Industry Trends
The More Digital We Become, the More Human Events Matter
8.17.26 / 1 min read
As AI, remote work, and digital communication reshape the way we work, face-to-face connection is becoming more intentional, not less important.
Information can be shared virtually. Meetings can happen from anywhere. But trust, relationships, and the energy of a shared experience are harder to replicate through a screen.
Recent research from Hilton and Ipsos reinforces that shift. Among more than 3,000 prospective work-event attendees surveyed, 49% said meeting new people and bonding with their team is a primary reason for attending work events in 2026, while 84% said they value being able to show up authentically.
For event leaders, the opportunity is clear: as our working lives become more digital, creating meaningful reasons to gather in person matters more than ever.
Worth a Read
Why We Gather: The New Era of Purpose-Driven Meetings and Events
Hilton, with research conducted by Ipsos
