Plan a 2025 conference people actually want to attend in 10 steps
Let’s face it, nobody wants to sit through a soulless PowerPoint marathon for an entire day, in a whitewashed windowless room, while sipping down bad coffee. It’s time to fix the basics, shake things up, and try to stand out.
1. Keep it real
Virtual events had their day (looking at you Covid-19), but people love real-life experiences. That said, a hybrid element (live streaming key talks, interactive Q&As) can make your event accessible without killing the buzz of in-person networking. It also means you can cast your net a little wider in terms of who is able to attend and engage with your event.
2. Who cares?
Your conference should answer one question: Why should I be excited about this? Whether it’s an unmissable list of speakers, an innovative approach to networking, or an experience they can’t get elsewhere, make it one people just have to be there for. Spend time thinking about the “Why?” It’ll make all the difference.
3. More stories, less script
No one wants to hear another overly orchestrated, scripted corporate speech. Bring in speakers who have energy, tell stories, and interact with the audience. Ruffle a few feathers, if needs be. Also, depending on the topic and the audience, the format is key. More often than not, panel discussions, fireside chats, and live Q&As beat 90-minute long monologues every time.
4. Punchy, engaging and flexible
Shorter, bitesize sessions keep energy levels up. Let’s face it, attention spans have waned in recent years. So, incorporate interactive elements like live polling, workshops, or even AI-powered networking tools to keep things alive. If things go a little off-piste, good! That looseness is where the magic is.
5. Star of the show: food and drink
Coffee that doesn’t taste like disappointment is a must. So is food that goes beyond a standard beige buffet. This is the fuel that powers ideas, conversations and business. So, provide choice, and healthy options that provide actual energy, not slump, and consider sustainable catering that people will actually talk about.
6. Tech that works (and enhances experience)
A seamless event app for schedules, networking, and live updates? Great. A clunky registration system that crashes mid-check-in? Not so much. Poor tech at an event is unforgivable in 2025. Be sure to check what your choice of venue provides, and do a test run before the big day to avoid last-minute disasters. Even better, see if the venue provides live support.
7. Make networking effortless
People want to meet new people (most of the time, anyway) without the awkwardness. Help them out with structured, not forced networking (speed meets, industry-matching, AI suggestions) and provide cool breakout spaces that enable easy conversation. This is the difference. If people leave your event feeling like they made valuable connections, they’ll feel like the event was worth attending. That simple.
8. Sustainability? Non-Negotiable
Single-use plastics and paper-heavy agendas? Let’s change that. Attendees love an event that’s eco-conscious — think digital programs, local suppliers. And, there’s a bonus, too: It’s cost-effective for you as an organiser.
9. Fun allowed
Who says conferences can’t be a little fun? Live music, wellness breaks, VR experiences, or surprise guest appearances can all make your event memorable (for the right reasons). People will very likely forget a lot of what was said during seminar 113. But they will remember the band playing their favourite song, or the morning yoga session…
10. Follow-ups matter
Don’t just disappear after the event. Keep the energy alive with highlights, key takeaways, and exclusive content. Videos, fun photos, soundbites — it will all add value and keep the convo going. If you nailed it, people will be counting down to your next one.
Conferences in 2025 should be engaging, experiential, and a little unpredictable. Get the basics right, then add a little creativity, and watch people actually want to be there.
