Business Meeting and Event Trends to Watch in 2026

As we move into 2026, business events are changing quickly. New ways of working, new technology, money concerns, and the need to care about the planet are all affecting how companies plan and run their events. Here are some important trends that people who plan events and run event spaces should know this year.

1. The Return of In-Person: Smaller, More Strategic Gatherings

While hybrid and virtual formats remain part of the mix, in-person events are solidifying their role as the most impactful channel for companies. More organisers say in-person gatherings are their most effective marketing tool. However, these aren’t the massive conferences of the past. In 2026, small-to-medium-sized events (under 200 pax) will dominate. These more focused gatherings allow for deeper connection, more personalized experiences, and greater ROI. For venues, this means flexibility, modular spaces, and exceptional service are critical selling points.

2. The Tech-Driven Personalised Experience: Smart Tools for Business Meetings and Events

The technology revolution in events isn’t just for massive conferences, it’s transforming smaller formats too. In 2026, business events like workshops, team days, kick-offs, strategy sessions, and company parties are expected to embrace tech to enhance both experience and efficiency.

• AI will support streamlined scheduling, interactive content, attendee matchmaking, and real-time polls and feedback, without requiring large production teams.
• Information you gather directly from your attendees (first party data) is becoming increasingly important, because it helps oroganisers better understand what participants liked, how engaged they were, and what can be improved.
• Easy-to-use tech tools for signing up, sharing content, and checking how the event went are now more common and work well even for smaller events.

According to The Events Calendar, AI-driven personalization is among the top trends for 2026; This includes small, in-person business gatherings. For venues, offering reliable AV setups, fast WiFi, and built-in interactive tools isn’t optional—it’s expected, even for a team workshop or internal strategy day.

3. Purpose, Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Events are increasingly being evaluated through the lens of impact. Sustainability, DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), and social purpose are shaping both attendee expectations and corporate policies.

Gallup’s 2025 State of the Global Workplace revealed that only 21% of employees are engaged at work(drop from 23% last year), while 41% experience significant stress. Employees are seeking connection, belonging, and values alignment. Events that promote well-being, inclusion, and positive environmental impact will resonate more.

Planners are demanding venues that:

• Demonstrate green practices
• Source locally and reduce waste
• Provide wellness-friendly environments

These aren’t trends. They’re requirements.

4. Economic Pressure = Demand for Efficiency and ROI

The global economic outlook for 2026 remains mixed. Inflation, talent shortages, and cautious corporate spending mean every euro spent on events must count. According to PWC and EY’s survey, 57% of CEOs globally expect geopolitical and economic uncertainty to last well beyond a year and identify economic volatility as a key challenge.

Organizations are prioritizing:

• Clear ROI from events
• Flexible contracts and cancellation policies
• High-impact formats over high-volume attendance.

Venues that offer all-in-one packages, transparent pricing, and value-driven experiences will stand out in this climate.

5. Talent Shortages and Workforce Transition

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, a net 78 million new jobs will be created by 2030, but only 29% of companies expect talent availability to improve.

This workforce transition means professional development and upskilling events will increase. At the same time, disengaged employees (Gallup estimates global disengagement costs $8.9 trillion in lost productivity) need re-energizing.

Events are increasingly seen as tools for:

• Culture-building
• Training and reskilling
• Boosting engagement and retention

6. Location, Access & the “Near Me” Factor

Work-from-anywhere models have changed event geography. While global summits remain important, localized, easy-to-access events are on the rise.

A centrally located venue like HUONE Helsinki, and HUONE Singapore becomes even more attractive:

• Easy access by public transport
• Flexible space options for different team sizes
• The ability to combine meetings with local experiences

7. Experience is Everything

Finally, today’s attendees expect more than a room and a projector. They want engaging, immersive, and meaningful experiences.

This includes:

• Dynamic room layouts
• Interactive formats (e.g. workshops, co-creation)
• Comfort, wellness touches, and hospitality

Spaces that inspire connection and creativity will win.

Key Takeaways for Business meeting and Event Organisers in 2026

• Focus on flexibility: Offer modular spaces and mixed-format packages.
• Invest in technology: AV, streaming, data capture.
• Lead with purpose: Emphasize sustainability and well-being.
• Be value-first: Help clients justify the investment.
• Embrace small: Smaller events are high impact.
• Know your audience: Help clients engage their teams, not just rent a space.

As the workplace continues to shift and businesses aim to do more with less, events remain a powerful tool for connection, strategy, and culture. The venues and providers who evolve with the times will lead the way into the future of meetings.

Book your next Event at HUONE

(Sources: WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025, Bizzabo, Gallup, Cvent, EY, PWC, AMEX GBT)