The 2026 In / Out List. Plus 2025 Standouts that are Still In
Trends can be helpful prompts — especially when they encourage planners to pause, reassess, and make more intentional choices. Below is a curated look at ideas worth considering for 2026, along with a few proven standouts from 2025 that may still earn their place.
Selected Trends That Are IN for 2026
Simplicity
As timelines tighten and expectations rise, simplifying processes, communication, and agendas can create clarity for both planners and attendees. Fewer moving parts often lead to better outcomes
Mini-Aisles & Flexible Seating
More adaptable room layouts support collaboration, movement, and engagement — especially for programs that prioritize interaction over presentation.
Knights of the Round Table
Drawing from the concept outlined by Gary Hernbroth in his book Twist the Familiar, this approach encourages planners to surround themselves with a trusted group of support professionals—much like King Arthur’s Round Table. Rather than working in isolation, planners can benefit from shared insight, accountability, and collaboration that strengthen both strategy and execution, especially as timelines tighten and complexity increases.
Empathetic Leadership
Leading with awareness, flexibility, and understanding continues to influence how teams collaborate and how events are experienced. Empathy isn’t a trend — it’s a skill set planners increasingly value.
Strategic AI Support
AI tools can help streamline scheduling, data review, and personalization when used as support — not replacement — for human decision-making.
Personalized Messaging
Targeted communication remains more effective than broad messaging, helping attendees feel considered rather than processed.
Hybrid as the Norm
Offering flexible participation options remains a practical consideration for reach, accessibility, and evolving attendee preferences.
Planning for Delays
Building in buffer time and contingency plans reflects realism, professionalism, and respect for everyone’s time.
2025 Standouts That Are Still In
Advisory Boards
When used with intention, advisory boards continue to provide valuable perspective, accountability, and strategic insight — especially during periods of change.
Experienced Colleagues
Experience still matters. What’s evolving is how it’s shared: through collaboration, mentorship, and partnership rather than hierarchy.
Human Judgment & Creativity
Even with smarter tools, human insight remains essential — particularly for relationship-building, nuance, and experience design.
In-Person Connection
Face-to-face engagement continues to hold value, especially when paired thoughtfully with digital and hybrid elements.
The defining trend for 2026 isn’t a single tool or tactic—it’s intentional decision‑making. Planners who simplify, collaborate, and choose thoughtfully will continue to create experiences that resonate long after the event ends.
