In an era where business meetings and corporate gatherings are rapidly evolving, Hilton has taken the lead in defining the future of professional events by launching its groundbreaking 2025 Meetings & Events Trends Report. Designed to address the shifting demands of event planners and attendees, the report introduces “The Meetings Maximizer: The Next Generation of Meetings & Events” alongside the revolutionary ‘World’s Most Welcoming Events’ initiative.
Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, emphasized the transformative nature of this initiative:
“’World’s Most Welcoming Events’ is intended to set a new standard of hospitality by supporting our customers with the right insights and tools to encourage meaningful moments of connection.”
Hilton’s research, derived from an extensive U.S. survey of over 1,000 professionals attending in-person meetings and events over the next two years, identifies four major trends reshaping the meetings industry. From the rise of ‘Silent Meeting Time’ to the growing preference for ‘Pod Squad Travel,’ Hilton’s findings shed light on the shifting dynamics of corporate networking and event engagement.
Key Meeting & Event Trends for 2025
1. Event Prep 2.0: The Rise of Extreme Meeting Preparedness
Event attendees prioritise preparation, emphasising communication, personal branding, and easing networking anxieties. The report highlights that:
![Frank Passanante, Kelly Knowlen, Bonnie Campagnuolo and Jason Dorsey at Hilton Experience Showcase in New York City 2025.](https://eglobaltravelmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Frank-Passanante-Kelly-Knowlen-Bonnie-Campagnuolo-and-Jason-Dorsey-at-Hilton-Experience-Showcase-in-New-York-City-2025-300x200.jpg)
Frank Passanante, Kelly Knowlen, Bonnie Campagnuolo and Jason Dorsey at Hilton Experience Showcase in New York City 2025.
- 71% of attendees feel more welcomed when receiving a detailed agenda in advance.
- 61% appreciate a personal greeting upon arrival.
- 59% prefer text-based Q&A features for instant support.
- 54% believe icebreaker questions help initiate conversations and alleviate social discomfort.
With nearly half of respondents admitting to feeling uneasy about engaging in spontaneous conversations, Hilton’s focus on structured networking tools is set to revolutionize the attendee experience.
2. Stress-Free Event Experiences: Catering to Attendee Needs
From dietary preferences to attire guidelines, attendees increasingly seek stress-free event planning. Hilton’s research uncovered that:
- 60% prefer receiving food menus in advance to accommodate dietary needs.
- 52% value non-alcoholic drink options to enhance inclusivity.
- 79% of Gen Z professionals experience anxiety about appropriate attire, making dress code guidelines essential to event communication.
By addressing these details proactively, Hilton ensures that business events become seamless, enjoyable, and accessible experiences for all attendees.
3. Silent Meeting Time: The Need for Intentional Breaks
Hilton’s findings confirm a growing demand for quiet, individual-focused moments at professional gatherings. The report reveals that:
- 78% of professionals need occasional breaks during work events.
- 65% feel more comfortable when quiet zones are available for checking emails or working.
- 62% find smaller meetings more conducive to active participation than large-scale events.
Hilton fosters an environment where attendees can recharge and maximize productivity by incorporating dedicated’ quiet spaces’ at meetings and conferences.
4. Pod Squad Travel: The Shift to Group-Oriented Networking
Hilton’s report highlights a significant shift in how professionals approach networking at business events. The emergence of ‘Pod Squad Travel’—a trend where attendees prefer attending events with familiar colleagues—has reshaped networking. Key insights include:
- 82% of attendees prefer attending events with someone they know.
- 71% have met someone at a work event who significantly impacted their career growth.
- 29% of global travellers take ‘Frolleague’ (friend + colleague) trips.
By recognizing this trend, Hilton is implementing event structures that foster organic networking while catering to the comfort of professionals who thrive in smaller, trusted groups.
A Visionary Approach to Meetings & Events
Frank Passanante, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sales and HRCC at Hilton, underscores the importance of embracing these new dynamics:
“The power of in-person gatherings and face-to-face interactions is endless—from strengthening workplace culture and building greater team trust to ultimately driving business results. Understanding the changing needs of customers and attendees and acting quickly to evolve and innovate is pivotal to propelling our industry forward.”
Hilton’s commitment to innovation is evident through a suite of new tools and services to enhance the event planning experience. These include:
- The World’s Most Welcoming Events Playbook – A comprehensive guide integrated into Hilton’s EventReady Playbook.
- Hilton Meeting Packages – Streamlining the booking process for planners.
- Hilton Incentive Collaborative – Offering curated experiences for event participants.
- Hilton Honors Event Planner Program – Allowing organizers to earn bonus points on qualifying events.
- Meet with Purpose Program – A sustainable initiative fostering meaningful corporate gatherings.
With these innovations, Hilton sets a new benchmark for business events, ensuring seamless experiences catering to evolving professional needs.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Corporate Gatherings
Hilton’s 2025 Meetings & Events Trends Report is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to redefining hospitality. By identifying emerging trends and delivering tailored solutions, Hilton is not just keeping up with industry shifts—it’s shaping the future of corporate gatherings.
For professionals and event planners eager to stay ahead of the curve, the full report is available at stories.hilton.com/2025EventTrends. To explore Hilton’s event planning solutions, visit hilton.com/en/events.
As businesses worldwide navigate the evolving landscape of corporate events, one thing is clear: Hilton is leading the charge in ensuring that meetings are more welcoming, productive, and innovative than ever before.
Written by: Bridget Gomez