Event Forecast: Trends to Look Out For in 2025
Our Event Specialists share their top predictions for the year to come!
Photos by Garbo Kwan.
We’re always in event planning mode here at O&B! From restaurant weddings to corporate parties and everything in between, our stunning venues city-wide play host to gatherings big and small.
As 2024 begins to wind down, we’re thinking about what event trends will emerge next year. From immersive experiences to a focus on health and wellness (and a few surprises too), here’s what our event specialists are forecasting for 2025!
Refresh to impress
Our #1 tip? Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with refreshments! Just serving snacks and drinks won’t exactly cut it — but since sips and bites are always a must, we’ve got some ideas to help you elevate your food and beverage game.
Instead of serving simple sliders, try a chef-led station to really impress your guests (and their tastebuds!). At a recent event, O&B District Chef Andrew Piccinin served guests the ultimate pasta dinner by coating freshly cooked mushroom risotto in a torched Parmesan wheel before serving. It was as fun to watch as it was to eat!
Rather than offering typical drinks, you can also serve mystery cocktails based on guests’ astrological signs or personality types! Easy enhancements like these can make a world of difference, and your guests will appreciate the effort. If it’s worthy of an Instagram post, you’re doing it right!
Say cheese!
Beyond unique food and drink experiences, 2025 events will call for immersive, memorable experiences. A photo booth is a great way to do this because it guarantees entertainment and fun-filled memories! Go the DIY route with a simple backdrop, props, and a Polaroid camera, or splurge on a photo booth vendor that does the work for you. A company we’ve been loving is The Lounge Booth — they create incredibly unique activations at weddings, celebrity parties, and more. Guests get to enjoy a next-level photo booth experience and take home souvenirs that will last a lifetime!
Decor tip: Instead of using a vinyl decor that has the name of your event, get a vinyl decor that looks like a destination! You can easily transport your guests to the beach, the streets of Paris, or anywhere in between!
Get in the game
Another way to delight guests is with engaging games and activities! Planning a bridal shower? Print off 10 pictures of the bride and groom and challenge guests to guess where each photo was taken. Hosting a birthday party? Put together an immersive online trivia game with facts about the person you are celebrating. Some good old-fashioned fun will keep everyone entertained from start to finish.
Healthy guests are happy guests
The next event trend we’re forecasting for 2025 is a focus on health and wellness events. More and more people are interested in taking better care of themselves, and companies like Blissfull are jumping on the bandwagon by offering next-level immersive experiences. They host half-day and full-day activations that can be incorporated into conferences, workshops, and corporate settings. As one of our newest partners, Blissfull can host these wellness workshops at one of our stunning venues for a truly incredible experience!
Each event features engaging experiences like guided meditations, breathwork, sound baths, wellness keynotes, musical entertainment, and more. Blending stunning visuals, immersive audio, and health-forward menu options, Blissfull is an excellent choice for corporate parties who want an experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. They’re also an ideal choice for Earth Month!
Add a surprise (or two!)
Last but not least, nothing makes an event more exciting than a surprise! There are lots of ways to integrate this into your special day in both approachable and grandiose ways. For something on the simple side, create a raffle and give away a mystery prize to one lucky guest! Draw their name at the end of the event to create excitement and intrigue.
Another way to surprise your guests is with a musical performance! In 2024, we saw three stellar performances at Rebel: Pitbull, Dragonette, and the Barenaked Ladies. These acts got the crowds excited and set an amazing tone for the hours to follow!
While chart-toppers might not be in your event budget, there are lots of ways to bring some musical talent to your special day without breaking the bank. Connect with local musicians or PR agencies to find someone who’s just starting in the industry. It’s an amazing way to add some oomph to your gathering, and who doesn’t love live music?
Another great option is a live performance like the ballet dancers pictured above. They added the perfect dose of whimsy and entertainment to our winter wonderland-themed holiday party!
From immersive wellness experiences to surprise elements and more, we anticipate 2025 will be filled with IG-worthy events galore! If you’re looking for the perfect space to host your event, O&B has a growing collection of venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious waterfront escape like The Quay or an out-of-the-box group experience like dinner and a show at The Second City, we have something for everyone! Get in touch with our event specialists today.
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