Forecast sees supply chain constraints and expanding seasonality
More and more diverse destinations, price increases due to supply chain issues and expanding seasonality are among 10 predictions for meetings in 2025 from Global DMC Partners, a network of independent destination management companies and specialized event service providers.
The predictions include:
- Planners are looking beyond traditional destinations — and toward secondary destinations and “exotic” destinations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Also, overtourism is pushing destinations to promote lesser-known regions.
- Hotels, airlines and audiovisual providers face ongoing supply challenges so planners should not expect price reductions.
- Regions once considered to have off seasons are becoming viable year round. For example, Boston in February and March is seen as less risky because of milder winters.
- Geopolitical uncertainties are driving last-minute decision making.
- Planners are focusing on reducing waste, incorporating locally sourced food and beverages and offering experiences that contribute positively to local economies and communities.
- AI is transforming the event experience, from personalized itineraries to creative engagement tools. 2025 will see a strong focus on educating planners and attendees on leveraging these tools effectively, ensuring that technology complements — rather than replaces — the human touch.
- Despite advances in AI and virtual tools, the enduring value of face-to-face networking remains the cornerstone of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry, especially with cost concerns of hybrid events. Companies recognize the importance of in-person connections for building relationships, fostering creativity and driving innovation.
- Planners are incorporating different facets of meetings to accommodate diverse audiences and their needs and preferences, such as flexible seating arrangements, free time and self-guided activities, closed captioning and virtual options.
- Wellness is moving beyond massages and yoga retreats. Attendees are seeking programs that prioritize high-performance living. Inspired by athlete recovery techniques, 2025’s events will offer “medicalized” wellness experiences such as advanced diagnostics, tailored recovery programs and extreme self-care practices designed to boost physical and mental vitality.
- The rise of “athleisure” wear at events has resulted in attendees embracing comfortable yet stylish attire, such as company-branded, fashion-forward sneakers.
Catherine Chaulet, CEO, said that as the meetings and events industry faces unprecedented complexities, DMCs have become indispensable partners for planners navigating the road ahead. From managing geopolitical risks to uncovering secondary destinations and crafting bespoke, sustainable experiences, she said, “DMCs bring local expertise, creative solutions and logistical precision to every event.”
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