If you’ve been in the corporate events world lately, you’ll know it’s buzzing. The past few years have completely changed the game and as we enter 2026, things are getting smarter, greener, and a whole lot more personal.
We’ve been on the ground with clients, venues, and suppliers all year and we’re seeing some really exciting shifts in how brands are bringing people together. So grab a coffee, here’s our inside scoop on what’s trending now and what we are personally championing for 2026.
Hybrid is here to stay but it’s evolving fast
Remember when ‘hybrid’ used to mean a Zoom link and hope for the best? Those days are long gone.
Now, hybrid events are proper, integrated experiences – where in-person and remote guests feel equally involved. Live Q&As that include remote voices, interactive apps, virtual breakout and networking sessions – it’s all about connection, not compromise.
We’re also seeing more micro-events popping up; smaller, localised gatherings instead of one global conference. In short, hybrid events have since evolved in ways that are more exciting, more engaging, and most importantly more cost effective.
Sustainability isn’t a tickbox exercise
In 2025, sustainability has officially gone mainstream. Every briefing call with clients now needs to include a discussion of carbon footprint, zero waste and eco-credentials.
We see an increase of companies being more carbon-conscious when choosing venues with green certifications and offsetting travel emissions. Leaning towards using local suppliers for consumables like food and floral arrangements.
Popular swag ideas like digital or reusable materials adds into the values of companies, portraying what they stand for; inclusivity, social impact, and authenticity. And attendees can feel the difference.
Wellness & experience take centre stage
Gone are the days of cramming people into a conference room with bad coffee and PowerPoint slide after slide after slide. Today’s delegates want to get actively involved in their sessions.
We’re talking about ways to combat sedentary fatigue. Modern events set aside personalised agendas, yoga breaks, live art corners and even nature-inspired spaces. The trend is clear: people don’t just attend events anymore – they experience them.
And with AI and event tech stepping up, we can now offer truly personalised touchpoints. Imagine your event app suggesting who you should meet, what sessions you’ll love, or sending you highlights based on what you actually engaged with. Pretty cool, right?
Tech is getting immersive (and seriously fun)
If 2025 was the year of experimenting with AR and VR, 2026 is when it all clicks into place.
Picture walking into a venue where your badge syncs to digital walls showing live engagement data, or where a VR headset transports you to your company’s future HQ. Smart venues are already appearing – spaces that can change lighting, music, and even temperature based on the energy in the room. AI photobooths are a great addition to your exhibition stand, transforming your guests into branded characters.
And yes, AI is quietly doing its thing behind the scenes; personalising content, optimising schedules and making sure the event flows like magic.
Storytelling > Schedule
Corporate events are finally shaking off that ‘conference’ label and embracing something much richer: storytelling.
Think immersive product launches, gala dinners that feel like theatrical experiences, or conferences that follow a narrative journey. Attendees don’t just listen anymore, they’re part of the story.
This shift is huge for brand engagement. When people feel something, they remember it and talk about it for a long time.
Looking ahead to 2026
So, what’s next? Here’s what we’re betting on:
- Fully integrated hybrid events – physical and virtual experiences blending seamlessly.
- Hyper-personalisation – AI tailoring every attendee journey
- Carbon-neutral events as standard – not just a bragging right
- Wellness, accessibility, and inclusion at the heart of every brief
- Smart venues and data-driven planning to make every event more efficient and impactful
The bottom line: events are becoming more human, more conscious and more connected.
Our take
At ZiaBia, we’re loving this evolution. It’s pushing us to be more creative, strategic, and tech-savvy than ever. Every event feels like an opportunity for blending storytelling, design and innovation in new and exciting ways.
ZiaBia’s goals for 2026 events:
- Honour our commitment to our sustainability goals by vetting each supplier we work with and their eco-credentials
- Pushing our clients to consider sustainable swag options – see our latest blog for more information!
- Driving enhancements to elevate the guest experience
- Proposing bespoke activities to keep energies high
If you’re planning your next corporate event, let’s make it unforgettable (and maybe a lot more sustainable while we’re at it).
