Gen Z is redefining the future of meetings and events, according to Hilton’s latest trends report. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Timeimage
Gen Z’s impact in the workplace is not just limited to the office space; meetings and events are set to switch gears as well. The special section of Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report highlighted several key findings in how Gen Z employees perceive their experiences at in-person events.
The importance of personal space
78% of surveyed employees responded positively to the idea of having some personal time during events to decompress. Additional data supported this, showing nearly 7 in 10 (68%) professionals agreeing that work events are often too long and more than half (51%) of attendees reporting having to be ‘on’ for extended periods as a top reason to feel at least moderately anxious.
The ability to momentarily disconnect can even impact the event experience before it begins. More than 3 in 5 (65%) employees highlighted that having dedicated quiet areas to work, eat or just relax would allow them to feel more comfortable at events. For the same reason, scheduled breaks (71%) and ‘downsized’ meetings (62%) are also factors worth considering.
Feeling prepared goes a long way
Event preparedness was another leading concern among respondents, with 71% agreeing that they feel more welcome at in-person events when they receive an agenda in advance. They also expressed a similar level of sentiment (79%) regarding attire, with more than 3 in 5 (67%) feeling more prepared when attire guidelines are provided.
Even having simple points of contact can have a significantly positive effect, as more than half of those surveyed mentioned that they would feel more welcome if they received a greeting as they entered the event (61%) or had a number to text regarding event-specific questions (59%).
Staying mindful of the small things
The Hilton report summarised its findings by emphasising the importance of prioritising comfort from both a newcomer and veteran perspective:
Share agenda previews to maximise attendee preparation.
Employ event hosts to help chaperone and answer questions.
Define logistical contacts and groups to assist with pre-event communication.
Event planners would also benefit from considering taking a more ground-level approach to optimising the attendee experience. Rather than considering how to make an event more jam-packed, organisers can look at how to bring more value to attendees by addressing potential anxiety triggers and promoting social visibility.
This can take the form of activities such as pre-event meetings – where attendees can field last-minute pre-event questions – or even a simple meet-and-greet session.