Insights From the IMEX 25 in 2025 Report identifies twenty-five shifts across the events landscape. The findings span cultural trends, design ideas, wellness, sustainability and changing attendee needs. This story highlights five trends from the report that address aspects of tradeshow planning and operations. Read the full report here.
A New Push for Measurement
IMEX is developing baseline metrics for return on time, attention and carbon. As a result, planners may soon need clearer data to explain why international events are worth the trip. Exhibitors face the same pressure. Although the industry has talked about measurement for years, this new effort signals a more structured and practical push.
Wellness Is Now Part of the Build
Wellness is shifting from a nice-to-have to an essential part of event operations. The report highlights rising demand for mental-health support, calmer spaces and less overstimulation. For example, IMEX America’s Circadian Cove shows how science-based activations can help maintain energy and focus. Quiet rooms and reset areas are becoming common, and attendees notice when they are missing.
Neurodivergent Design Is Moving Quickly
IMEX partnered with the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to create a new framework for neurodivergent accommodation. Because IMEX America earned Level III recognition for areas it controls, the standard is now higher for large events. Organizers must rethink lighting, sound, signage and communication styles. As a result, accessibility now includes cognitive and sensory needs, not just physical ones.
Networking Formats Are Changing
The report notes that younger professionals often dislike traditional mixers. Many find crowded receptions awkward or unproductive. Instead, they want curated introductions and structured meetups. This section draws on Freeman research cited in the IMEX report, which highlights how current networking formats fall short for the NowGen cohort. This shift ties directly to retention. When attendees make useful connections, they return. However, old formats no longer guarantee that outcome.
Carbon Tracking Is Settling Into Place
IMEX and isla, a UK-based sustainability organization for the events industry, released a free Event Carbon Measurement Starter Pack to help event professionals measure emissions in a consistent way. IMEX will continue using TRACE across its supply chain and will publish carbon results after each show. As these tools become more accessible, exhibitors and vendors may also be asked to report their own data, which could carry real operational impact.
IMEX’s full list of twenty-five observations covers far more ground. Even so, these five trends have the clearest implications for tradeshow planning, floor design and supplier operations in the coming year.
