2026 corporate event trends: What’s in, what’s out

Organisations across Australia are refining their budgets and looking at the purpose of in-person gatherings and corporate events. What trends can we expect in 2026 that can help you to plan smarter, run leaner, and deliver events that really stand out.

What’s in for 2026 corporate events?

1. Purpose-driven, people-first events

Australian companies are doubling down on doing events that mean something. Not just gatherings for the sake of the corporate calendar.

What are these exactly?

• Team connection days with clear goals.
• Culture-building workshops.
• Leadership alignment sessions.
• Wellness-focused offsites.

EAs are being asked: “What’s the objective?” — and events are expected to prove their value.

2. Small-to-midsize event with intentional design

What is a small to midsize event? Anywhere between 30-150 attendees. These are ideal when budgets are under more scrutiny, and allow for tight agendas and a highly considered run of events. 

Teams are hybrid now and travel is costly. Keeping numbers low will eliminate people missing out on whole company-wide celebrations if they’re not in the state. People are also seeking meaningful connections with their peers, which is harder to manage at large-scale gatherings.

It’s no longer about how many people you can put in a room — it’s about what they walk away with.

3. Elevated internal events

If you’re looking for ways to boost team morale and get an epic brainstorm happening, then internal team events are the solution. Companies have started to move their budgets from large scale client events to smaller ones with just the employees. 

These include:

• Town halls with high production values.
• Culture days.
• Strategy kickoffs.
• On-site professional development days.

Employees expect a polished experience, even if it’s “just an internal day”. EAs and OMs are now part-planner, part-producer.

Organising events for remote workers? We’ve got the scoop on what the future of remote work is projected to look like. Read here.

4. Smart, subtle technology

We’re looking at less flashy VR moments these days and more at tech being organically integrated into the proceedings. It’s about knowing you understand the tech for its usage, not garishly displaying tech that has no need to be there.

Trending tools include:

• QR check-ins
• Real-time polls and Q&A platforms
• AI-generated meeting notes
• Simple networking apps for larger corporate days
• Airtight Wi-Fi + AV (the true hero)

Australian corporate teams want tech that removes friction, not creates it.

5. Sustainability that isn’t greenwashing

Sustainable choices are now being made. But guests are discernible consumers, and can spot greenwashing (performative) actions versus those who are taking it seriously with long-term goals.

EAs are choosing:

• Venues with clear sustainability credentials
• Seasonal/local menus
• Reusable or non-branded signage
• Digital comms over printed packs

Greenwashing is out — transparency is in.

6. The suburbs are good!

Local venues located on city fringes, rather than in the heart of the CBD, are gaining popularity, with some even venturing further afield to regional escapes within 60-90 minutes. Teams still want to “get away” — but not too far, and not at 2023-style budgets.

7. Experiences reign supreme

People want to experience something new that can help to break up their work week. Some of these experiences might include:

• Mini wellness breaks (stretch sessions, mindfulness)
• Collaborative activities (build-a-plan, team challenges)
• Localised experiences (Indigenous storytelling, art workshops)
• Interactive installations

The rule: If it has purpose, it stays. If it’s just fluff, it’s cut.

What’s out in 2026 for corporate events

1. Big, fancy, ‘for show’ events 

Multi-day conferences that are just for optics? That’s out! Events should be justified with their time away from work and the total costs. 

2. One-size-fits-all run sheets

Been running the same event for 10 years now? Maybe it’s time to take a look at what you’ve been doing and see if it needs to be made modern and have some small adjustments. Teams expect customisation — even simple tailoring like rotating breakout groups or branded sessions.

3. Full-day sessions without flexibility

All-day conferences are becoming a thing of the past. You can have full day events but allow drop ins and outs.