WASHINGTON, D.C. — From supply chain challenges to fluctuating destination preferences of attendees, planners are tasked with staying on the forefront when organizing events. As 2024 draws to a close, industry expert Catherine Chaulet, President and CEO of Global DMC Partners, the largest worldwide network of independent DMCs, offered her input on what planners can expect next year, with a list of predictions for the industry in 2025.
“Overall, the MICE industry is embracing a future that values intentionality, resilience and sustainability while balancing the transformative potential of technology with the irreplaceable power of human connection,” Chaulet stated. “As planners navigate these trends, the focus will remain on creating meaningful, forward-thinking events.”
Destination preferences are mutating based on changes in tastes of attendees, geopolitics and climate change, among other issues. According to Chaulet, planners are seeking more diverse destinations, including more far-flung and exotic locales around the world, namely in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
There are also shifts in taste based on overtourism, as destinations focus on lesser-known regions of their countries, such as Portugal promoting areas outside of Lisbon. Aside from bringing attendees to new locations, Chaulet noted that meetings and events in undiscovered cities help relieve the environmental and logistical stress on larger cities.
“Destination selection will increasingly factor in overtourism challenges, with some destinations facing reduced demand from the industry or a shift to off-peak seasons,” Chaulet said. “Meanwhile, three- and four-star hotels are gaining traction among planners over five-star luxury resorts, offering exceptional value and strong ROI options for events.”
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Regional tensions are also influencing how and where planners are booking events. According to Chaulet, it’s even more critical that planners monitor global stability to avert last-minute cancelations. While some hotspots are forcing planners to relocate, other areas offer more options due to expanding seasonality, as climate change is bringing milder weather in former offseason winter months for cities like Boston. Booking in less traveled seasons can help planners keep costs down.
Prices of hotels, flights, A/V and F&B are still being affected by supply chain issues. Chaulet predicts attendees and planners will not see lower prices since demand continues to outpace supply. In addition, some of the geopolitical challenges worldwide are forcing airlines to fly longer routes to avoid risky airspace. Airlines are specifically having to navigate higher costs for parts due to shortages, which has resulted in some smaller airlines going out of business or declaring bankruptcy, resulting in fewer low-cost options for attendees and planners.
Chaulet also foresees a continued focus on sustainable tourism, with planners prioritizing reducing waste, incorporating locally sourced food and beverage and offering experiences that positively contribute to local economies and communities.
Wellness and programs that prioritize “high-performance living” will gain in popularity in 2025, according to Chaulet, including medicalized wellness experiences such as advanced diagnostics, tailored recovery programs, and self-care practices designed to boost physical and mental vitality.
AI will also continue to transform the events industry, according to Chaulet. “AI is revolutionizing the efficiency of trade show and event planners, offering transformative benefits for those who embrace it. However, this shift brings new considerations: efficiency will now be expected, and project pricing — once tied to extensive hours of work — will need to reflect the speed AI enables.”
AI will also help planners offer personalized itineraries and creative engagement tools, as the benefits of face-to-face connections and networking continue to drive the industry.
Reach Catherine Chaulet at catherinec@globaldmcpartners.com
