When designing experiences for Gen Z, planners must prioritize opportunities to make genuine connections. Photo courtesy of Global DMC

Meetings are undergoing a generational shift, and Gen Z is leading the charge.

As the first truly digital-native cohort enters the workforce in greater numbers, Gen Z’s expectations are transforming everything from meeting structure to speaker selection. With a deep focus on authenticity, inclusivity, efficiency and wellness, this generation is influencing how events are conceptualized, designed and delivered across industries.

“This generation places a high value on meaningfulness — they’re not likely to travel simply for the sake of it,” says Catherine Chaulet, president and CEO of Global DMC Partners. “For them, a trip must offer purpose, whether that’s spending quality time with colleagues, discovering a destination through authentic, immersive experiences or engaging in CSR activities that allow them to give back. They want to leave a place better than they found it, and that’s transforming the way planners design programs.”

She says there is growing interest in extending the experience to include partners and family, with more companies embracing the trend of offering pre- and post-program rates or planning blended business-leisure events.

“That shift is helping to create more holistic, enriching travel moments that align with Gen Z’s focus on work-life balance and shared experiences,” Chaulet adds, noting that digital fluency also plays a role.

“This generation expects seamless tech integration, from mobile apps to onsite digital experiences, but it’s really their demand for authenticity, inclusivity and efficiency that’s driving the biggest changes. They want to feel seen, heard and part of something larger than themselves,” she explains.

Interestingly, though, it’s not all a generational divide.

“At our recent Global DMC Partners Connection event, we hosted a catamaran experience that resonated across generations. Some activities — those rooted in joy, connection and exploration — have universal appeal, and it’s those kinds of moments that help bridge generational expectations in a truly successful program,” Chaulet adds.

They Want Platforms – Not Permission

“Gen Z isn’t just reshaping the future, they’re asking us to rewire it,” says Sepideh Eivazi, founder of Dawn of the Earth, a unique platform that merges somatic breathwork with custom-crafted teas. A Breathe Initiative Member at the Global Wellness Institute, she is also an event planner and TEDx speaker who bridges hospitality and healing.

“I’ve come to realize that we cannot serve this generation with outdated models rooted in hustle culture, surface-level connection or aesthetics over intention. Gen Z sees through it all. They’re not attending our events to escape, they’re coming to expand, to connect and to be part of something that reflects their values,” Eivazi says. “They view hospitality not as polished service, but as a practice of care, inclusion and emotional intelligence. They’re asking us to move beyond curated experiences and instead co-create spaces where authenticity isn’t a buzzword, it’s the baseline.”

So, how does such an experience take shape?

“It looks like creating sensory-safe environments that honor neurodiversity. It looks like integrating nervous system regulation into the programming, not just spa offerings on the side. It looks like offering trauma-aware speakers, gender-inclusive language and quiet rooms just as intentionally as we offer cocktail hours,” Eivazi says. “And perhaps most importantly, it means involving them in the process, not assuming we know what they want, but asking, inviting and listening. Because Gen Z is not looking for permission, they’re looking for platforms.”

“They’re not drawn to perfection, but to presence,” she adds. “They want to attend events that reflect the realness of the world they’re navigating, events that help them process, express and connect. We must be willing to unlearn, to evolve, to move at the speed of humanity. As planners, the invitation is this: Let Gen Z lead us into more human-centered event design. Let’s trade performance for purpose, polish for presence. Let’s create the kind of spaces where connection is real, community is intentional and belonging is built into every detail. Because when we meet them in that space, heart first, radically honest, we don’t just serve a generation. We co-create the future of hospitality.”

Connection Is Key

As event manager at ADS — which produces the defense industry’s premier expo for networking, training and product demonstrations — Madeline Jones brings a unique generational lens to her work. Born in 1997, she identifies as a Zillennial, straddling the line between Millennials and Gen Z, which gives her insight into the needs and expectations of younger attendees. As a result, when designing experiences for Gen Z, Jones prioritizes opportunities for genuine connection.

“This generation is lightning-fast when it comes to digital communication, but they tend to process in-person experiences more slowly,” Jones says. “They need time to absorb and engage, unlike Baby Boomers, who are often more comfortable with face-to-face interaction but less fluent in digital environments.”

Gen Z attendees also expect a sense of place.

“They’re intentional about supporting local economies and seek out experiences that reflect the character of the destination, not ones curated by major corporate chains,” Jones says, adding that technology, too, is essential, but not in the ways planners might assume. “Gen Z craves connection, both through and beyond technology,” she says. “They’re a sharp, inquisitive generation who appreciate tech-savvy environments but also value human interaction. It’s not one or the other, it’s both.”

Finding New Ways to Engage Is Essential

Gabriella Antoniotti, business leader, Americas, FCM Meetings & Events, oversees the company’s entire meetings and events division across the U.S. and Canada, and she agrees that Gen Z is driving a meaningful shift in how meetings and incentives are designed and delivered.

“One of the most noticeable changes is the move toward more immersive, experience-led events that prioritize engagement over traditional formal formats. This generation values authenticity, so they respond better to purpose-driven experiences, especially those with a CSR initiative,” Antoniotti says.

There is also a clear preference for shorter, more dynamic sessions that allow for interaction and personalization, as Gen Z tends to have a much lower tolerance for long, content-heavy agendas, she adds.

“Social media is playing a key role as well. Today, planners need to consider the visual and shareable aspects of the experience, and be intentional about creating ‘Instagram-worthy’ moments and opportunities to share in real time,” Antoniotti says.

