We’re halfway through 2025, and the corporate events industry has already undergone some transformational changes. The proliferation of AI is just one of the developments we can attribute to its rapid evolution. From the mainstream adoption of hybrid formats to the new ways of measuring ROI, businesses are completely rethinking how they design experiences.
The smartest organisations will embrace these shifts – and will be paying close attention to advances in online event platforms, the event technology from leading virtual event companies, and a growing demand for personalisation across the board.
Below, we explore three key trends defining the future of corporate events and how you can take full advantage of them.
Hybrid Events Are Here to Stay
Balancing in-person connection with virtual innovation
No longer a post-pandemic halfway-solution, hybrid events have emerged as the new standard, by combining face-to-face interaction with virtual convenience. For both businesses and attendees, hybrid formats can deliver more flexibility, inclusivity, and extended reach.
The popularity in hybrid events grew by 20% in 2024, and 76% of events organisers are reporting a growing demand for hybrid events.
What’s driving this shift? The changes to the ways we gather since the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated innovations in hybrid and virtual infrastructure. Attendees have made their preferences known, and the impetus is on event companies to embrace the developments hybrid technology if they want their message to land.
Advanced and online event platforms are streamlining the hybrid experience with features such as:
- Interactive tools like live Q&A, polls, and breakout sessions
- AI-powered networking that connects like-minded attendees
- Live translations and accessibility features for global audiences
For any organisation planning a conference, product launch, or internal summit, choosing the best online event platforms will be crucial to delivering memorable and scalable hybrid events.
The Best Hybrid Event Platforms for 2025
If you’re searching for the best online event platforms in 2025 for your hybrid event, we think you’ll be in safe hands with these services:
Personalisation at Scale
Tailored experiences = deeper engagement
Today’s audiences expect more than standardised agendas, they want content and interactions tailored to their needs. This demand for relevance is driving the adoption of AI-powered event platforms, which can deliver personalisation at scale.
Research shows 70% of consumers expect tailored experiences, and AI events opening up worlds of new potential for personalisation.
Want to create hyper-personalised event experiences? Not sure where to start? Here’s what event personalisation can look like:
- Custom agendas generated based on attendee goals
- Smart content suggestions to boost relevance
- On-the-fly adjustments to lighting, sound, or content flow using real-time sentiment analysis
- Targeted follow-ups that match each attendee’s engagement and interests
When integrated into the event lifecycle, personalisation leads to stronger engagement, higher satisfaction scores, and greater impact.
Best Event Platforms for Personalised Experiences in 2025
- Envoku – A personalisation-first hybrid platform that adapts content and experiences to match each attendee’s learning style and engagement profile
- RingCentral – Flexible virtual stages, strong networking features, and global reach
- Cvent – Enterprise-grade platform with robust onsite + virtual integration
Technology to Measure Success & ROI
Making every pound count
Corporate events are no longer seen as cost centres – they’re now expected to deliver measurable business value, and event organisers are expected to prove exactly how.
Event ROI is how planners can assess the value generated by their event vs the cost that went into them.
But there isn’t just one way of proving ROI, and it now goes beyond the traditional metrics we’ve previously depended on to indicate performance. Success is defined by the ability to track and improve outcomes, and that’s where the best online event platforms shine.
With support from leading virtual event companies, organisers can now access detailed analytics far beyond headcount and survey scores. Today’s most meaningful KPIs include:
- Engagement heatmaps to identify hotspots at in-person events
- Lead scoring based on session interaction and follow-up activity
- Knowledge retention analytics to assess content effectiveness
- Networking success metrics, such as new contacts or post-event meetings booked
With 66% of event planners aiming to increase in-person activations this year, data-backed ROI will remain a key driver for decision-makers.
When choosing virtual event ROI tracking tools, these platforms stand out in 2025:
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re looking to stay ahead with event, here are your next moves:
- Invest in the best tools for you: The best online event platforms of 2025 will support hybrid formats, deep engagement, and AI-powered insights.
- Adopt AI-powered personalisation: Use platforms that deliver tailored content and dynamic experiences in real time.
- Focus on measurable outcomes: Work with virtual event companies that prioritise ROI and provide robust analytics for every touchpoint.
Download our latest report to explore the latest event solutions, learn how event production agencies are leveraging technology for seamless conference planning, and uncover strategies to enhance hybrid event management.
