Originally Posted On: https://blog.bishopmccann.com/meetings-and-events-industry-opportunities

Shaping the Future: Key Meetings and Events Industry Opportunities for 2025

It’s an exciting time to be part of the meetings, events, and incentives industry. Generational expectations, technological advancements, and sustainability imperatives are driving opportunity and innovation, forcing us to think differently about the way we create and deliver experiences.

At Bishop-McCann, we believe these are not just fleeting trends but transformative shifts that are redefining the future of our industry. It’s an inspiring time to reimagine what’s possible. Here are a few of the shifts we believe are in store in our industry for 2025.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage Among Meetings and Events

Sustainability has moved from a talking point to a decision-making driver. Increasingly, brands are choosing partners based on their environmental credentials, and there’s a growing demand for transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts. Bishop-McCann is more focused than ever on tracking and reporting our carbon footprint, and we’re jumping into new industry partnerships with this focus in mind.

Clients and attendees alike expect measurable action on environmental impact. In 2025, planners must embed sustainability into every aspect of their events, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to offsetting carbon emissions. Failure to prioritize this will lead to struggles to compete in an industry increasingly defined by its commitment to a greener future. Clients will demand sustainability from us, and likewise we should demand it from our industry colleagues.

AI: Transforming Experiences and Operations with Event Technology

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept; instead, it’s an integral part of the meetings and events industry. From streamlining planning processes to enhancing attendee engagement, AI is reshaping how professionals approach their work. Bishop-McCann, for instance, has made bold changes by integrating AI across its operations, enabling smarter, faster, and more personalized experiences. We’ve emboldened our team to think differently about their workflows and question how AI tools can be incorporated to help them every day.

For professionals, AI presents a choice: view it as a barrier or embrace its potential to revolutionize the industry. Tools powered by AI can analyze data to predict trends, automate repetitive tasks, and deliver insights that drive better decision-making. Those who adapt and innovate with AI in meetings or events will thrive while those resistant to change risk falling behind.

Event Planner Training and Development Inside and Outside Our Industry

Planners deeply understand the power of training and development, recognizing the magnitude of opportunities available within our industry to receive ongoing education. Industry leaders like Meetings Professionals International (MPI) or Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) make training and development accessible for all.

But generational dynamics are reshaping expectations within the industry. Millennials and Gen Z – known for prioritizing purpose and authenticity – are influencing training and development changes. Ongoing education will need to include cultural shifts that emphasize the “why” behind initiatives, helping planners understand that the work they do is tied to a greater purpose.

Bishop-McCann continues to reimagine our culture and approach to employee engagement. One new initiative in the coming year is encouraging our teams to look outside their “snow globe.” This means searching for inspiration outside of Bishop-McCann or even outside of our industry. Engaging with peers from different industries, seeking mentorship, and staying curious will help us embrace continuous learning.

Looking to the Future of Meetings and Events

Change is inevitable, but it’s how the industry approaches it that defines success. Whether facing technological advances, generational shifts, or sustainability challenges, our choice is to view these as opportunities – opportunities to grow, opportunities to learn new ways of doing things, and opportunities to create impactful experiences for our clients.

The future of the industry lies not in replicating past successes but in challenging norms and pushing boundaries. By thinking differently and acting boldly, professionals can ensure the meetings and events of tomorrow are successful for their clients, and the industry itself appeals to all generations.