Planning Successful Events in 2026: Hilton’s Trends Report for Corporate Gatherings

Hilton’s recent report analyzes how meeting and event attendees may interact in 2026. Tech and AI advancements keep changing the way we do things, but the focus will continue to shift to genuine, in-person experiences. These experiences let people build real connections. From Hilton’s “Why We Gather” report, we can identify trends that will impact the future of corporate gatherings.

Authenticity in Attendee Interactions

One of the standout findings from the report is the growing desire for people to bring their “authentic selves” to work events. A significant 84% of survey respondents expressed a preference for genuine interactions, underscoring the importance of creating spaces where people can be their true selves. As the world becomes more digitally connected, in-person experiences are seen as valuable opportunities to disconnect from technology and engage meaningfully with colleagues and industry peers.

Networking and Career Advancement

Looking ahead to 2026, attendees are prioritizing networking and professional growth when attending meetings and events. Nearly half of those surveyed (49%) revealed that meeting new people and building stronger bonds with their teams will be their main motivation for attending work events. This reflects a broader shift towards purpose-driven gatherings designed to facilitate career momentum, skill development, and professional relationships.

The Role of AI and Technology

While face-to-face connections remain paramount, the integration of technology is still highly valued by event attendees. A considerable 67% of survey participants agreed that AI-driven assistance during events is a helpful tool, providing time-saving benefits that allow them to focus on more important tasks. Technology now serves as an enabler for smoother event operations, ensuring attendees are free to engage fully in the experience.

Exploring Local Culture

In addition to the core benefits of networking and career development, attendees are increasingly drawn to events that offer an immersion in local culture. 84% of survey respondents noted that experiencing the local culture was a major perk of attending work-related events. This trend reflects the growing importance of cultural exposure as part of the broader attendee experience.

A New Era of Ambition: Personal and Professional Growth

As meetings and events evolve, they are becoming platforms for personal and professional ambition. Success is no longer solely about appearances or surface-level interactions. Attendees are looking for environments that foster growth and enable them to express their professional goals. This trend is particularly noticeable in the way individuals approach their attire and actions during meetings. Around 71% of participants admitted to mirroring the behavior of industry leaders they aspire to emulate, and 57% have gone as far as changing their outfits multiple times a day to ensure they are dressed appropriately for each event.

The Wellness Agenda: Integrating Wellbeing Into Events

The wellness trend has gained significant traction, with 67% of attendees stating they feel disengaged during events that lack downtime. The importance of incorporating wellness into event planning is clear, with many attendees prioritizing breaks and solo time for mental and physical refreshment. Attendees also appreciate events that integrate wellness activities such as yoga or mindfulness sessions, with 76% expressing a preference for work-organized wellness programs. However, many also value the opportunity to recharge on their own, with 38% preferring personal downtime.

Wellness is not just limited to physical activities. For parents, the chance to disconnect from the pressures of parenting during work events is a significant advantage. About 81% of parents highlighted that having alone time is an often-overlooked benefit of corporate gatherings.

Creating Meaningful Experiences: Focus on Connection

As meetings and events continue to evolve, the focus on creating meaningful and memorable experiences has become more pronounced. Hilton has taken this insight to heart, continuously developing tools and resources to help event planners design events that not only meet logistical needs but also prioritize attendee engagement and wellbeing. The company’s “World’s Most Welcoming Events” initiative and EventReady Playbook are designed to guide event planners in creating spaces that foster genuine connection and professional growth.

Future Event Planning: A Balanced Approach

For event planners, the key to success in 2026 will lie in balancing authentic in-person connection with the right amount of technology to enhance the experience. This will require thoughtful integration of wellness breaks, cultural immersion, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth. As attendees seek more meaningful connections and a balance between work and wellbeing, event organizers will need to focus on creating experiences that go beyond traditional business meetings.

Hilton’s comprehensive approach to event planning offers a variety of resources, including Hilton Incentive Collaborative, Hilton Honors Event Planner Program, and Meet with Purpose. These tools help planners create seamless, impactful events that meet the diverse needs of attendees while ensuring a lasting impression.

Conclusion: The Future of Meetings and Events

As we move into 2026, the future of meetings and events will be shaped by attendees’ desire for authenticity, meaningful connections, and a focus on wellness. Hilton’s latest research reflects a significant cultural shift in how business gatherings are planned and experienced. By embracing these trends, event planners can create experiences that not only meet attendees’ expectations but exceed them—building connections that inspire collaboration and progress in the workplace.

If you are going to attend or organize an event, & understand how things are changing, you will know how to make a successful event. Focusing on what motivates attendees helps businesses and event planners create important and effective events.

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