We all know that pulling off a memorable conference isn’t as easy as slapping together a few PowerPoints and handing out free pens.
Attendees want more than just a chance to catch up on their email during breakouts.
What makes them fall head over heels for an event?
Spoiler: it’s not the endless sea of slideshows.
Based on real-world feedback and research, here’s a rundown of what your event attendees love and how to make their experience unforgettable.
1. Interactive workshops that spark engagement.
Long lectures in chilly ballrooms don’t hold attention anymore. Attendees want to be part of the experience, not just sit through it.
That preference shows up clearly in the data. 64% of conference attendees say they favor immersive, hands-on experiences over passive content, with interactive workshops consistently earning the strongest feedback. We’re seeing the same thing play out in real life too. 43% of attendees from a recent poll said interactive workshops were the most memorable part of a conference.
So what does that mean for your events?
How to deliver:
- Shift away from lecture-style sessions and focus on hands-on workshops tied to real-world scenarios.
- Bring in industry experts for smaller, more focused groups where meaningful learning can actually happen.
- Let attendees help drive the discussion. User groups, peer testimonials, and case studies create a level of connection that one-way presentations can’t match.
Bottom line: Don’t stop at sharing information. Create moments where attendees actively participate, contribute, and walk away feeling connected to the experience.
2. Meaningful participation over points.
Is gamification still a hot topic? Kind of.
But let’s be real...no one’s motivated by random points or cheap prizes anymore.
What your attendees really want is to be part of the action.
Instead of focusing on collecting points or making attendees chase after rewards, shift the focus to making them feel like they have a say in the content and agenda.
How to deliver:
- Let them choose activities or suggest session topics.
- Create a system where their input truly matters, creating a sense of ownership over the event. 80% of event organizers report increased attendee participation through features like live polls, Q&A sessions, and gamification.
Creating a participatory atmosphere boosts satisfaction and engagement too.
3. Wellness beyond the yoga mat.
When we talk about wellness at events, it’s easy to default to a morning yoga class or a quick stop at a massage chair. That’s a start—but it’s far from the full picture.
Wellness covers the whole human experience: physical, mental, emotional, and even financial health. Attendees are asking for more support in all of those areas, and they’re open to it when it’s thoughtfully planned. In fact, 76% of attendees say they enjoy work-organized wellness activities at events, especially guided or structured experiences that feel intentional rather than tacked on.
Live events create a rare window to offer tools, conversations, and connections that help people feel better both during the conference and long after they head home. And while it may sound like a “nice to have,” strong leaders understand that business performance is closely tied to how people feel.
How to deliver:
- Think beyond physical activities. Offer workshops on managing stress, balancing work and personal life, or even financial wellness (yes, that counts as well-being too!).
- Provide healthier food options, and not just a “wellness” juice bar with questionable ingredients.
- Integrate moments of rest and relaxation into the agenda. This means real breaks and opportunities for attendees to recharge.
Remember: when attendees feel cared for and balanced, they show up with more energy, sharper focus, and a stronger connection to the experience.
4. Time to connect and reflect.
We’ve all sat through those back-to-back presentations where the only thing we can reflect on is how much we wish we were at the beach.
That’s not the vibe we want for your attendees.
Instead of packing your schedule with a never-ending stream of lectures, make space for connection and reflection. 82% of B2B marketers view attendee engagement as a crucial key performance indicator for assessing an event’s impact.
How to deliver:
- Schedule intentional moments for networking, discussing ideas, and reflecting on key takeaways.
- Breaks should be more than just coffee runs. Create spaces where attendees can casually chat and share insights.
Conferences are all about connecting with ideas, and with one another.
5. Smaller, more intimate events.
It’s easy to assume that bigger is better when it comes to conferences, but today’s attendees often prefer a more intimate setting where they can form meaningful connections.
How to deliver:
It’s all about being intentional with the experience.
- Networking opportunities that create real connections.
- Scheduling that allows for meaningful interactions.
- Event structure that keeps the energy high and the experience memorable.
If we filter everything through the lens of attendee experience, vibe, and structure, we can design events that feel personal. No matter the size.
The bottom line.
Creating an event your attendees love doesn’t require reinventing the wheel.
Try stripping away the fluff and deliver content that connects and engages.
Whether it’s interactive workshops, real-world participation, or moments to recharge, your attendees will walk away remembering the experience, not just the handouts.
Ready to create an event that leaves a lasting impression?
For more than 15 years, GoGather has delivered incredible corporate events that support your creative concept, organizational mission, and event goals.
Our team is made up of the industry's most seasoned event experts who have seen and done it all. Let’s chat about how we can help you plan your best event yet.
