Special Events | Summer 2025

“When you focus on how people feel at the event, not just what they see, that’s when magic happens.” —Jaclyn Watson

“To stay in touch with trends, we prefer to lean into trends that make sense, blended with timeless influences, rather than focus on hyper-trendy concepts. We find inspiration in sources that offer lasting relevance, such as: BRIAN GREEN'S Trendspotting Guide 1. Fashion, Architecture, Music, & Nature: These are rich, enduring influences that provide endless creativity and allow us to design experiences that feel fresh but incredible. 2. Industry Publications & Events: While we avoid jumping on fleeting trends, we stay connected to industry publications like this one [ Special Events ] to understand the landscape and where broader cultural movements are heading. 3. Our Own Experiences: Rather than looking at other event designs, we prefer to look inward and rely on our own creativity. We focus on creating unique concepts that feel true to us and our clients. 4. Listening to Our Clients: The best trends often come from paying attention to what people genuinely love and need. We stay attuned to our clients’ desires and how guests respond to different elements, ensuring that what we create feels authentic and unique.”

“I stay inspired by a mix of places,” shares Watson. She looks toward editorial shoots and magazines, both wedding and fashion; luxury hospitality trends (“Hotels are incredible at setting the tone for experience-based design”); industry conferences and retreats; and travel and nature. “Honestly, some of the best design ideas come from being out in the world and seeing new textures, colors, and styles firsthand.” It’s important to look to all ends of the trends funnel. Social media gives you an idea of what trends are at their peak and what your clients will be expecting, while magazines, travel, and conferences like Catersource + The Special Event give glimpses into what your peers have been playing with and what is about to catch on, giving you a bit of a competitive edge. In her session Kristin Banta's Design to Impact in 2024 at Catersource + The Special Event 2024, Kristin Banta (Kristin Banta Events, Inc.) discussed the importance of staying in touch with trends, even those from oversaturated sources. “We can’t be in the business of regurgitating trends...instead, we have to be in the business of reinvention. So, just like we need to understand the audience we’re designing for, we have to know the trends first. We have to know what pop culture is exposed to, and then we can reimagine it.”

Staying true to your brand There are inevitably times when a client wants to try a trend that you’re less than enthusiastic about. When this happens, a conversation can help shed light on their desires as well as possible solutions. “If a client wishes to incorporate a trend that we believe will negatively impact the event, we share our concerns honestly and offer alternative ideas that achieve the same goals differently,” says Green. “Our job is always to bring the client’s vision to life, whether the event is social or corporate. “We do not impose our brand on their choices unless the element they want to include is illegal, immoral, or would clearly lead to poor design or guest experience. At the end of the day, we're there to support the client’s success and ensure the event is its best.” Getting clear on their intentions, your capabilities, and the purpose of the event will help you navigate through any disagreements on which trendy elements stay or go. Staying in the loop As mentioned, social media is a major place where trends are shared and perpetuated, but there are plenty of other places to look for inspiration and trendspotting.

SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER 2025