2025 Preview: 5 Emerging Event and Travel Trends—and How Embassy Suites Can Help

As 2025 approaches, business travel and events are entering a transformative phase. Innovation, personalization, and meaningful connections are shaping the future—and Embassy Suites by Hilton is at the forefront. Read on to discover some of 2025’s top trends, according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report.

1. A Rise in “Frolleagues” and Bleisure Travel

Work trips are no longer just about boardrooms and presentations—they’re evolving into opportunities for team bonding and leisure. According to Hilton’s Trends Report, 1 in 4 business travelers plan to hit the road for team-building trips next year, giving rise to “frolleagues”—friends who are also colleagues. Meanwhile, the bleisure trend (combining business and leisure travel) continues to gain momentum, with 25% of respondents planning to extend work trips for personal enjoyment in 2025.

The Embassy Suites solution: Embassy Suites by Hilton’s spacious two-room suites and ergonomic workspaces allow teams to stay connected on the road (without having a bed in the background of Zoom calls!), and wellness-focused amenities like Peloton-equipped gyms allow travelers to balance productivity with relaxation. Guests and “frolleagues” can also recharge with free, made-to-order breakfast, and enjoy complimentary evening receptions to unwind.

2. Simplified Travel Booking and Tech-Forward Solutions

For small and medium-sized businesses, booking business travel can often feel daunting. However, technology is streamlining the process, with 78% of travelers preferring the ability to book trips entirely online. Generative AI is set to revolutionize personalization in travel bookings, creating a tailored experience for every traveler.

The Embassy Suites solution: Programs like Hilton for Business have helped streamline the booking process, allowing small and mid-sized companies to access exclusive rates and benefits when they book in Hilton’s mobile app. The app can also be used to chat with on-property teams and access digital programming to enhance the stay experience. 

And, with 63% of travelers wanting to use their phones as room keys, features like Hilton’s Digital Key and Digital Check-in have helped create more seamless business travel experiences—while also diverting approximately 100 tons of plastic from landfills each year!

3. Affordable and Streamlined Options for In-Person Gatherings

The demand for in-person meetings and events is surging—and businesses are seeking practical and cost-effective event solutions.

The Embassy Suites solution: In addition to Embassy Suites’ signature two-room suites, made-to-order breakfast, and complimentary evening receptions—all of which give travelers more bang for their buck—Hilton has introduced a number of tools for event planners, including…

• Simplified Booking: Planners can now book meeting packages for up to 35 attendees entirely online at Events.Hilton.com. This includes bundled options with guest rooms, AV setups, and food and beverage packages—all without the need for separate contracts or phone calls.
  
  
• Dynamic Pricing: Hilton’s “always on” dynamic pricing ensures travel managers and planners get the best available rates for their preferred properties, eliminating guesswork and delivering consistent value.
  
  
• Hilton Honors Event Planner Program: To support meeting planners further, the Hilton Honors Event Planner program allows members to earn two bonus points for every $1 USD spent on qualifying events, creating added rewards for their efforts.

4. Flexible Meeting Packages to Suit Every Occasion

Today, there is a heightened interest in new and unique experiences, including venues, meeting room settings, and F&B moments This can range from outdoor spaces to out-of-the-box seating styles to unique, customized event menus. (Fun fact: Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report found that dining experiences are a top travel priority, second only to accommodations!)

The Embassy Suites solution: It’s all about creating an event that is personalized to the objectives of the meeting and the attendees who will be there. In addition to a variety of eclectic event spaces, Hilton provides flexible, customizable meeting packages to suit diverse needs, including…

• AM and PM Half-Day Packages: Include arrival refreshments, a mid-meeting snack break, standard Wi-Fi, and tools like smart boards or flipcharts.
  
  
• Full-Day Packages: Feature morning and mid-morning refreshments, lunch, and afternoon snacks, alongside AV and Wi-Fi needs.
  
  
• Meeting Space-Only Options: For planners seeking simplicity, packages include standard Wi-Fi and basic AV tools, with food and beverage add-ons available.

In terms of food and beverage, Embassy Suites is embracing trends like plant-based menus, energy-boosting snacks, and inclusive beverage offerings that cater to diverse lifestyles. With more people reducing alcohol consumption, experiential options like coffee bars, unique teas, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks are taking center stage—often paired with ideal alcohol options for those who choose. The rise of "snackification" has also influenced Hilton's customizable bite-sized snacks, offering flexibility and creativity for any meeting or event. 

5. Trending Destinations Around the World

Where will business and leisure travelers be heading in 2025 and beyond? Hilton’s top global corporate travel hotspots for 2024 offer a sneak peek into where teams are making connections: Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Chicago in North America; Beijing, Singapore, and Bengaluru in Asia Pacific; London, Dubai, and UAE Provincial in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; and Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, and Colombia Provincial in South America.

The Embassy Suites solution: Embassy Suites has existing and upcoming properties in several of the top global corporate travel hotspots and beyond. Some standout new options in the U.S. include Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown—slated to open in 2025—along with Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown and Embassy Suites by Hilton Irving Las Colinas, both of which opened earlier this year. Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center is another favorite for planners.

Abroad, the stunning new Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay and the upcoming Embassy Suites by Hilton Istanbul Mecidiyekoy offer exciting options for meetings and events. 

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From cutting-edge technology to customizable meeting packages and standout destinations, Embassy Suites by Hilton continues to lead the way in shaping the future of business travel and events. Check out the full 2025 Hilton Trends report here, and discover how Embassy Suites by Hilton is poised to make 2025 a year of innovation, connection, and seamless travel experiences.