State of the Industry: 2025 Business Event Trends and Forecasts 

Dive into the future of event planning as we explore what’s on the horizon for 2025. From the buzz around micro-events to the green revolution in event practices, discover how shifting consumer expectations are redefining the event experience game. We’ll also unpack how AI continues to shake things up in event management. Don’t miss this chance to access game-changing insights that’ll help you align with your participants’ values, dial up the personalization factor, and streamline your operations. Walk away with a toolbox full of strategies to keep you ahead of the curve! 

Learning Outcomes 

• Understand Consumer-Driven Trends: Explore how consumer behaviors, such as the preference for personalized, sustainable, and intimate experiences, are reshaping event formats and participant expectations. 

• Leverage AI and Technology: Discover the expanding applications of AI in event planning, including matchmaking, participant engagement, and operational optimization, while recognizing the unique value humans bring to the process. 

• Adapt to Economic Pressures: Learn strategies to navigate budget constraints, inflation, and staffing challenges while maintaining high-quality participant experiences. 

• Triple Bottom-Line Impact: Discover how to nurture and support sustainability best practices. We’ll explore practical ways to make a real difference for people, the environment, and your bottom line—no matter where you are on your green journey.   

Meet the Speakers

HOST & MODERATOR

Tammy Moore, CMP, CMM | PCMA Event Leadership Institute, Senior Director  

Tammy Moore, CMP, CMM, is a leader in events and education with 22+ years of experience. As Senior Director of Product Innovation at PCMA, she drives learning initiatives that empower professionals. She holds CMP and CMM certifications.

At KPMG US, Tammy led teams managing $100M+ in event spend and streamlining processes for 120 professionals. Her leadership fostered collaboration, achieving high retention and internal mobility rates.

Tammy teaches Advanced Event Design & Strategy for the Event Leadership Institute. Recognized for strategic vision, she has led initiatives like KPMG Lakehouse, a $450M innovation center, showcasing her commitment to professional growth and development.

Dr. Aurora Benton, Founder and Chief Change Agent, Astrapto LLC  

Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton is Founder and Chief Change Agent of Astrapto LLC, which exists to advance positive impact in hospitality, events, and travel. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and approachable for people whose main job is not sustainability, but who have a passion to improve social and environmental performance in their operations and supply chains. Aurora loves helping people realize their potential while discovering a greater purpose for good in business. She has helped over 130 young professionals launch green teams and perform sustainable procurement audits. Her clients include World Wildlife Fund, Sodexo Live, Baltimore Convention Center, Green Seal, the Events Industry Council, Accor, Hilton, and Direct Travel. She has been a thought leader and volunteer in hospitality industry organizations, including a task force for Sustainable Events Standards and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Aurora has a Doctorate in Business Administration in Social Impact Management. 

Caitlin Fox | Vice President and Marketing Strategist, mdg, A Freeman Company 

Caitlin Fox holds the position of vice president and marketing strategist at mdg, a top-tier marketing and public relations agency, specializing in audience acquisition. With her team, she crafts effective solutions that boost event attendance and exhibitor participation for leading events in various categories. Armed with two Master of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and International Business, she frequently shares her expertise at industry events and has played a crucial role in driving and managing the agency’s ongoing success. 

Michelle Russell | Editor in Chief, PCMA 

Michelle Russell has been the editor in chief of PCMA Convene since 2003, where she continues to lead a team of talented editors and writers to produce award-winning content across various platforms, with the goal of sharing knowledge with — and inspiring — the global business events professional community.