WHAT’S NEXT FOR SPECIAL EVENT PLANNING? 5 TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2025
Event planners have a lot to look forward to in 2025. Last year, we saw more integration with technology, increased interest in sustainability, and the embracement of vibrant colors. Some of those trends will continue into 2025, albeit far more refined, thanks to the growth of interactive tech, AI, and sustained care for the planet.
Our special event insurance providers share six of the top event planning trends to watch for in 2025.
1. GREENER SPECIAL EVENTS
Recent surveys show most customers actively seek environmentally conscious brands and services. Event planners have the opportunity to align their festivities with customer wants by embracing sustainability using the following practical tips for going green:
- Source local, seasonal food and beverages
- Send digital invitations
- Use reusable or compostable serving ware, utensils, and dishware
- Set up clearly labeled recycling, compost, and waste stations
2. HYBRID EVENTS
More corporate events are going hybrid in 2025 thanks to the adoption of new tech that allows guests to connect in person or online. In fact, nearly two-thirds of event planners will leverage hybrid events to reach more attendees.
Here are a few tips from our event insurance team to make your 2025 hybrid event more engaging and memorable:
- Offer a parallel digital experience that matches the in-person event to the best of your ability
- Create online resources that complement the online experience
- Use AR filters and virtual backgrounds that match the in-person venue aesthetic
- Offer breakout rooms to connect with in-person attendees
3. AI WILL SIMPLIFY PARTY PLANNING AND THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
The evolution of AI gives party planners a powerful tool that simplifies everything from guest management to creative planning, ultimately enhancing the experience for attendees while making your job easier.
AI can also offer a more personalized guest experience, allowing you to tailor the event based on their wants. Here’s how party planners can leverage AI for their special events in 2025:
- AI-powered guest list management will streamline RSVPs
- Virtual event assistants will handle real-time guest inquiries
- Predictive analytics can help plan food and beverage budgets
- Personalization will provide a more individualized guest experience
4. ELEVATED AND ENGAGING EXPERIENCES
Special event planners are offering guests multi-sensory parties, from living art pieces to interactive light shows. These engaging experiences represent a shift in how we think about event planning by embracing ways that allow guests to participate through sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.
Here are a few ways to make your special event more engaging:
- Create immersive food stations with live culinary demonstrations where guests can watch chefs prepare dishes
- Design interactive light and sound installations that respond to guest movements and interactions
- Set up tactile experience zones where guests can engage with different textures and materials.
5. EVOLVED EVENT DESIGN 
Modern aesthetics that complement the more immersive aspects of your event will leave guests with lasting impressions that extend beyond the typical event experience. As a result, 2025 will see party planners using more of the following design choices:
- Smart lighting that adjusts automatically to complement the event’s timeline
- More texture and draping around table and seating areas
- Cohesive branding throughout the space that subtly reinforces the event’s theme
- More plants, living walls, suspended gardens, and other natural textures
CONTACT US TODAY FOR SPECIAL EVENT INSURANCE COVERAGE
Special event insurance offers peace of mind for planners and attendees alike, ensuring that the unexpected doesn’t derail the celebration or cause financial challenges after the festivities.
Contact us today, and we’ll begin curating an individualized plan for your event.
