Month: April 2025

2025 Event Trends You Can’t Ignore (According to Global Meetings Industry Day)

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

At CVENT’s Global Meetings Industry Day 2025, Rachel Andrews, Global Head of Meetings and Events, shared the biggest event trends shaping how we gather, connect, and grow this year. Here’s what you need to know (and how to stay ahead of the game).

New Event Trends 2025

Personalization Is Queen

The one-size-fits-all event? It’s officially canceled. Thanks to technology and AI, personalized experiences at scale are not just possible — they’re expected. From curated agendas to customized communications, attendees want to feel like your event was built just for them. And with the right tools, it can be.

AI Is Your New Event Planning BFF

Beyond personalization, AI is also your ticket to smarter, faster event planning. It’s helping teams streamline productivity, boost efficiency, and collaborate better than ever. If you’re not exploring AI solutions yet, 2025 is the year to get curious.

Data Activation: Start Small, Think Big

Event pros are swimming in data — but turning it into actionable insights? Still a major challenge. Pro tip: Start small. Pick a few key metrics (like attendee satisfaction, which 93.5% of corporate planners prioritize) and build from there. Some popular ones to track include:

  • Post-event survey responses (76% are doing this)
  • Attendee tracking numbers (72% are doing this)
  • Lead generation
  • Content performance
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS)
  • App engagement
  • Social media interaction

Don’t stress about tracking everything at once. Focus on the metrics that matter most to your business goals.

ROR: Return on Relationships

Forget just measuring dollars — it’s time to measure connections.

Building and nurturing relationships with your attendees creates serious long-term value. To maximize your Return on Relationships (ROR):

Field Marketing Events Are on the Rise

Smaller, localized field events are growing fast — and for good reason. They’re easier to personalize, foster stronger relationships, and keep the momentum going year-round (helping you build that ROR!). Heads up, though: Scaling lots of smaller events can overwhelm your team if you’re not prepared. Self-serve tools and smart automation are your best friends here.

Event Content = Marketing Gold

Stop letting your incredible event content fade away once the lights go down. In 2025, savvy marketers are stretching their event content across year-round campaigns. Think:

  • Repurposing sessions into webinars
  • Using on-site speakers for podcasts
  • Hosting VIP networking sessions after the event

Work smarter, not harder — and get way more mileage out of your events.

Unique Venues Are Stealing the Show

Say goodbye to cookie-cutter ballrooms. Attendees are craving unique, flexible, and affordable venues in new places — and the market is responding with:

If you want to wow your guests, think outside the conference center.

Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable

Over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability, and accessibility laws are evolving fast.

Your attendees expect events that are inclusive and accessible. That means:

  • Providing accessible room diagrams
  • Tailoring visuals, audio, and reading materials
  • Asking attendees directly what they need to feel more comfortable

When you design for accessibility, you design for everyone.

Data Privacy Is Getting Serious

New year, new privacy standards. Hotels, venues, and event pros are stepping up their efforts to protect attendee data — and you should too. Stay compliant, be transparent, and safeguard your attendees’ trust like it’s the VIP it is.

Ready to Crush These Event Trends in 2025?

Staying ahead of these trends isn’t just smart — it’s essential for creating unforgettable, impactful experiences.

Need help bringing your next big idea to life? Let’s chat!

Catch up with event tech trends to make your next event out of this world!

VOCES8 Brought the Magic—And Heroic Brought the Lights

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

Heroic Productions had the honor (and let’s be honest, the total joy) of transforming Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College once again. This time it was for something truly special. What was the occasion, you ask? Just a little concert featuring Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8!

The Gustavus music department rolled out the red carpet for this internationally acclaimed group, known for their stunning a cappella performances and world-class collaborations with top-tier musicians, orchestras, conductors, and soloists. Bonus points: the incredible Gustavus Choir also took the stage.

Heroic’s job? Create a visual and audio experience that matched the level of talent in the room. Challenge accepted.

