Trends for 2023 – Are They Relevant to Your Organization?

The new year has started on a positive note for the event industry. We were eager to meet again in person, without restrictions. Not only the many New Year gatherings, but also recent research confirm this trend: 2023 is expected to bring a strong increase in the number of in-person events. And not just at the office—companies are seeking out inspiring, distinctive venues.

It’s not a question of whether we meet, but how.

Organizations now view face-to-face interaction as essential for boosting productivity, bringing teams together, reducing turnover, and attracting top talent. Respondents in a recent survey expect the number of live events and participants to increase significantly across all sectors. An estimated 87% of meetings will include an in-person component. Only 32% of internal meetings are expected to take place at the office, while 40% will occur in another city, and 45% will include an overnight stay. After two years of remote and hybrid gatherings, people have grown tired of the virtual world. The need to meet in person remains strong. But what other trends are shaping 2023?

Personal attention

Alongside high-tech solutions, we are seeing a rise in “high touch” experiences—personal attention and service. This human element is what allows organizers to truly stand out. When you understand your visitors’ preferences and engagement levels—whether through data or observation—you can deliver tailored experiences. Our advice: differentiate through personal attention. This can mean using guest data to personalize experiences, but also simple gestures—like a handwritten card on each seat, or a host welcoming guests from the parking area. Large conferences increasingly apply this principle by dividing attendees into smaller, more intimate groups and breakout sessions.

Blending physical and digital

Over the past few years, the event industry has shown great creativity and resilience. The number of webinars, online, and hybrid events has grown—and this evolution continues. Innovative technologies now enable engaging hybrid experiences, ensuring hybrid formats remain part of the marketing mix. Often, one group gathers at a venue while another joins online—but with distinct, complementary programs. The challenge lies in connecting both audiences through shared content and interaction. This dual approach helps you get more out of your event while collecting valuable data to evaluate its effectiveness.

Sustainability

After briefly receding during the pandemic, sustainability has returned to center stage—across industries, and especially in events. Increasingly, companies factor sustainability into their decision-making. Event organizers can no longer ignore this. As a venue or organization, show what you do—or can do in collaboration—to reduce your ecological footprint. It’s especially powerful when the location’s sustainability efforts align with the client’s values. Remember, sustainability is broad; don’t try to tackle everything at once. Choose a specific focus—say, reducing plastic waste—and integrate it throughout your event. Make your commitment visible and engage your visitors in the mission. Small steps, shared with purpose, lead to meaningful impact.

Surprising design

Don’t be surprised if you soon see a marketing manager working from a beanbag with their spreadsheets. Hospitality venues are adapting to make meeting spaces more inviting—drawing on concepts like Feng Shui and other Eastern philosophies. Traditional boardroom tables are giving way to island layouts, high tables, soft lighting, cozy corners, and lounge areas where deals are made by the fireplace. Create visually appealing, flexible spaces that encourage connection. Bonus: they photograph beautifully and enhance your social media presence.

In summary, we’re seeing the end of the “one size fits all” agenda. Events are becoming more personalized, more sustainable, and increasingly hybrid—with technology playing a larger role. Guests seek creativity and surprise, not uniformity. Toussainthuis offers countless possibilities and a truly unique experience for your guests. The venue is rented exclusively for your event, ensuring complete privacy and a serene atmosphere. Contact us to discuss your vision—we’d be delighted to help bring it to life.