Experiential and Event Marketing Insights: 20 Statistics You Need to Know in 2025

The experiential marketing industry is once again expected to thrive in 2025. From immersive experiential events to more personalized corporate events, brands and organizations are counting on live experiences as a key driver of business success. As budgets increase and new strategies emerge, the industry is buzzing with so many opportunities for companies of all sizes. Below, we’ve gathered what we think are the most impactful statistics that you need to know in 2025.

20 Experiential and Event Marketing Statistics to Know in 2025

Growth and Investment

• 74% of Fortune 1000 marketers plan to increase their event budgets in 2025 (EventTrack 2025), while 66% of corporate meeting professionals anticipate increased budgets. (American Express Meetings and Events 2025 Global Forecast)
• Global experiential spend was expected to reach $128.35 billion by the end of 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic $121.87 billion spent in 2019. (Marketing Charts)
• 57% of B2C marketers and 55% of B2B marketers plan to execute more events in 2025 compared to 2024. (EventTrack 2025)
• Two-thirds of corporate marketers agree that the significance of face-to-face events is growing in their companies, and events are increasingly becoming a standard part of their marketing plans. (EventTrack 2025)
• The exhibition industry rebounded to 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2024, demonstrating the importance of face-to-face interactions for business growth. (CEIR)

Audience Engagement and Attendee Trends

• 64% of attendees prefer immersive, hands-on experiences at live events over technological elements like apps and digital displays. (Freeman)
• 82% of event attendees prefer in-person events, while only 1% choose virtual formats. Additionally, 17% indicated their preference depends on the specific event (Freeman). In comparison, 67.8% of attendees favored in-person events in 2023. (Bizzabo)
• 83% of meetings planned for 2025 will feature an in-person component, reinforcing the enduring value of face-to-face interactions. (American Express Meetings and Events 2025 Global Forecast)
• Nearly 72% of event attendees actively capture and share content online, with the top three platforms being Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. (EventTrack 2025)
• 80% of consumers believe that in-person events are the most trusted way to discover new products and services. (Freeman).
• Free samples (60%), swag (57%), and discounts/special offers (52%) are the top reasons that consumers engage with brands at events. (EventTrack 2025)
• 77% of consumers say that after interacting with a brand at a live event, their trust in the brand increased significantly. (Freeman)
• 66% of consumers said they are more likely to purchase a product or service after interacting with a brand at an event. (EventTrack 2025)
• 81% of attendees care about sustainability at events, but only 24% of B2C marketers currently have a sustainability plan. 57% predict that a sustainable action plan will take at least three years to implement. (EventTrack 2025)
  • On the flip side, 47% of corporate meeting planners report that they currently have defined sustainability goals and an action plan. (American Express Meetings and Events 2025 Global Forecast)

ROI and Metrics

• 50% of marketers report improved ROI from event investments, highlighting the growing value of experiential strategies. (EventTrack 2025)
• Sales and lead generation dominate B2B event priorities, with 61% and 66% of marketers citing these as their top objectives for success. (EventTrack 2025)
• 62% of B2C event marketers say that brand awareness is the number one goal, followed by making connections and forming relationships (59%). (EventTrack 2025)
• AI is fueling data-driven event experiences, and 50% of corporate meeting professionals plan to use the technology in 2025 (American Express Meetings and Events 2025 Global Forecast), but AI only enhances events; it doesn’t replace human-led creativity and touch. (Jack Morton)
• Increased dwell time at trade show booths is driving stronger brand connections, with 46% of attendees spending 15-30 minutes engaging with exhibits. (EventTrack 2025)

With marketers leaning into new opportunities and audiences eager to engage, this year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the industry! Cheers!

Whether you need brand ambassadors for an immersive experiential marketing campaign or event staff for your next conference or corporate event, ATN Event Staffing is ready to assist! With over 22 years of experience, brands, marketing agencies, and organizations count on us for top-tier staff and unparalleled customer service. If you’re looking for an event staffing partner in 2025, we would love to chat! Contact us to learn more about our staffing solutions and how we can help you achieve your 2025 goals!