VOCES8

To set the scene, we lit the acoustic shells in a beautiful progression of color. We started with a soft pink, moving to tranquil blue, and finishing with a pop of lime green (yes, it worked and it was stunning). We added glass podiums, uplit in a deep purple. This complemented the geometric flow of the shells and added an elegant edge.

And of course, we handled the audio—because when voices like these sing, every note deserves to be heard crystal clear from the front row to the back pew.

To see more of our work, visit our website.

To learn how our A/V can help amplify your next event, contact us.

Cut Costs, Not Corners: Corporate Events in Tier Three Cities

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

Tier three cities have a lot to offer when it comes to corporate events and conferences. And let’s face it, event budgets are shrinking, prices are climbing, and everyone’s trying to do more with less. Enter the underrated champions of the event world—tier three cities. 

These hidden gems offer big-time experiences without the big-time price tags. Thanks to insights from our friends at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), we explored a few tier three cities that give you the most bang for your buck!

Corpus Christi, Texas Tier Three Cities

Corpus Christi, Texas

Craving ocean views and cost savings? Corpus Christi has you covered. 

Nestled along the Southern Texas coast, this sunny spot is known for its stunning beaches. Just 30 minutes from downtown, Padre Island National Seashore stretches 113 miles and covers about 130,500 acres of pristine island along the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s an easy win for mixing business with beachside bliss.

Why it works for events:

  • The airport’s just 12 minutes from downtown. Bonus: all the downtown hotels offer complimentary airport transportation (saving you even more money!).
  • The convention center spans 138,000 sq. ft. and is priced competitively.
  • Hotel rates downtown tend to be lower than in larger cities.
  • And with less congestion, commute times are short and sweet.

Bottom line: Less time stuck in transit, more time soaking up sun—and success.

Greensboro, North Carolina Tier Three Cities

Greensboro, North Carolina

Charming, connected, and just a hop from almost anywhere—Greensboro makes logistics easy and experiences memorable.

Located about 90 minutes from Charlotte, this mid-sized city is closer than you think. In fact, 60% of the U.S. population lives within a 10-hour drive. And if road trips aren’t your thing, have no fear, all major airlines fly directly into Greensboro, and the airport is only 17 minutes from the heart of downtown. 

Why it’s a great pick:

  • Over 11,000 hotel rooms in the downtown area alone.
  • A deep history, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, with plenty of museums and historical landmarks to explore.
  • Known as “Tournament Town” thanks to its abundance of athletic venues.
  • Home to the Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts, with 11 Broadway productions scheduled in the next 9 months!

Greensboro is the kind of place where you can go from keynotes to curtain calls without missing a beat.

Ozarks, Branson, Missouri Tier Three Cities

Branson, Missouri

If you’re looking for a central location with major personality, Branson’s your spot.

Smack dab in the heart of the Ozarks, Branson blends natural beauty with nonstop entertainment. Being located in the center of the country makes it an easy destination for national sales meetings. Downtown Branson is about 30 minutes from the Boone County Regional airport or 50 minutes from the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Here’s what makes Branson shine:

  • 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theaters featuring country music, magic acts, and everything in between.
  • Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, a brand-new 18,000-seat amphitheater in the Ozark Hills, brings in big-name talent year-round.
  • Water lovers can enjoy Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo for fishing, boating, and lakeside activities.
  • Dogwood Canyon Park offers horseback riding, tram tours, and scenic trails.
  • Oh, and did we mention the Ozark Mountains?

Branson offers a rich assortment of outdoor adventures and live entertainment. 

So, Why Go Tier Three?

Choosing a third tier city doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means making smarter moves. With lower costs, easier travel logistics, and memorable built-in experiences, these destinations are proving they can compete with the big players.

Plus, as cities like Corpus Christi, Greensboro, and Branson continue to invest in infrastructure and tourism, their event appeal just keeps growing.

Less stress. Lower spend. Bigger impact. That’s the third tier advantage.

Big dreams? Tight budget? Weird venue? Bring it on. Contact us today!See what else is going down in the world of events, check out our latest event trends blog post!