Looking Forward to '26, a Top 5 List

New year, new me… or at least new event trends, right? January is that magical time when we all vow to drink more water, hit zero inbox (mine perpetually hovers around 30), and inevitably everyone does circle back, alert: most of those intentions will fizzle faster than a champagne toast at 12:01. But here’s one resolution worth keeping, staying ahead of what’s shaping our industry. And because we’re feeling nostalgic (and a little inspired by Indy’s own David Letterman), here’s my take on a classic countdown: The Top 5 Trends for 2026, cue drumroll please...

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5. “New year, new menu.” Forget the crudités and crab cakes, your event’s food and beverage should be a conversation starter. Think wellness forward cocktails, minimalist plating for Insta appeal, and local ingredients that reflect your event’s vibe.

4. Design with intention (and color that speaks volumes). Whether Pantone named a “Color of the Year” or not, decor should convey mood and purpose. That means rich textures, meaningful accents, and lighting that feels less fluorescent in the conference room and more cozy fireside chat.

3. Destination charm is your secret sauce. Bring a piece of the locale into every moment, think signature cocktails named after local gems, decor that nods to a neighborhood or major event, even a mini pop-up shop with artisans.

2. Gifting Goes Experiential. Forget the branded stress balls. 2026 is all about gifts that tell a story. Think of locally-sourced items, gift cards to classes or stores that match their interests, or sustainable swag that they actually want to keep. Personalization is key: when a gift feels thoughtful, it becomes part of the memory, not just another tote bag in the closet.

1. Connection never goes out of style. Trends will change; tech will evolve, but creating spaces where people feel seen, safe, and inspired? That’s timeless.