The Future of Events: Key Insights from AIME 2025’s Global Business Outlook Panel
The events industry is undergoing a seismic transformation—driven by AI, sustainability, and shifting attendee expectations. At the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2025, industry leaders Tim Groot ( Grip ), Carina Bauer ( IMEX Group), Dr Senthil Gopinath ( ICCA ), and Sven Bossu ( AIPC ) came together to unpack the trends shaping the future of meetings and conventions.
Against a backdrop of global economic shifts, the panel revealed staggering growth: 1,100 new meetings added in 2024 and a 64% surge in association meetings the previous year. But beyond the numbers, the discussion offered a roadmap for event professionals navigating 2025 and beyond.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. The AI Evolution: “Hop, Step, Jump” for Event Success
Tim Groot introduced a three-phase approach to AI adoption in events:
Hop: Use AI for process efficiency (e.g., automating registrations, matchmaking).
Step: Experiment with AI-driven content creation (personalised agendas, real-time translations).
Jump: Embrace immersive experiences (virtual reality integrations, AI-powered networking).
With tools like O3 AI revolutionising event planning, the message was clear: AI isn’t replacing human connections—it’s enhancing them.
2. Sustainability = Profitability (No More Excuses)
Carina Bauer and Senthil Gopinath made a compelling case: Sustainability is now a financial imperative, not just an ethical one.
Zero-waste events and local supply chains are cost-effective and attendee-approved.
Gopinath urged companies to include sustainability metrics in balance sheets—proving that green practices drive ROI.
The takeaway? Eco-friendly events aren’t “nice to have”—they’re a competitive advantage.
3. The Rise of Experiential & Personalised Events
Attendees no longer want passive conferences—they crave meaningful, personalised experiences.
Bauer highlighted well-being integrations (e.g., flexible schedules, mindfulness breaks).
Groot predicted longer, multi-event trips, where attendees bundle conferences to maximise travel.
Smaller, hyper-focused meetings are outpacing large-scale conventions, with hosted buyer programs and co-located events gaining traction.
The future? Events that feel tailored, interactive, and human-first.
4. Convention Centres Must Innovate—or Get Left Behind
Sven Bossu tackled the challenges facing venues:
Predictive maintenance (AI-driven facility management).
Better marketing to attract diverse events.
Leadership as “chief unifiers”—harnessing collective organisational knowledge to drive change.
His rallying cry? “Automate manual processes to free up time for strategic innovation.”
5. The Events Industry’s Superpower: Return on Relationships (ROR)
Beyond ROI, the panel agreed: The true value of events lies in fostering trust and connections.
Face-to-face interactions remain irreplaceable for building partnerships.
Risk-sharing models (between planners, venues, and associations) are key to resilience.
The industry is a cornerstone of the knowledge economy, facilitating global intellectual exchange.
Key Takeaways for Event Professionals in 2025
✅ AI is a tool, not a threat—use it to enhance, not replace, human connection.
✅ Sustainability = profitability—embed it in your financial strategy.
✅ Personalisation wins—design events for engagement, not just attendance.
✅ Smaller, more frequent meetings are the future.
✅ Automate to innovate—cut manual tasks to focus on strategy.
✅ ROI matters, but ROR (Return on Relationships) matters more.
Final Thought: Adapt or Get Disrupted
The panel’s message was clear: The events industry is growing, but only for those willing to evolve.
Complacency is the biggest risk.
Innovation starts before disruption forces your hand.
The future belongs to agile, forward-thinking leaders.
Will you be driving change—or watching from the sidelines?
Credits: Thanks to BEAMexperience for bringing together such an insightful panel.
What’s your biggest takeaway for the future of events? Share your thoughts in the comments!