The conference landscape is constantly evolving. At this point every year we touch base with the major conference producers to get a pulse on what their conference plans look like for the coming year and how they might be changing so that we can appropriately advise our own clients. They shared what they see as the trending key topics, including what is top of mind for C-suite leaders, and how they plan to change their conference strategies to meet the needs of their audiences.

Following are some of the most notable takeaways from producers from top organizations including Bloomberg, The Economist, Forbes, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, Axios, MIT Technology Review, and many others:

Key topics

Conference topics in 2024 were largely dictated by artificial intelligence (AI) and the impact of the elections. While those same topics will still be key in 2025, we are starting to see those conversations evolve to include:

• AI – AI will continue to dominate not just technology-oriented conferences, but business, leadership and political discussions as well. While many of the conversations of the past couple of years were focused on the hype of AI, audiences are now hungry for information on how to scale AI, including determining where and how to scale AI applications with a business justification for making large investments in the technology.
• Future of Work – Technology and its impact on the changing nature of work will continue to top conference agendas. Discussions will include upskilling and reskilling for employees in order to meet the ever-changing needs of the future workplace
• Sustainability – Sustainability will continue to be a hot conference topic, focusing on new regulations and the true impact of our collective efforts, and transitioning into conversations about transitioning to alternative energy sources.
• Geopolitics and Global Trade – With tensions continuing to rise across the globe and a change in administration in the US, there will be growing discussions around how changing policies will impact inter-relations amongst regions. Global trade will be a key topic amidst these discussions, particularly around tariffs and the international flow of goods
• Supply chains – This has been a major conference topic since the pandemic hit. While conversations will still address minimizing risk in supply chains, topics will also expand to include leveraging technology, such as AI, to optimize supply chains and the impact of global trade and geopolitics.

Evolving conference formats

The conference producers also discussed how they intend to change conference formats to better meet their audience needs. While some are keeping their conference formats status quo, others are making changes, sometimes just subtle changes, including:

• Focus on in-person – Conference producers and attendees alike have come to really appreciate the value of in-person conferences after the pandemic forced us to meet virtually for almost 2 years. While virtual conferences will mostly disappear, producers are incorporating some form of on demand video access to their conference material after the conference is complete.
• More days, fewer tracks – Several producers told us they are extending their conferences from one to two or two to three days, and they are reducing from multiple tracks to a single track. This helps attendees justify their travel and see more content.
• More interactive opportunities – Over the last few years there has been a trend towards fewer keynotes (aka talking heads with slides) and more interactive discussions such as fireside chats or panels. To take this one step further producers are now providing more opportunity for speakers and attendees to connect both formally and informally by incorporating smaller roundtables, workshops, meals, networking events, and offsite activities.
• More and fewer conferences – Opinions were mixed on this one. While some organizers conveyed that they are increasing the number of conferences they’re producing, others are decreasing their event count and in some cases combining their smaller conferences into a single event.
• Shifting geographies –There seems to be a shift in where conferences are being held. In the US for example, while many conferences are still being held in California (especially technology conferences), New York is more and more becoming the conference hub. Conference producers are also expanding globally with the middle east becoming a more prominent destination. Conferences, from technology to climate, are taking place in fast growing cities like Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh. As one conference producer told us, “We’re producing more conferences in this region because that’s where the money is!”.

Conferences continue to evolve

Conference formats, locations and topics will continuously evolve throughout 2025. Speaking at these major conferences is more important than ever to break beyond the noise and ensure executive leaders are seen as thought leaders in front of global influencers. However, executives looking to speak should take note that many conference producers are lengthening their planning cycles even more this year, which means that many agendas and speaker placements are happening nine or more months in advance of the event.

Conference topics will focus on the most dynamic advancing technologies, global politics, trade and climate. Producers are also increasing their emphasis on connecting attendees in real life in new ways with peers and thought leaders.  Speaking at major conferences is becoming more important than ever for forward thinkers to get their most important messages heard by global influencers, though it may become more challenging to win the speakerships you want as venues spread globally and planning cycles increase in 2025.