Looking Back and Moving Forward: Insights from Industry Experts on the Evolution of Events Industry

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | January 6, 2025 | Feature

GM Modular Premagic Donear Group Greenstone Entertainment Beep experience management

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear this year has been a pivotal one for industries worldwide. From the resurgence of corporate travel and MICE to advancements in event technology and sustainability, 2024 showcased adaptability and progress. Brands and organizers embraced innovation, creating impactful experiences while prioritizing eco-conscious practices. Looking ahead, 2025 promises deeper collaborations, immersive engagements, and continued strides in innovation and sustainability, setting the tone for further growth and transformation. Industry leaders share their reflections on 2024, highlight key trends, and reveal what we can expect in the year ahead.

Rajesh Ambokar, Asst Vice President & Head Administration, GM Modular Pvt Ltd

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the transformative journey of corporate travel and MICE this year. 

2024 has been a pivotal year for our industry, marked by resilience and innovation. We’ve witnessed a significant rebound in travel demand, with companies eager to reconnect and collaborate in person. Hybrid events have become the norm, blending the best of in-person and virtual experiences, allowing us to reach broader audiences while maintaining the personal touch that makes MICE so impactful.

Key trends that have emerged this year include:

1. Sustainability: A growing commitment to eco-friendly practices has reshaped our approach to travel and events. Companies are prioritizing sustainable venues, carbon offset programs, and greener travel options.

2. Technology Integration: The integration of advanced technologies like AI, VR, and AR has enhanced attendee engagement and streamlined event management processes. These tools are not just enhancing experiences but also providing valuable data insights.

3. Health  Safety: With health remaining a priority, venues and organizers have implemented stringent safety protocols, ensuring peace of mind for all participants.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m particularly excited about:

- The Rise of Personalization: As data analytics continue to evolve, we will see more tailored experiences for attendees, creating deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.

- Increased Focus on Wellness: Incorporating wellness into corporate travel and events will become essential, with a focus on mental health, work-life balance, and overall well-being.

- Global Collaboration: As borders continue to open up, I anticipate a surge in international events fostering global partnerships and knowledge sharing.

As we close out 2024, I’m filled with optimism for what lies ahead. Let’s embrace these trends and continue to innovate in the corporate travel and MICE space! 

Vincent Samuel, Venue Director, Terraform Arena and Managing Partner, Greenstone Entertainment

Greenstone Entertainment manages the first ever plug-and-play outdoor venue in Bengaluru called TERRAFORM ARENA, built by GoGolf Entertainment LLP. This venue was launched with amazing concerts of Arijit singh and Bryan Adams. The venue caters to the basic needs of all production crew, comfort to all performing artist, great experience to all the patrons and promoters.

Aakash Mishra, VP Group Brand Marketing, Donear Group

2024 was nothing short of a blockbuster for Indian brands—where culture, content and commerce collided in the best way possible. For us at Donear Group, it was the year of breaking molds—whether it was redefining how fabric brands communicate with Gen Z or turning freedom of movement into a cultural anthem. And yes, winning 16 marketing awards in a single campaign didn’t hurt!

2025? It’s going to be all about sustainability with swag. Indian consumers are smarter, louder, and want brands that don’t just sell but stand for something. Add to that immersive experiences—think AR/VR, hyperlocal content, and conversations that actually feel human.

Bottom line: If you’re not creating a movement, you’re not moving forward. India’s just getting started!

Jai Mundra, Founder & Managing Director- Beep experience management

This year proved how dynamic the event industry can be. Live gigs, concerts, and ticketed events made a powerful comeback, fueled by creative productions and audience-first experiences. Event tech took the spotlight, with AI, AR/VR, and data-driven platforms transforming how we plan, execute, and engage with events. Sustainability became a non-negotiable priority, and personalized, curated gatherings created meaningful connections. Global collaborations and diverse formats enriched the industry, making 2024 a year of resilience and innovation.

The role of event tech will only grow, driving smarter planning, deeper audience insights, and seamless hybrid experiences. Live gigs, festivals, and ticketed events will go bigger and bolder, with technology enhancing fan engagement. Sustainability and inclusivity will stay at the core, shaping how we design and execute events. Unique venues and intimate, tailored gatherings will continue to rise in demand. And through it all, storytelling will remain the heart of every event, creating unforgettable moments.

2025 is set to push boundaries, and I’m excited to see how we’ll innovate and inspire!

Gaurav Sinha, Head, Marketing and PR, Audi India

The year 2024 showcased a continued recovery and reinvention of the events and experiential marketing post-pandemic. Brands prioritized personalization, leveraging AI to create tailored experiences for diverse audience segments. Sustainability emerged as a core theme, with events incorporating eco-friendly practices such as carbon-neutral venues, waste reduction, and renewable energy. The rise of community-driven activations was also notable, with brands focusing on fostering long-term relationships rather than one-off engagements. 

Brands are shifting to narrative-driven experiences, combining sensory elements with interactive storytelling to create connections. Co-creation opportunities, like user-generated content, will make consumers feel integral to the brand. By staying ahead of these trends and innovations, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for reimagining consumer engagement and setting new benchmarks in experiential marketing.