Insights from Industry Experts
An event planner’s job listing should read, ‘seeking someone with creative vision, a penchant for meticulous planning, and a touch of magic’. This rings especially true as we kick off 2025, and planners remain expected to create stand-out experiences with meaningful return on investment (ROI). Sounds impossible? It definitely can feel that way.T
Teneo recently tapped into the expertise of its Client Advisory Board—a group of senior event planners and production specialists with years of industry experience—to uncover their top tips for boosting event ROI. Among these experts are Cindy Krystyniak (CINERGI, LLC), Daniel Briones (Lamont Associates), Pia Williams (CoBank), Sue O’Sullivan (Veritas Association Management), Debbie DuBose (Conference Solutions Int’l) and Lisa Burton (Etherio). Together, they shared their insights on navigating the latest trends, leveraging tech, and finding creative cost-saving strategies to maximize event impact.
Staying ahead of the curve is more crucial than ever. In a series of posts over the coming months, we’ll explore the trends shaping the future of event planning. We’ll offer actionable insights to help you elevate your events, maximize event ROI, and deliver meaningful experiences for attendees. First up, six emerging trends as we begin 2025.
6. Transparent Cost Management
Maximizing event ROI starts with a clear and detailed understanding of event management costs. Hidden fees, taxes, and service charges can derail budgets, but proactive planning can prevent surprises.
Prioritize venues that showcase transparent pricing, which can help to negotiate irrelevant fees, such as those for unused resort amenities. Addressing these costs up front ensures every dollar is spent strategically, aligning with the event’s goals.
Negotiate the costs. If a resort offers activities such as bike rentals or pickleball equipment —but attendees won’t have time to use these perks — negotiate these items or an overall lower resort fee. Or, consider independent properties such as Rosen Hotels & Resorts that are unique in their approach and do not charge resort fees.
Rosen Hotels & Resorts
5. Health-First Agendas
The line between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred. Attendees have moved from being delighted by wellness perks to expecting events will support their mental and physical well-being. Simple additions like yoga breaks, mindfulness sessions, or menus featuring locally sourced, nutritious options create a holistic experience without inflating costs.
Enhance attendee engagement and maximize event ROI by leaving participants feeling refreshed and appreciated with curated wellness offerings like those at Amrit Ocean Resort, where a unique approach to wellness integrates therapies and menus designed to elevate the mind, body, and spirit, focusing on mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation, and sleep. Their transformative wellness experience includes unique features such as Ayurveda-inspired therapies, customizable sleep programs with in-room technology, hydrothermal circuit therapy, and mindfulness programs.
Amrit Ocean Resort
4. Democratized Wellness
Speaking of wellness, it’s no longer exclusive to high-end retreats — it’s become a standard for events of all sizes and settings. Venues that provide accessible fitness activities, meditation spaces, and healthy snacks make attendees feel supported, regardless of the budget. These corporate wellness programs not only enhance the experience but also contribute to a positive brand perception. At Caesars Palace Las Vegas their newly expanded wellness menu includes experiences like guided outdoor hikes, paint therapy or private aura reading.
Caesars Palace Las Vegas
3. Customized Attendee Experiences
We live in a me-centered world! Personalization is king and tailoring events to attendee preferences will be non-negotiable. Leveraging data to customize agendas, content, and networking opportunities is among the top event planning tips for increasing satisfaction and engagement. Find places where you can match venue and company values, and leave a lasting impression that feels like the event was made just for them. Consider venues with options to buy out rooms or spaces. As part of its extensive multi-million dollar renovation, Caribe Royal Orlando’s New Stadium Club can easily integrate corporate branding throughout the two-story interactive sports bar, transforming the space into a curated client venue.
Caribe Royal Orlando
2. Sustainability and Green Event Planning
Sustainability remains a top priority for planners and attendees alike. Reducing waste, sourcing local materials, and prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives can elevate an event’s value while reflecting positively on the host organization. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, known for its innovative sustainability practices, leads the way by offering green meeting packages that align with the values of environmentally conscious businesses. Or consider 1 Hotels, which offers an extensive array of Certified Sustainable Gatherings, such as zero-waste initiatives, minimal use of single-waste plastics, and F&B menus featuring hyper-local ingredients.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
1. Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Event Planning
Technology and AI continue to revolutionize the industry, with tools that enhance personalization and efficiency with faster, smarter, and more impactful results. Those who embrace it early will see the rewards. .
From pre-event AI-driven logistics to personalized on-site attendee experiences, the possibilities are endless. Imagine having a 3D model or a 360 degree tour during planning or as part of an event teaser for attendees. Virtual venue tours like TrueTour™ can be a game-changer for planners. This technology is used by more than 130 properties within the Teneo world! There are even tools that can offer real-time recommendations or chatbots to enhance attendee convenience, turning that attendees’ FAQ into an interactive experience.
Amrit Ocean Resort
Strategic Events, Lasting Returns
Maximizing ROI doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It’s about being the resourceful planner that you are at every turn! With insights and access to resources from Teneo, planners can navigate changing event trends and deliver impactful events that support both attendee satisfaction and business goals. Focus on wellness, sustainable practices, and efficient budgeting to ensure your event leaves a lasting impression and drives measurable returns long after the event ends.
What’s Next?
In the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into these trends and share actionable corporate event planning tips to help you make informed decisions. From uncovering the latest metrics for events to exploring how corporate wellness programs are reshaping the industry, this series will keep you ahead of the curve and help you maximize event ROI.
To stay tuned, reach out to your Teneo sales rep to receive more information on how we can help you stay ahead of the latest in event trends and sourcing. Don’t have a sales rep? Contact us and we’ll get you started!
