Event industry trends 2026: 8 must-know predictions to have on your radar

It’s not just the fashion industry that follows trends. Anyone who works in events can confirm that the sector works in similar cycles, fluctuating between what’s hot and what’s not. The industry has undergone a significant transformation over recent years, with work patterns and attitudes drastically changing. Flexibility is key, and a focus on wellness is truly back in business. As an industry, the venue space is constantly in flux, and if you’re looking to get your Q1 plans sorted, you’ll want to know the best ways to cater to your team. We’ve put together a few of the trends that have been gaining momentum over the past year that we think will continue to gain prominence into 2026.

There are countless factors that continue to affect and shape the events industry. Sustainability is a big one, and has become a fundamental consideration for both bookers and venues when it comes to planning and hosting events. For Nils Braude, Managing Director at Twickenham Stadium, it’s a no-brainer.

‘Sustainability will of course remain a priority. The recent survey from ICE once again underlined how important it is to corporate event organisers and we will continue to have conversations with our own clients on how to keep events more sustainable.’ 

There are other key trends that have made their mark over the past 12 months. Advancements in AI and AI-powered technology have continued to develop at an alarming speed, changing the way we plan and execute events, whilst a rise in the importance of wellness-driven events is expected to permeate the industry going forward. The events sector is changing rapidly and it’s more important than ever for organisers to stay ahead of the curve.

As the UK’s leading venue finder, we like to think we have the inside scoop when it comes to the zeitgeist event trends paving the way for change. Check out our predictions for 2026.

1. Levelled-up sustainability considerations

The Conduit, Covent Garden, is one of London's most sustainable venues.

Sustainability appears in trend predictions year after year, but we’re expecting businesses to hone in on their sustainable practices more than ever in 2026.

This shift began back in 2023, with the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which required companies to report on their environmental and social impacts to drive accountability and transparency, including the environmental impact of their events. All are required to share statistics on waste management, energy consumption, supplier values and other sustainable strategies, which is likely to cause a surge in innovation within the industry.

New UK waste rules were also introduced by the Government in March 2025, requiring companies (those with 10 full-time employees or more) to comply with stricter recycling guidelines, in an attempt to reduce waste. Sustainability in events is a focus that only continues to grow, and it's no longer an optional consideration when it comes to event planning.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, all you have to do is look to some of the pioneering venues in London that are leading the charge. Ethical member’s club The Conduit has shared its Impact Reports from the last few years on its website, detailing its continued commitments to responsible sourcing, environmental practices, carbon reduction and employment standards.

The Barbican is levelling up its sustainable offering, with reconstruction kicking off in 2027

The Barbican is another venue this year that is injecting a huge amount of money and resources into improving its sustainable offering. The venue has announced a multi-million renovation which is set to begin in 2027. This dramatic redevelopment will increase its biodiversity, as well as enhanced window glazing to improve energy efficiency.

Elsewhere, Levy Hospitality Group has announced that it will be replacing traditional burgers with a venison alternative which could reduce emissions by up to 85% (saving an estimated 1,182 tonnes of CO2 annually). The group works at major venues across the UK where the initiative is already being rolled out, including The Kia Oval, The O2, The NEC, and the National Theatre.

Jon Davies, CEO of Levy UK & Ireland, commented: ‘Championing wild venison is the next big move in our deep decarbonisation journey. Levy is committed to driving sustainability at scale, and wild venison is the most sustainable and healthy red meat by miles. Getting more of this underrated, yet delicious meat into the food chain is a necessary - and fantastic - move for people and planet.’

So if you're a venue or planner that's not already thinking about the sustainability of your events, consider this your official sign to start. 

2. AI will continue to revolutionise event planning and execution

AI is being used across multiple sectors to streamline workflows and free up time for workers so they can focus on ‘big picture’ tasks rather than menial manual jobs. For event planners, this means less time creating schedules and answering FAQs and more time focusing on creative and strategic endeavours.

There are a wealth of AI-powered tools that can help with event planning, production and measuring ROI – it's impossible to keep track of them all! RingCentral Events, for example, is an all-in-one platform that helps planners create personalised events, including building email templates and event schedules, writing marketing copy, hosting webinars and sharing important information, allowing even the most novice planners to create memorable events.

We also predict there to be an increase in education around these tools and other event-focused technology in general, in order to complement – rather than replace – the role of event planners.

Fascinated about the world of AI in events? We wrote an entire guide on how artificial intelligence is changing the events industry, and how to use it to maximise the effectiveness of your events. 

3. Hybrid formats become the new default

The Royal Society of Chemistry, Mayfair, boasts hybrid facilities, with permanent screens throughout its historic spaces

While face-to-face events have long reigned supreme, the move towards virtual and remote work has led to the emergence of a new type of event. Hybrid events are fast becoming the norm, designed to cater equally to those attending in person and those joining remotely. Whether it’s a conference, panel discussion or networking event, planners now need to assume the presence of both in-person and virtual attendees, figuring out how best to cater to both audiences.

Ice Research, in association with Cvent, found that ‘74.5% of event professionals say hybrid events are here to stay,’ with 52% noting their preference for ‘flexibility and potential to reduce travel.’ This is a trend that is only going to continue to grow.

There are plenty of advantages to this type of event. Firstly, they allow for extended reach. Attendees can dial in from anywhere in the world, opening events up to a far broader audience. The same goes for speakers, too - virtual participation makes it easier to secure high-profile experts who may not be able to travel. This comes with reduced costs as there’s no need to worry about travel or accommodation expenses. There’s also greater flexibility, allowing attendees to join in a way that suits them. Those who value face-to-face interaction will be equally satisfied, allowing the in-person element to remain intact. It’s really the best of both worlds.

