5 things your event attendees love (and how to deliver them).

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.

Gone are the days of sitting in a cold room, half-listening to a speaker drone on while your brain checks out. 

Today’s attendees crave interactive experiences that get them involved.

According to a recent poll we conducted, 43% of attendees highlighted interactive workshops as the most memorable part of a conference. 

What does that mean for your events?

How to deliver:

• Move away from passive sessions. Instead, opt for hands-on workshops where attendees dive into real-world scenarios.
• Bring in industry experts for smaller sessions that allow for deeper learning.
• Let attendees shape the conversation. For example, facilitate user groups, testimonials, and case studies. This creates a connection that passive listening just can’t.

Bottom line: Give your attendees more than just information—give them a chance to engage.

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 doesn’t just lead to better conversations—it boosts satisfaction and engagement too.

3. Wellness beyond the yoga mat.

When we think of wellness at events, it often begins and ends with a yoga session or a massage chair. 

Attendee wellness encompasses overall well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, and even financial health.

In-person events offer a unique opportunity to provide attendees with resources, information, and connections that support every aspect of their well-being. 

While this may seem like a purely altruistic endeavor, successful leaders know that the success of any business is intrinsically tied to the well-being of its people.

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: happy, balanced attendees are the ones who feel more energized and ready to dive into the next session.

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, empowers, 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.