Photo courtesy of Pexels/Michael Burrows
The business events industry has always been an ecosystem defined by connection — bringing people together to share knowledge, spark innovation, and solve complex problems. Yet, as global volatility increases, from climate crises and geopolitical tension to shifting workforce expectations, one truth has become undeniable: our ability to convene is inseparable from the forces shaping the world around us.
That’s why the Events Industry Council (EIC) recently released its Futures Landscape Study 2025, a comprehensive foresight report designed to help the global business events community anticipate and prepare for change. It’s a call not only to reflect on where we’ve been but to reimagine how our work continues to create social transformation, trust, and economic impact.
You can access and download the full report from EIC here: Futures Landscape Study 2025.
About the Study
The Futures Landscape Study 2025 was the culmination of a year-long collaboration involving EIC’s 60+ association and corporate members, volunteer leaders, and research partners at Ipsos and GainingEdge, with support from the SITE Foundation. Through workshops, expert panels, and a global survey of professionals across every region and sector, the study explores the issues most likely to shape the industry’s future — not through prediction, but through strategic foresight.
The report organizes its insights around 12 key themes and seven macro forces, presenting a holistic picture of how our industry can remain agile, resilient, and purpose-driven.
The 12 Forces Shaping the Future
EIC’s research identified 12 interconnected forces — none of which operate in isolation — that collectively define the future of the events industry: Accessibility, Advocacy, Business Models, Climate Risk, DEI, ESG, Infrastructure, Mobility, Risk and Security, Talent and Workforce Development, Technology, and Wellbeing.
These topics converge around three broader imperatives for our industry:
1. Inclusion & Representation: Accessibility, advocacy, DEI, and talent development reflect our shared responsibility to make events — and the event industry itself — more equitable and inviting. Respondents noted that accessibility expectations are evolving rapidly, from venue design to hybrid participation options, while advocacy efforts remain fragmented, calling for a stronger, unified voice. Meanwhile, diversity and inclusion efforts, though gaining traction, must move beyond performative gestures to embed equity into culture and design.
2. Sustainability & Risk: Climate risk, ESG, infrastructure, mobility, and security challenges are converging as global disruptions intensify. Event professionals are grappling with the dual pressures of increasing environmental regulation and growing expectations for sustainability. The report underscores that resilience is now a competitive advantage: sustainable practices, supply chain adaptability, and risk mitigation are essential for business continuity and destination viability.
3. Innovation & Wellbeing: Technology, evolving business models, and wellbeing highlight both opportunity and caution. As artificial intelligence and automation expand, they bring efficiency — but also the risk of overextension, burnout, and loss of the “human touch.” Participants voiced concerns about an “always-on” culture colliding with rising expectations for productivity and personalization. The takeaway? Wellbeing is not a perk; it’s a prerequisite for longevity — for both people and the industry itself.
The Macro Forces Behind the Trends
Beneath these 12 themes lie seven macro forces — deep, global shifts reshaping not just events, but society as a whole. These include:
Together, these macro forces reinforce that future-readiness is no longer optional. The report reminds us that organizations with strong foresight practices outperform the average by 33% in profitability and 200% in growth — a compelling argument for integrating foresight into business strategy.
Three Big Takeaways for Event Professionals
1. Invest in People: From accessibility to wellbeing, human capital is the throughline across every topic. The report paints a picture of a workforce seeking purpose, inclusion, and balance — not just productivity. Organizations that prioritize flexible work models, upskilling, and holistic wellness will be better positioned to attract and retain talent.
As one respondent put it, “By focusing more on employee well-being, we can ensure that we keep our good employees happy and within the industry.” Future-ready leaders will recognize that the longevity of the events industry is tied to the longevity of its people.
2. Plan for Complexity: Event professionals must now navigate an increasingly fragmented and interconnected risk landscape — spanning climate, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and geopolitics. From extreme weather and travel disruptions to new regulatory frameworks for ESG and data privacy, the call is clear: complexity is the new normal.
To succeed, event organizers must adopt a mindset of continuous adaptation — embedding scenario planning, risk assessments, and sustainability metrics into every phase of the event lifecycle. Future success will hinge not on prediction, but preparedness.
3. Lead with Purpose: The report challenges our industry to move from performative to authentic action in DEI, ESG, and advocacy. Stakeholders expect organizations to take stands that align with values, not just marketing narratives. A unified, intentional approach to advocacy can elevate the visibility and legitimacy of our field on the global stage — ensuring that the business events sector is recognized not just as an economic engine, but as a catalyst for connection and change.
As the report notes, advocacy, accessibility, DEI, and talent “offer chances for the events industry to grow its reach by inviting more people in and onto the stage.”
Looking Ahead
The Futures Landscape Study 2025 is more than a snapshot of where we are — it’s a roadmap for where we could go if we act with intention. Its central message is one of hope through preparedness: that by embracing foresight, collaboration, and human-centered design, the events industry can thrive in an era of uncertainty.
For those of us committed to building meaningful, inclusive, and resilient gatherings, this report is an invitation to reflect deeply and plan boldly.
Download and explore the full report: EIC Futures Landscape Study 2025