So what do you need to consider when planning a hybrid event? Engagement boosting activities needs to be built into the structure of your event, not just added on as a last minute thought. Tools such as live polling can help increase participation, while hybrid-friendly challenges or activities allow in-person and virtual attendees to interact and collaborate together. It may also be worth considering a dedicated virtual host - someone whose sole focus is to look after your online audience, rather than relying on the occasional ‘check-in’ during the day.

Before you book your venue, be sure to think about how everyone in your team, both in-person and remote, can participate. The goal is to make remote attendees feel just as involved as those in the room - not simply watching from behind screens. To help, we've rounded up London's best hybrid conference venues, with spaces that are well-adapted for this new format.

4. Immersive experiences at events will still be a priority

The Murdér Express experience by Funicular Productions is sure to leave a lasting impression

It’s no longer enough to simply gather a group in a nice venue. Events now have to have an immersive element – something that gets guests talking and looks good on social media. There are many reasons for this: the rise of AI-powered technology such as AR and VR are being utilised more and more as unique ways to engage guests. Social media, of course, has its own part to play, not only because guests are more likely to share an unusual and exciting event on their channels, but because it propels events with an immersive element into the mainstream. If others are doing it, you should be too.

Things like escape rooms, experiential art and interactive theatre are all good examples, but if you’re after more inspiration, check out our guide to the best immersive experiences in London.

5. Wellness-led events take centre stage

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Somerset, balances its corporate event spaces with its onsite natural spa

Wellbeing is no longer a ‘nice to have’ element of your event. New findings from the 2025 Mindful Mornings, Active Afternoons Survey reveal a clear shift in priorities, with 90% of delegates viewing team-building as essential to business success. As working habits continue to evolve, employees are placing greater value on flexibility and balance, including time carved out for movement, fresh air, and personal resets. 

Events, particularly multi-day conferences, can be demanding environments. Long days, disrupted sleep, unfamiliar routines and high-pressure situations all take their toll. Wellness-led events aim to counter this by focusing not just on what the attendees learn, but how they feel throughout the experience - resulting in more positive, long-lasting takeaways.

Venue choice plays a significant role here. When surveyed, 53% of respondents said location was the single most important factor when selecting a venue, with accessibility, atmosphere and natural surroundings outweighing considerations such as facilities or technology. It’s a clear signal that delegates are craving spaces that support both productivity and wellbeing.

So, what does that look like in practice? Think moments for mindfulness or meditation, outdoor activities that make the most of green surroundings, thoughtful catering designed to support energy levels, and schedules that allow for breathing room between sessions. There are plenty of ways to put wellness front of mind when planning your event. We've rounded up the best UK venues for wellness events, if you're looking to put this one into practice.

6. Sober-friendly events are becoming more mainstream

The way people approach alcohol is changing - and events are evolving with it. Fewer Brits are drinking than ever before, with younger generations in particular opting for non-alcoholic alternatives. A recent national survey, commissioned by ANON Drinks, has found that ‘nearly half (46%) of 18-24 year olds [are] now opting for non-alcoholic alternatives, significantly higher than the national average of 32%.’ Constrastingly, '11% of participants aged 65 and over reported doing the same, underlining the generational divide.’

Julian Ebbutt, Managing Director of ANON Drinks, said: ‘The results highlight a real shift in how people across the UK approach drinking. Gen Z are leading the way, with over 40% open to trying more non-alcoholic options. Millennials are following closely behind, with 63% saying they’re cutting back to stay in control when socialising. It’s clear that people aren’t stepping away from social occasions - they’re simply choosing to enjoy them on their own terms.’

Health is a major driver behind this change, alongside a growing desire for greater control over drinking habits. As social norms around alcohol continue to evolve, venues are having to broaden their soft drinks offerings. Today, an alcohol-free option can no longer be an afterthought and you can’t just throw in a token soft drink. With more high-quality non-alcoholic alternatives entering the market, event planners are expected to raise their game and ensure events are genuinely sober-friendly.

For more tips and tricks on how to make these changes, check out our guide to hosting sober-friendly events, from providing alcohol-free spaces to thinking consciously about glassware.

7. Purpose-led events matter more than ever

It might sound obvious, but events are increasingly being judged on one simple question: Was it worth being there? We’re seeing a clear move away from the ‘could have been an email’ style of event - those that demand time, travel and attention without delivering anything of real substance.

As employees become more selective about how they spend their time, they expect meetings, conferences and off-sites to have a clear reason. If people are travelling across the country, or giving up evenings away from home, the event needs to offer genuine value. Purpose-led events - with defined objectives, relevant content and speakers who bring fresh insight - are far more likely to resonate.

8. Smaller, in-person meetings will continue to boom

With a shift towards hybrid working, employees no longer see each other five days a week – or at least not in person. As such, companies are seeking to bring teams together with smaller events and team meetings.

Amy Russell, Assistant Director of Distribution GM&E at Park Plaza Riverbank, comments on this shift. ‘Within the UK, one of the major trends we have seen this year and expect to continue is that the meetings market in general is growing, while large conferences (100-500 pax) are showing signs of slowing.'

It might seem like a simple change, but Amy explains that venues are having to adapt to this new interest for smaller events. ‘This has led to a demand for more efficient and quick ways to book smaller meetings and events and lots of our customers and agents now want to book online.’

If anything, the rise of micro-events can be expected in 2026, with companies choosing targeted workshops and intimate roundtables for just a handful of guests, bringing that personal approach to each event. Need to book a meeting yourself? Check out London's best meeting rooms for your next team event or gathering. 

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