Another significant influence on meetings is the rise of bleisure, as Gen Z increasingly seeks cultural exploration and extended personal travel.

“If they’re flying into a city for a meeting, they’ll likely want to stay an extra day to catch a local game or experience the city’s unique flavor. With Millennials and Gen Z projected to make up 75% of the workforce in the next five years, these shifts aren’t just trends, they’re shaping the future of meetings and incentives,” she adds.

There are other aspects reshaping the landscape of meetings and incentives.

“One of the biggest shifts is the move away from cookie-cutter incentives toward experiences that are highly curated and hyper-personalized. Attendees now expect programs that reflect their preferences, values and identities — not just one-size-fits-all itineraries,” Antoniotti says. “There’s also a growing focus on wellness, sustainability and CSR. These elements are no longer optional — they’re integral to how programs are planned and delivered. Wellness, in particular, has taken on new importance — fewer late-night parties, more mindfulness activities and better sleep and nutrition integration.”

Furthermore, with the continued adoption of emerging technologies, there is enhanced engagement through gamification and interactive tech, such as AR/VR and live polling, making events more interactive and memorable.

“Experience design has also become central as every detail matters, from aesthetics to flow to the overall vibe. It’s about creating moments that feel meaningful and shareable. Planners must continuously adapt to meet the new expectations of a workforce that demands both substance and innovation,” Antoniotti says.

Digital fluency is having a major impact on the industry, particularly as Gen Z enters the workforce demanding seamless, tech-enabled experiences.

“They expect intuitive, fast and engaging digital touchpoints throughout the entire attendee journey,” Antoniotti says. “AI is also transforming how programs are designed, marketed and personalized, allowing for smarter, more responsive experiences. On the backend, there’s a much stronger focus on data capture, analytics and post-event engagement to continually optimize outcomes. We’re also seeing digital fluency empower micro-influencers and peer-to-peer recommendations, which play a growing role in driving participation and amplifying event reach.”

Beyond technology, Gen Z also places a strong value on authenticity.

“They prioritize transparency over polish and tend to connect more with real stories and meaningful voices, rather than high-profile celebrities that do not resonate with the audience,” Antoniotti adds. “For this generation, branded experiences need to genuinely align with their values. They can easily identify when there is no substance behind the message. They don’t just want to be part of the audience — they want to feel like they’re part of the narrative. To truly connect with Gen Z, brands and events need to be honest, values-driven and inclusive in a way that feels sincere, not performative.”

Inclusivity and efficiency are both front and center in today’s event landscape, especially with younger audiences such as Gen Z.

Says Antoniotti: “There’s a clear expectation for events to be accessible, culturally aware and thoughtfully designed to meet diverse needs, whether through representation, different learning styles or inclusive environments. At the same time, efficiency is key. Gen Z values their time and expects high-impact content that has a clear return on investment. Technology plays a big role here, with streamlined, mobile-first platforms and fast onboarding now considered standard within the overall digital experience.”

Shorter, Smarter, More Purposeful

Forget drawn-out sessions and long-winded presentations. Gen Z professionals expect concise, results-driven meetings. They want clearly defined objectives, actionable takeaways and engaging formats that prioritize time and impact.

“It’s all about creativity,” says Darlene Lyons, executive vice president at T3 Events Group and associate partner at T3 Sixty. “Workshops, roundtables, 15- to 25-minute sessions — long enough to get the content out there, but not so long that you lose their attention.”

As digital natives, Gen Z expects seamless tech integration in every touchpoint of a meeting. From instant messaging platforms to AI-powered scheduling and feedback tools, technology isn’t just a feature — it’s the foundation. Even room design is changing. LED walls, 360-degree photo booths, interactive displays and VR/AR experiences are replacing traditional theater seating and static podiums. Lighting, scent and sound are also now curated to create immersive, multisensory environments.

Instant feedback is also key. Whether it’s through polling apps or live session ratings, Gen Z expects to be heard.

“[It] should be instantaneous,” Lyons said. “Sessions should adapt on the fly.”

When T3 Events recently crowdsourced meeting themes, asking 1,500 attendees to vote on 30 proposed topics, it was clear that Gen Z wants a say, and they want it in real time.

“The energy was amazing,” Lyons says. “It gave them ownership of the experience.”

Wellness and Downtime Matter

For Gen Z, meetings aren’t just about business, they’re about balance. Wellness activities are expected, whether it’s a mindfulness break or an outdoor experience that allows them to explore the destination. Downtime between sessions isn’t wasted time. It’s a valuable chance to recharge and connect informally, which are both priorities for a generation that champions mental health and sustainable work habits.

Gen Z expects to see diversity onstage and substance in the message. That means inclusive panels, personal storytelling and authentic delivery.

“Today’s groups want to hear from someone who’s had recent success — someone who’s done something meaningful in the past 24 months,” Lyons says. “They don’t want to learn about what worked seven years ago.”

Sessions that help attendees leave with concrete next steps also resonate. In addition, this generation favors agile formats, short cycles, quick check-ins and fewer after-hours emails. They value upfront details, including menus, agendas and accessibility information, which reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging.

Gone are the days of static, sit-and-listen agendas. Festival-style meetings are gaining traction, offering attendees the freedom to move between immersive zones, engage with content on their terms and connect socially across settings.

Whether through experiential design or on-demand content, Gen Z is redefining what meaningful engagement looks like. Their influence isn’t a passing trend — it’s a generational reset of meeting culture, and forward-thinking planners are taking note. C&IT