%20(1).jpeg)
Developments and new uses of event technology have made a significant impact in recent years. More event planners are using tools like event management software for associations to improve efficiency while adding features that make the experience more immersive for attendees. These innovations are reshaping the event planning industry, pushing professionals to adopt more dynamic approaches.
What are the event technology trends in 2026? We have all the details here. In this guide, we’ll explore how these innovations are transforming event planning for both in-person and virtual events, share practical tips to implement them, and help you come up with engaging event ideas.
What Are The Event Industry Trends For 2026?
First, let’s start with general trends in the event industry to see how they’re impacting event technology in 2026.
1. Hybrid Events Are Becoming More Common
A survey from Zoom estimated that about 37% of event budgets go toward virtual and hybrid events. That number exceeds how much organizations are spending on events that are only in-person or virtual events, and is likely to increase in the future.
Hybrid events are a great solution for event organizers since they can expand their audience while offering flexibility for attendees.
However, the right technology is crucial to ensure hybrid events go smoothly. Having a great event management software(EMS) that can handle any type of event (virtual, in-person, or hybrid) is a necessity. It’ll help you offer engaging activities to everyone who shows up while ensuring stable livestreaming and interactions.
2. Sustainable Event Practices Are Rising
Recent research from American Express showed that approximately 54% of organizations are incorporating sustainability goals and best practices for events. That trend is rising in 2026 and is expected to continue into the future.
Operating sustainably, whether for a global conference or a local meeting, shows that organizations care about their community and want to operate in a healthy way. It can also improve efficiency and reduce spending on unnecessary materials.
The research from American Express also found that 50% of event professionals and event planners mention embracing AI software and apps. Digital tools are a valuable resource to plan more efficiently and reduce materials used during event promotion and activities.
3. Increased Focus On Personalization And Attendee Engagement
Event planners are placing a bigger focus on the attendee experience as event technology continues to evolve. Delivering an impactful experience that is both enjoyable and memorable keeps your event top of mind and aligns with the latest event trends. In today’s competitive landscape, staying ahead of event industry trends and making each experience feel personal and engaging is a worthwhile long-term investment.
New event technology and equipment are continuing to help deliver transformative experiences to each guest. For instance, you can use event software to create and post live polls while planning the next event, giving attendees a say in the presentations they want to see or the topics they’d like to have discussed. Understanding what attendees expect is key to delivering a meaningful and interactive experience.
What Is The Trend In Technology In 2026?
Now that you know the general trends in the event industry, here are some more event technology examples that show how it’s being used to improve experiences in 2026.
Advancements In Event Apps
Event apps are growing in use and capabilities in 2026. Event planners can make them an essential part of the process by:
- Distributing content for the event right on the app
- Facilitating in-app discussions before or after the event
- Incorporating a real-time audience response system to ask questions or answer polls during presentations
- Adding fun digital activities that virtual and in-person attendees can participate in at the same time
These can all make your event feel more well-rounded and immersive, while also collecting critical data about your attendee preferences.
Automation Of Onsite Processes
The use of technology in event management is also growing since it can help automate common tasks and speed up decision-making.
For example, you can use our Eventscribe event management system to automate several logistics planning tasks, such as resource distribution, room allocation, and session planning.
Use Of Event Platforms For Data Insights
Event management platforms can also track data and give many useful insights during event planning.
For instance, you can use software like Eventscribe to track the themes and subjects that your attendees are most interested in during an event. You can then use that information to help plan your next event, incorporating what you know your audience likes while trying some new activities to boost engagement even further.
What Are The Experiential Trends In 2026?
As you look at the event technology news, you’ll see a lot of experiential trends happening in 2025, such as:
- Gamification and interactive elements: Event technology companies are creating many fun ways to gamify your event. For instance, you could use event management software to add a credit system that unlocks rewards as your attendees complete activities or make presentations interactive with live audience responses.
- Seamless hybrid experiences: Hybrid events should make it feel like everyone who attends can get involved and interact, such as coordinating breakout sessions for both virtual and in-person attendees. Event management software can help organize these processes to avoid confusion and ensure that no one is left out.
- Personalized agenda recommendations: AI-powered event software can make personalizing events easier. You can use it to provide activity recommendations for each attendee based on their interests. Or, give agenda recommendations to event planners based on past event data.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways On Event Technology Trends
As you plan future events in 2026, you can refer to these insights and experiment with a few ideas that you believe will create a great experience for your attendees. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once — instead, start by exploring some of the top event technology trends and aligning them with broader marketing trends. Taking small, strategic steps and keeping an eye on the latest innovations in the event industry will help you keep your audience engaged and inspired.
If you’re looking for tools that can help organize event planning, add engaging activities, or personalize the attendee experience, our Eventscribe event management system is a great option that can help at each stage.
Why Eventscribe Is A Great Addition To Your Event Tech Stack
Cadmium’s all-in-one event management system for associations and nonprofits, Eventscribe, offers several tools to assist with event planning, execution, and optimization, including leveraging many of the trends discussed in this article.
Eventscribe can help you:
- Automate logistics planning
- Improve audience engagement with fun virtual activities and live audience responses
- Host events of any size and type (virtual, hybrid, or in-person)
- Track key data and analytics to review performance
- Create an interactive event app and website
- Manage speakers and presentations
- And more
Click here to learn more about how Eventscribe can help you manage events successfully in 2025 and beyond.
