When the clock struck midnight on January 1, people around the world started making lists, namely new year resolutions. Members of the MICE industry are developing their own lists: data and trends for the next 12 months.
The Dana Agency, a public relations agency with numerous clients in the hospitality industry, released a list of trends from their industry experts that are likely to play out in 2026.
Menu Modifications
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, recognized a growing demand for more nonalcoholic beverage offerings plus menus with diverse options for dietary needs. This is driving the hotel to reimagine vegetarian and dietary-conscious entrées. The efforts combine broader consumer expectation, wellness and culinary excellence as part of the event experience.
These actions align with the National Restaurant Association’s, “2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast.” Among other things, the report states that consumers desire more interesting options for nonalcoholic beverages.
Event Length and Timelines
Arlo NoMad in New York City is focusing on intentional event timelines in 2026. This includes following shorter meeting agendas and incorporating more personalization in attendees' schedules. Personalization and high-quality experiences are being requested under tighter timelines and budgets.
[Related: Trends in Convention Center Design, Amenities and Experiences]
Intentional Design and Experiences
Aishah Moncayo, director of events at Arlo Washington D.C., said her events team has seen more requests for micro-events for 2026. These events express attendees’ desire to create connected experiences and meaningful interactions with intentional design. At the property, requests from planners mirror this pattern as attendees are looking to get out of the boardroom. The event team is seeing a strong demand for courtyard and rooftop events.
Venues and Event Flow
A shift in guest expectations at The Elser in Miami has more groups seeking venues with authentic character and indoor-outdoor flow. The hotel’s guests desire event experiences that create spaces with open-air elements and enclosed comfort.
Dynamic events are increasingly popular at Hotel Continental in Miami Beach. Planner clients are favoring venues that allow meetings to flow naturally into their evening receptions. Social gatherings that take place post-meeting are held across terraces, pool decks and rooftops.
Wellness Activations
As more meetings trend away from typical corporate obligations and towards curated retreats, The Goodtime Hotel Miami Beach is incorporating wellness-infused breaks into the agenda. These breaks blur the line between business and leisure, refreshing attendees using local products and services. The SkyBeach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida and The Ellie Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are also incorporating locally inspired wellness programming into events to create memorable moments.
