Did you know Millennials (1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997-2012) combined comprise 75% of working professionals, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics? Younger corporate employees are influencing the evolution of meetings, events, and conferences like never before. 

“From attending their first work conference to experiencing an off-site with their team, this new generation entering the workforce is more digitally savvy than ever, while still valuing connections and redefining the purpose of face-to-face interactions,” explained Hilton Vice President, Sales Engagement and Special Events Kelly Knowlen at the Hilton Showcase Experience in New York in January. 

What do today’s attendees want from events? Flexibility and knowing more before they go, according to new research by Hilton and Ipsos, a global market research and consulting firm.  

In January, Hilton published its 2025 Trends Report, The Meetings Maximizer: The Next Generation of Meetings & Events, which explores a variety of insights and new solutions to make meetings and events more welcoming–from the Gen Z employee taking on their first post-grad full-time job to the Gen X senior leader who has attended meetings and events for their entire career. 

Related: Unveiling 2025 Meeting Trends: 5 Takeaways From Hilton Leaders 

After reviewing and analyzing the data, we share 10 takeaways on meeting tactics you can try. 

10 key takeaways 

1. Warm welcome. “Being welcomed to the event by someone who shows them around and answers their questions would put 61% of respondents at ease,” according to the report.

 2. What to wear. “Appearance is top of mind, with 79% of Gen Z-ers reporting feeling at least a little anxious about not having the right attire. Nearly one-third will buy new clothes and get a haircut,” according to the research. Sharing suggested attire guidelines for attendees to reference, with supporting visuals, as they get ready or pack allows meeting goers (67%) to feel more comfortable at in-person events.

3. First-timer meetup or orientation. “Nearly 60% of respondents said they would feel more comfortable if they could attend a meet and greet [when] attending an event for the first time,” according to Hilton.

4. More down time. “For years, if not decades, most live events have been structured around ‘from sunup to sundown’ agendas of keynote sessions, breakouts, panels, buffets luncheons, and the like,” according to the report. A new generation has entered the workforce, and attendees of all ages are increasingly expressing a desire for a more welcoming, comfortable, and supported experience. 

5. Planning ahead. “Receiving an agenda well in advance would make 71% of respondents feel better about going into an event,” according to the survey.

6. Next-level Know Before You Go. “Having an opportunity to ask last-minute pre-event questions would make 58% of respondents feel better going into an event,” according to the survey.

7. Breaking the ice. “54% of respondents said they would feel more comfortable having icebreaker questions to help start a conversation,” according to the survey.

8. Menus in advance. “Receiving event menus in advance (60%) and having options for people with allergies (52%) would help reduce mealtime anxieties.

9. Quiet spaces. Quiet spaces for individuals with autism and other sensory-processing issues have become more common at airports and public spaces, like the Overland Park Convention Center. Keep in mind: they aren’t only for neurodivergent attendees.

10. Plus-ones welcome. “Being able to bring at least one friend empowers 59% of attendees to feel more comfortable at events,” according to the data. Hilton research indicated the emergence of the pod squad, a small group that attendees spend time with at an event, and "frolleagues," friends who are colleagues.