Six Meeting Trends to Watch in 2025 (and How Raleigh, N.C., Leads the Way)
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 9am
The meetings and conventions industry is evolving rapidly, with a focus on intentionality, resilience, sustainability and a balance between technology and human connection. As we look ahead to 2025, here are six key trends to watch in the meeting space and how Raleigh, N.C., is leading the charge.
Hybrid and hybrid-friendly events
Hybrid events—where in-person and virtual elements are integrated seamlessly—will continue to be a dominant trend in 2025. The flexibility and accessibility of hybrid meetings cater to diverse attendee preferences and expand event reach beyond geographical limitations.
Raleigh’s venues, such as the Raleigh Convention Center and Lenovo Center, offer state-of-the-art hybrid event capabilities. These venues are equipped with advanced technology to host engaging in-person and virtual experiences, ensuring that all attendees, whether on-site or remote, feel connected.
Sustainability in event planning
Sustainability remains a top priority for meeting and event planners, with an increasing number of organizations and attendees prioritizing eco-conscious practices. From reducing waste to incorporating sustainable catering and event materials, 2025 will see further strides toward more environmentally friendly meetings.
The Raleigh area’s commitment to sustainability is evident across its venues and hospitality sector. The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary takes an innovative approach with its on-site farm, which supplies fresh ingredients for its acclaimed restaurant Herons—a true farm-to-table dining experience that reduces the carbon footprint of catering. Meanwhile, many of the destination’s hotels and venues are integrating eco-friendly features like energy-efficient lighting, composting programs and sustainable event certifications, making the destination an ideal choice for environmentally responsible meetings.
Personalization and attendee experience
The shift toward more personalized event experiences is gaining momentum. Attendees expect more tailored content, networking opportunities and event interactions that speak directly to their interests and needs.
Raleigh’s unique venues, like Marbles Kids Museum, provide event planners with customizable spaces and technologies that allow for tailored attendee experiences. Additionally, programs like People-First Tourism Signature Experiences offer visitors immersive, community-driven experiences that connect them with local culture, history and entrepreneurship. Raleigh’s rich cultural scene and local attractions offer unique opportunities for personalized off-site experiences, ensuring attendees enjoy a holistic and memorable event.
Ultimately, Nobody Out-Nerds Raleigh—meeting attendees can fully embrace and celebrate their inner nerds in a place where like-minded folks totally get it.
Technology’s transformative role
In 2025, technology will continue to enhance meeting experiences, from virtual reality to advanced AI-driven tools that enable real-time data collection and personalized communication. However, there is a growing focus on balancing tech with authentic human connection.
Raleigh is at the forefront of integrating technology into events without compromising the human element. North Carolina State University's James B. Hunt Jr. Library provides an innovative space for tech-driven meetings, offering cutting-edge resources like virtual reality labs, interactive digital displays and AI-powered research tools. Additionally, Raleigh is a growing hub for esports, with North Carolina Esports Academy providing immersive gaming experiences, high-performance gaming stations and live-streaming capabilities. This reflects the city's strength in hosting tech-forward events, from esports tournaments to interactive business conferences that leverage gaming and VR for engagement.
Wellness and mental health at events
The importance of attendee well-being is becoming more central to meeting planning. In 2025, planners will increasingly prioritize mental health initiatives, offering wellness activities and ensuring a balanced and stress-free event experience.
Raleigh is ahead of the curve with wellness-focused venues that integrate health-conscious amenities into the meeting experience. Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness guestrooms featuring Peloton bikes, yoga mats, resistance bands and more, allowing guests to maintain their routines while traveling. The Umstead Hotel and Spa offers an award-winning spa with luxury treatments, ideal for relaxation before or after events. Additionally, The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport incorporates wellness initiatives throughout its property, from nutritious dining options to in-room fitness gear and guided meditation programs, ensuring attendees leave feeling rejuvenated.
Intellectual capital and innovation
Raleigh’s reputation as a research and innovation hub makes it a prime destination for meetings that emphasize thought leadership and industry advancement. Home to 10 traditional universities and colleges, including Tier -1 research university North Carolina State University, and a portion of the Research Triangle Park, the region fosters collaboration between academia, technology and business.
Events in Raleigh can tap into this intellectual capital by incorporating keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities with industry experts across technology, biotech, pharmaceuticals and more. With access to cutting-edge research and innovation, Raleigh provides meeting planners with a unique opportunity to create content-rich, knowledge-driven events.
As the industry embraces these trends, Raleigh, N.C.'s forward-thinking venues and commitment to sustainable, personalized and wellness-focused events make it a leading destination for meetings and conventions in 2025.
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Five of these key industry trends were based on trends Cvent identified in this article.