Going up, going down: Event trends in 2025

Rosie Loughman, senior event manager at Synergy Effect in Sydney, offers expert insights on what is trending in events and what is on the way out this year.

Going up

Sensory-led experiences

More than ever, we are designing with all five senses in mind. From lighting that shifts throughout the event to scent elements and textural styling, these touches create depth and help guests connect with the space in a more meaningful way.

Media-first design

In Synergy Effect’s recent projects, media creation has been front of mind from day one. Gone are the days of flat screens and standard visuals. Now we’re building moments that are made to be captured and shared – think vertical screens, layered lighting and dynamic spaces.

Live, personalised activations

We are seeing a huge shift towards experiences that feel truly personal. Whether it’s live art creation, customised merch or AI-generated content, attendees are engaging more with activations that reflect them, not just the brand.

Sustainable, beautiful design

Sustainability has become a non-negotiable, but it’s also influencing how events look. We’ve been using more modular builds, natural materials and low-waste solutions without compromising on style. Clients love that it feels good and looks great.

Going down

Generic activations

Guests tune out quickly when activations feel generic or disconnected. Off-the-shelf ideas just don’t land like they used to. What works now are concepts that feel tailored, story-driven and considered from start to finish.

Passive programming

Attendees no longer want to just sit and listen. The best results we’ve seen come from interactive formats such as live polling, workshops, open Q&As and sessions that invite participation. People want to feel involved, not just informed.

Style with no purpose

We’ve noticed a clear move away from styling that’s purely decorative. Clients are asking for spaces that feel intentional, where every detail has a purpose and nothing is overdone just for the sake of it.

16:9 presentations

While slide decks still have their place, we’ve found audiences respond far better to more immersive formats, including wraparound screens, layered content and non-screen storytelling that breaks away from the usual boardroom vibe.

Image at top: iStock/LuckyBusiness.

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