strategies should reflect the diversity of the audience they are targeting. Use inclusive language, imagery, and messages that make everyone feel invited, regardless of their background or identity.  
  • Continuous Learning and Feedback: To continuously improve DEIBA (Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Belonging-Accessibility) efforts, event planners should engage with attendees for feedback on how inclusive and accessible they felt the event was. This allows for ongoing learning and improvements, helping to build stronger, more inclusive events in the future. 
people clapping at an event

8. MICRO-EVENTS AND INTIMATE GATHERINGS

While large-scale events will always have their place, there is a growing trend towards smaller, more intimate, yet impactful, gatherings.  

Micro-events offer personalised experiences, deeper connections, and greater flexibility. They are great for targeted networking, exclusive product launches, or bespoke incentive trips.  

However, don’t be fooled by their size. The high level of customisation required means that micro-events demand meticulous planning and attention to detail.  
Crafting experiences that resonate with a smaller, more targeted group can, in fact, be complex, requiring thoughtful design to ensure each element aligns with the unique interests and expectations of the attendees. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF EVENT PLANNING

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of event planning in 2025, staying informed and adaptable is key. Whether planning a corporate meeting, an incentive trip or coordinating a large-scale conference, these trends offer valuable insights to elevate your events.  

At Extraordinary Britain, we are committed to helping you navigate these changes, offering expert guidance and innovative solutions tailored to your needs. 

So, for more insights and expert guidance on planning an event in the UK, contact the Extraordinary Britain team—your trusted destination management company for unforgettable experiences in the UK. act with the team at Extraordinary Britain. We specialise in creating tailor-made corporate travel experiences that work to your preferences, meet organisational targets, and importantly, leave a lasting impact.