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What CMOs Really Want from Events in 2025

Published Date
Author Desiree Homer

Here’s the thing. CMOs aren’t playing the same game anymore. The rules have shifted. And if you’re planning events in New York or anywhere big right now, you can feel it.

It’s not just about filling a ballroom or stacking up RSVPs. That’s old news. 

They want events that prove their worth. Data-backed. Audience-first. Built with the kind of seamless tech that feels invisible yet makes everything run like clockwork.

They don’t just want engagement. They want engagement that turns into something measurable. Leads. Deals. Clear ROI.

So the real question is this. How do you as a NYC event pro build events that speak their language?

The New Playbook CMOs Are Following

  • Data over gut feelings. They track what actually works and they expect you to do the same.
  • Personalization at scale. Think tailored sessions, curated networking, content that feels designed for them.
  • Tech that isn’t a gimmick but a glue. AI-powered tools, smart registration, even VR and AR if it adds real value.

And it’s not just about looking sharp. It’s about proving every dollar made sense.

Tech Is the Quiet Star Now

Five years ago, you could get away with a flashy keynote and call it innovation. Not anymore. CMOs in 2025 lean hard into:

  • AI platforms that predict attendee behavior
  • Hybrid setups that double reach without doubling costs
  • Real-time dashboards tracking engagement like a stock ticker

It sounds intense, but here’s the upside. With the right tools, your events don’t just shine on-site. They live on. 

Snippets become social clips. Panels become podcasts. Data becomes your pitch for the next big client.

So What Do They Want, Really?

They want events that feel effortless. Personalized without being creepy. Innovative without trying too hard. And above all, aligned with the bigger picture.

That means every touchpoint matters. From how the invite lands in their inbox to how the post-event recap proves ROI to their board.

If you’re not showing how your event ties into the brand’s larger goals, you’re missing the mark.

The Ripple Effect of the Pandemic

We all know COVID rewired this industry. The legacy of that moment hasn’t faded. 

Hybrid isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s table stakes. Flexibility is expected. And ROI? Non-negotiable.

Events that survive in 2025? They’re the ones that feel just as engaging on a screen as in a room. They capture data cleanly. They pivot when needed. 

They let people connect how they prefer.

The New Event Trends Shaping Decisions

Let’s be honest. The bar keeps moving. CMOs now add two new demands into the mix.

Sustainability. Because no luxury brand wants to look careless in front of their eco-conscious audience. Expect to see zero-waste catering, digital-first materials, and carbon offsets baked into budgets.

Automation. Because time is money. From AI-driven scheduling to chatbots that actually work, efficiency is as sexy as a packed house.

Step Into the Future of Events

The ideas sound exciting on paper, but the real shift happens when you’re in the middle of it. 

That’s what The Event Planner Expo 2025 is all about. For three days this October, New York becomes the hub where the most creative minds in events and marketing trade notes, swap stories, and spark collaborations.

It’s not just panels and presentations. It’s live demos that show you what’s possible. It’s conversations that stick with you long after you leave. It’s meeting the people who can help bring your next big idea to life.

Think of it as a shortcut to everything you’ve been trying to piece together on your own. Strategy, tools, partnerships…all in one place.Ready to see where the industry is headed?

Grab your tickets now for October 14–16 and secure your spot before they’re gone.