As 2024 comes to a close, the team at Disney Meetings & Events has been reflecting on an incredible year of innovation and creativity. This year, meetings have energized attendees and prepared them to take on challenges with confidence. We’ve crafted events that immersed participants in unforgettable experiences. And together, we’ve fostered new connections and inspired collaboration. Read on to learn about some of the top trends we saw this year and how they were brought to life across our Disney properties!

Trend 1: Draw Inspiration from your Venue

What better theme when traveling for a meeting or event than a theme revolving around the venue itself? Where you gather can provide endless inspiration for unique décor, local culinary flavors, cultural experiences and more. Let’s travel to a few of our destinations to see how that can be brought to life! 

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawai’i is perfect for the picturesque setting of a gathering right on the beach. Beyond a conference room, you and your guests can experience rich Hawaiian traditions, like a lū'au, ukulele music, orchid lei making, and cultural demonstrations.

Or maybe you're gathering at Disneyland Resort in California! What better what to celebrate being in the Happiest Place on Earth, than bringing it right into your meeting space? From fun photo opportunities to classic Disney entertainment, your gathering will feel uniquely Disney in one of our convention resorts.

Trend 2: Elevated and Intentional Culinary Experiences

Your standard conference menus are a thing of the past. Guests are looking to be wowed and -literally- leave with a good taste in their mouths. Food & beverage is a part of the overall meeting experience and can be strategically utilized to support your goals. A meal can be so much more than a meal – it’s a time to make connections and create memorable moments for your guests.

Have you heard the news? Disney Meetings & Events is now offering menu-themed events, where the catered cuisine has inspired a la carte décor and entertainment for the space. These events are designed to delight your senses AND take some stress out of planning. The first of these events introduced takes inspiration from the “happiest cruise to ever set sail!” as “It’s a Small World…Of Flavor!” – where you can tour the world just by bringing your appetite! This global-inspired menu will satisfy every palate with flavor packed in every bite. We also recently announced “Deliciously Disney” where your guests will enjoy some of the best bites each Park has to offer! We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to dig in.

Setting sail on the high seas with Disney Cruise Line for an incentive trip? Your guests will find a culinary cabaret aboard each of our ships. With rotational dining, all guests will get to enjoy each of the 3 themed dining venues while on board. And while you rotate, the same wait staff – who will get to know you and your preferences – will serve you each night! Each ship also offers adults-only dining for an elegant dining experience. The restaurants offer a feast for the senses and a meal to remember.

Trend 3: Reimagine Engagement – Attendees Expect to be Immersed

Content is king in today’s world, and attendees are bombarded with it more than ever. It is key for meeting and event planners to find new, creative ways to connect with their audiences. Immersing attendees in an experience versus a traditional presentation engages and motivates them towards your goal. Showing, not telling, can inspire guests to think differently, connect deeply, and remember the event long after it ends.

What better way to immerse your attendees than with a dynamic kickoff? With a little bit of magic and a lot of amazing technical production – your presenter can step through the screen for a memorable entrance. They might even be joined by a very special guest! Starting your event off with a bang will get your audience energized and excited to engage and learn more.

Imagine hosting your event in a space where every detail tells a story, where the environment itself becomes a part of the experience. Your attendees will never forget the time they dined at the base of Mount Everest where the mystical Yeti roared in the distance, or the time they mix and mingled in a galaxy far, far away. These spaces and more at our Disney Destinations set the stage for experiences that invite your guests into their own adventures. You’re sure to walk away inspired and energized.

This year reminded us that meetings and events are about creating meaningful moments. From our team at Disney Meetings & Events, we can’t wait to enter 2025 energized and continuing to offer immersive and impactful moments for you and your guests.

Let’s Create Magic. 

We're excited to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme, and objective. Submit a request to connect with a Disney Meetings & Events representative to start planning your next meeting or event. Sign up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney Meetings & Events.