The Events Industry Council (EIC) unveiled its Futures Landscape Report 2025, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors poised to shape the global business events industry in the coming years. Released on March 10, this forward-looking report synthesizes insights from a global survey of business event stakeholders, as well as a series of think-tank workshops consisting of leaders from EIC’s more than 60 members, strategic partners, and volunteer leaders sharing their unique insights and perspectives. 

Developed in collaboration with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Foundation; GainingEdge, a consultancy specializing in the business events industry; and global market research firm Ipsos, the report explores 12 key themes crucial to the industry’s future, including accessibility, advocacy, business models, climate risk, DEI, ESG, infrastructure, mobility, risk and security, talent, and workforce development, technology, and wellbeing. 

“As a foresight tool, the Futures Landscape Report is intended to assist business event professionals and organizations better understand a wide swath of macro forces and correlating trends facing our global society and economies and to better understand the benefit of reflection in preparing and adapting,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert. “The insights in [this report] reveal an opportunity through thoughtful consideration of what lies ahead for continued innovation and collaboration for our industry to lead with confidence and purpose.” 

Borne out of discussions by the EIC Board of Directors and the APEX Critical Issues Working Group, an EIC group tasked with addressing emerging challenges and trends in the global business events industry, the report emerges against a backdrop of data that reflects the relevance and resilience of the events industry sector.  

According to EIC’s most recent Quarterly Events Barometer, created in partnership with Oxford Economics, the business events industry has largely returned to 2019 pre-pandemic levels for both group room nights booked and RFP activity, which are both indicators of sustained industry relevance and health.  

“The pandemic reshaped the way we come together,” said 2025 EIC Board Chair Senthil Gopnath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). “It also spurred a new spirit of innovation that will be essential as we move forward and drive our industry into the future.” 

Trends impacting events 

The report examines how macro forces are influencing the industry’s trajectory––long-term trends that are expected to have far-reaching impacts on human behavior over the next decade. They include: 

• Economic Dynamics: The global wealth gap is widening in developed nations, while emerging markets are experiencing middle/consumer class growth. 
• Technological Evolution: The growing familiarity with AI and machine learning, coupled with increased data collection, has led to a mix of enthusiasm for tech-driven solutions and apprehension about potential impacts. 
• Demographic Shifts: The Americas, Europe, and countries like Japan are facing aging populations and slower growth, while African and Asian nations are driving global population increases. 
• Political Landscape: A rise in nationalist and populist movements is leading to highly polarized and fragmented societies worldwide. This polarization is impacting event planning, with more than half of planners reconsidering destinations based on local or state laws. 
• Health and Wellness Focus: A revolution in the wellbeing industry is underway, with people recognizing the benefits of improved health while grappling with modern life challenges such as pollution and stress. 
• Climate Change Response: Most people throughout the world acknowledge and feel the effects of climate change, in the face of intense pushback from fossil fuel industries.  
• Workplace Dynamics: Employees are gaining more leverage due to tight labor markets, remote work opportunities, and increased focus on wellbeing. However, economic fluctuations and industry trends can still influence this balance. 

Recommendations for planners 

The report goes on to encourage event professionals and organizations to understand and reflect on these macro forces and be proactive, inclusive, and forward-thinking in preparing for future challenges and opportunities.  

Here are a few key recommendations: 

Transform challenges into growth opportunities: Expand audience reach through advocacy, accessibility, DEI, and talent initiatives. Increased representation enables business growth, but only with authentic intention. Specific sectors that could see growth include hospitality, event platform hosts, and venue managers. 

Build resilience through proactive risk management: Climate risks, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) concerns, security, infrastructure, and mobility all pose vulnerabilities for future events. Embrace innovation and flexibility in operational models, and plan for extreme scenarios to ensure event continuity and attendee experience. Specific sectors, such as travel, sports, and hospitality, must develop comprehensive contingency plans to avoid major financial and cultural disruption.  

Shift from “short-termism” to long-term strategies: Burnout and talent shortages coupled with growing financial pressures require a new, long-term mindset that invests in and prioritizes employees. Recognize the interconnectedness of talent shortages, wellbeing, technology, and business models, and how they are creating organizational and individual stress, and develop strategies that balance immediate needs with long-term industry health. 

Download the Futures Landscape Report 2025 here.  

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