As 2025 winds down, the events landscape feels more energized and imaginative than it has in years. Organizations experimented with new formats, explored future-focused topics, and looked for speakers who could create memorable, meaningful moments for their audiences. Planners also navigated shifting timelines, rising expectations, and evolving ideas about what makes an event successful. The result is a year full of insights that reveal where the industry is heading.
Below is a look at the trends that stood out, followed by a selection of event highlights, logistics stories, and client reflections that defined the year.
2025 trends that defined the year
1. Virtual elements have become core to event strategy
One of the clearest developments of the year is the widespread integration of virtual components into live events. Livestreams, recordings, and remote access options have become standard, even as in-person attendance remains strong. Planners recognize the value of reaching multiple audiences at once and preserving content for continued use. This approach supports broader engagement and allows each event to resonate beyond its physical setting.
2. A shift toward fewer speakers with greater impact
Many planners have moved away from multi-speaker lineups. Instead, they are focusing on one carefully chosen speaker who can deliver depth and a strong narrative thread. Concentrating resources in this way often leads to a more cohesive audience experience. It also gives the featured speaker more room to shape the message and connect with attendees.
3. AI and innovation content reached a new peak
AI dominated programming requests in 2025. Organizations sought experts who could explain emerging technologies in a practical and industry-specific way. Planners also showed interest in speakers who use visuals, interactive tools, and other tech-driven elements to bring concepts to life. The combination of timely content and innovative delivery created a noticeable surge in technology-focused events.
4. Planning timelines continued to tighten
Shorter booking windows remained a defining characteristic of the year. Instead of securing talent six to twelve months ahead, many organizations planned events in a three to six month window, and some worked even faster. This shift requires flexibility from both planners and speakers. It also rewards teams that can respond quickly and manage multiple moving pieces with confidence.
Speakers who had big years
In reviewing the year, we also looked at which speakers consistently resonated with audiences. These seven were among the most booked and most requested, each bringing a distinct perspective and a strong ability to connect with the moment.
1. Sol Rashidi — AI & Innovation
Sol Rashidi helped organizations understand AI in a way that feels actionable and grounded. Her mix of executive experience, technical fluency, and real-world implementation stories made her a leading voice for audiences wanting clarity on how emerging technologies shape business decisions.
2. Eric Boles — Leadership & Peak Performance
Eric Boles continued to be a top choice for groups looking to strengthen culture and lead through uncertainty. His teamwork approach, shaped by coaching and his NFL background, gave audiences practical tools for communication, trust, and performance at every level of an organization.
3. Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) — Resilience & Achieving Greatness
Nicole Malachowski brought powerful insights rooted in aviation, service, and personal perseverance. Her ability to connect high-pressure experiences with everyday leadership challenges made her a standout voice for audiences looking to build resilience and navigate adversity with purpose.
4. Jeffrey Rosen — Constitutional Rights & Public Policy
Jeffrey Rosen engaged audiences with clear, thoughtful context on constitutional issues and civic life. His deep knowledge and accessible teaching style made him a trusted guide for organizations seeking a better understanding of the ideas shaping public conversation.
5. Connie Chung — Broadcasting & Representation
Connie Chung shared stories from her groundbreaking journalism career, offering audiences lessons on integrity, visibility, and navigating complex environments. Her perspective resonated strongly with groups exploring diversity, leadership presence, and effective communication.
6. Joe Theismann — Leadership, Mindset, and Navigating Change
Joe Theismann brought a powerful perspective on adaptability, preparation, and high-performance culture. Drawing on his career as a championship quarterback and longtime NFL analyst, he helped audiences rethink how they respond to unexpected challenges and maintain clarity under pressure.
7. Amelia Rose Earhart — Agility & Navigating Change
Amelia Rose Earhart inspired audiences with lessons from her around-the-world flight and her years in aviation and reporting. Her focus on navigating turbulence and leading with confidence connected with groups looking to stay steady in fast-changing environments.
Event highlights: creative partnerships and standout moments
Beyond the larger themes of the year, certain programs demonstrated how imaginative and varied events can be. They represent only a small sample of the many collaborations we supported, yet they illustrate the creativity clients brought to their planning.
- A wellness expert partnered with a plant-based café to create a custom menu and immersive experience.
- A championship athlete shared leadership lessons in a rodeo arena, blending physical demonstration with storytelling.
- A world-class winter athlete guided executives through an on-mountain ski clinic that turned learning into active participation.
These examples reflect the rise in experience-based programming and the growing appetite for events that invite audiences to participate rather than observe.
Logistics wins: creative solutions and reliable execution
Behind every successful event is a logistics team that adapts to the unexpected. This year involved hundreds of programs that required planning finesse, quick problem-solving, and close coordination. The snapshots below highlight only a fraction of the work that unfolded behind the scenes.
- Managing a major event for 10,000 attendees featuring two national artists
- Adjusting schedules around flight delays to keep a program on track
- Finding an alternate backstage route when the original plan became unworkable
- Turning an unexpected schedule change into a stronger moment of audience engagement
These stories show how thoughtful preparation and quick decision-making help support smooth and memorable events.
What clients said in 2025
One of the most meaningful parts of our work is the trust clients place in our team. Events often represent an organization’s biggest day of the year or a moment when a message truly needs to land. Being invited into that process is something we take very seriously. We show up ready to support, solve problems, and help create experiences that reflect each client’s vision.
Hearing that our work contributed to their success is both an honor and a motivation to keep raising the bar. A few sentiments from this year stand out:
- “Communication was clear, timely, and professional… We would absolutely consider working with AAE again for future keynote bookings.”
- “Every speaker they recommend has been powerful and loved by our audience… Thank you for the opportunity to learn from him.”
- “We were in a bit of a time crunch, but the AAE team was responsive and helpful in getting our event executed smoothly.”
- “This collaboration grows stronger every year… AAE is by far the best agency out there helping companies like us deliver the most memorable experience.”
These reflections remind us why we do this work. The relationships built along the way and the impact created for audiences and organizations continue to inspire everything we do.
Looking ahead to 2026
The past year highlighted a strong appetite for bold ideas, meaningful content, and dynamic speaker experiences. As organizations prepare for 2026, many are thinking about how to evolve their programs with more creativity, more interactivity, and more strategic use of talent. The momentum of 2025 sets the stage for another year of growth and fresh possibilities.
Ready to start planning for 2026 events? Contact AAE today.
