Well folks, it’s been a great year. 2024 proved to be a year full of new tech and new ways to make your events memorable.
The BW Events Tech Team has been keeping a close eye on what event professionals have been prioritizing this past fall, and are excited to share what we think will be trending in 2025.
Here are 7 event trends we are looking forward to in 2025:
- Leveraging Templates
- Integrating AI into Tech Stack
- On-site Recordings for Virtual Consumption
- Mobile Apps are Everything
- Regional Events & Internal Team Conferences
- Badge Changes
- Gamification
Leveraging Templates
Next year- it’s going to be all about working smarter, not harder and event site templates are going to be key.
Every event–even one within a multi-event program–has its own unique design and tech stack. That doesn’t seem like a problem until you realize how much work and time that takes to build out the same thing for multiple events.
We expect to see that begin to change in 2025. Rather than creating a specific build for every individual event, companies will truly embrace templatization. Using a template for an event website is more cost and time efficient, brand consistent and significantly decreases the chances for technical difficulties.
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel with every event tech stack, try repurposing what already works in 2025 using templatization.
Integrating AI into Tech Stack
AI was one of the hottest topics of 2024- and in 2025 we will continue to see the use of AI and its integrates into event tech stacks.
There’s no such thing as an event platform that does everything perfectly, but there is the possibility to have a perfected tech stack. AI is upleveling event sites with more complex and in depth event agendas, tracking AI, and even facial recognition for event and speaker check-in.
“I’m getting asked about it [AI] more. Crowd Connected, FastSensor, Zenus, etc. and facial recognition tech like Wicket are designed to speed up the check-in and badging process, as well as session self-check-in.” says Tim Schmanski, Chief Solutions Architect at BW.
We see event planners using AI upgraded software to automate workflows and focus on experience creation. They will also invest in event technology like virtual reality and augmented reality to provide more engagement and visual interest to their events.
On-site Recordings for Virtual Consumption
This one goes out to all you marketers out there. Because of COVID, the events industry got really good at virtual events very quickly; but as life has gone back to “normal”, attitudes are split between wanting to go back to in-person events vs virtual events.
“It’s become stressful for event planners because the demand for in-person and virtual content basically means people are planning two events,” says Victoria Rasmussen, Marketing Director at BW.
We are now seeing a shift in the events industry. Instead of doing an in-person and a virtual event simultaneously, many event planners are now recording their event on-site and doing a mix of live streaming and reposting the footage after the event ends for virtual consumption. This means your curated content can be re-used throughout the year to targeted audiences.
Mobile Apps are Everything
Mobile apps used to be a perk or a bonus at events, but will be essential in 2025 and years to come. Mobile apps are quickly becoming more of a need-to-have on site. Having a mobile app can also significantly decrease your need for signage and printed programs at your event, which saves you money, and helps save the planet.
“Mobile apps are God,” says Madi Holland, Technical PM at BW.
Event mobile apps can help with a variety of tasks, including:
- Centralizing information: Apps can consolidate important details like schedules, so attendees don’t need to search through emails or pamphlets.
- Networking: Apps can help attendees connect with each other, exchange contact information, and schedule meetings.
- Engagement: Apps can include features like live polling, Q&A, photo sharing, and push notifications to keep attendees involved.
- Analytics: Apps can provide organizers with insights into popular sessions and engaged attendees.
Regional Events & Internal Team Conferences
We are seeing a shift in the industry towards regional events that are more curated for the specific area and account for different cultural differences. Where we used to see annual or biannual mega events, we are now seeing events tour and cater to the needs of individual regions. This is a more sustainable and personalized way to reach clients because people aren’t having to travel as far to get to the event and are not having to stay as long, while enjoying all the benefits of an event.
In 2025, B2B conferences and internal team meetings are expected to trend towards a greater focus on personalized experiences, immersive technology, and strong networking opportunities, as well as hybrid formats and a significant integration of AI. Implementing these tactics will greatly enhance attendee engagement and facilitate meaningful connections. These events will become increasingly important for networking and collaboration within the events industry.
Badge Changes
Badges as we know them are changing. Lately we’ve been seeing a rise in digital badge usage that we expect to continue in 2025. Pre-COVID NFC chips & RFID were trending at events, but we are seeing a shift back to QR codes for the sake of sustainability and tools like Bizzabo’s Klik that emits Bluetooth frequencies . Taking security to new levels, we are also seeing an increased demand for facial recognition software in badge printing processes.
“I’ve been seeing resurgence in facial recognition and an uptick in digital badges.” Kerwin Wong, Event Technologist at BW.
Gamification
Gamification has become a very popular trend in the events industry in recent years and will continue to be very impactful in 2025. Attendees want to be entertained at events, and gamification certainly keeps them engaged. Things like scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, networking challenges, social media contests, and interactive polls and surveys will all continue to be vital to the events happening this coming year.
Take away
We love the innovation coming out of the industry right now, and the overarching themes of prioritizing attendee experience, sustainability and incorporating AI. Leveraging the right tools, event planners can work smarter instead of harder on their event tech.
Looking to get started on your 2025 tech stack? The BW Events Tech team can help! We are committed to being platform agnostic, and helping find the best solution for your event based on your needs and budget. Reach out here or at [email protected] to get started.
