Hilton Unveils 2026 Meetings and Events Trends, Highlighting Authenticity and Wellness

Event summary

  • Hilton released the 'Why We Gather Report' as part of its 2026 Trends Report, focusing on behavioral, emotional, and cultural drivers of meetings and events.
  • The report is based on a survey of 3,150 adults across the U.S., U.K., and India, conducted by Ipsos in November 2025.
  • Key findings include 84% of attendees valuing authenticity at work events and 67% appreciating AI assistance for maximizing event experiences.
  • Hilton emphasizes the importance of in-person experiences for fostering genuine human connection and local cultural immersion.

The big picture

Hilton's report underscores a broader industry trend where technology augments, rather than replaces, the human element in professional gatherings. As the hospitality sector evolves, the ability to blend digital efficiency with authentic in-person experiences will be key to capturing market share. Hilton's strategic emphasis on understanding attendee motivations positions it to lead in this space, particularly as businesses increasingly prioritize meaningful connections and wellness in their event planning.

What we're watching

Authenticity Shift
How Hilton's focus on authenticity will influence event design and attendee expectations in the coming years.
AI Integration
The pace at which AI tools will be adopted to enhance in-person event experiences and streamline logistics.
Wellness Prioritization
Whether Hilton can sustain its lead in integrating wellness into events as a core differentiator.