Corporate travel and events are evolving rapidly, reflecting the changing preferences and priorities of businesses and their employees. No longer confined to conventional city-based meetings or standard itineraries, this sector is now focused on creating personalised experiences. SKIL, a pioneer in corporate travel and event management, highlights the trends shaping the future of this dynamic industry. Insights from Ramanpreet Singh, Vice President – Events at SKIL, underscore how the corporate travel and events landscape is transforming

Luxurious Incentives

The modern corporate traveller seeks more than functional trips. They crave unique experiences. Companies are recognizing the value of providing luxurious incentives that blend relaxation and cultural immersion.

- Historic Venues and Lakeside Galas: Hosting gala dinners or events in historic venues or by picturesque lakes offers an elegant setting. These venues exude prestige and charm, making them ideal for celebrating achievements or rewarding teams.

- Culinary Excellence: Dining at Michelin-starred restaurants is becoming a hallmark of corporate incentives, with dining serving as both a celebration and a bonding experience.

- Adventure and Wellness: From wellness retreats with yoga, spa treatments, mindfulness workshops, as well as adventure-driven experiences like yacht charters, hot air balloon rides, or guided nature explorations; these initiatives help employees bond and relax.

Technology Advancements

Technology continues to revolutionise the way corporate events are planned and executed. The integration of AI, AR, VR is enhancing efficiency and engagement.

- AI-Driven Personalization: Artificial intelligence tools provide personalised recommendations for sessions and networking opportunities, tailoring the event to individual preferences and boosting attendee satisfaction.

- Immersive AR and VR Experiences: Augmented Reality (AR) enhances on-site engagement by providing interactive layers of information, while Virtual Reality (VR) offers remote attendees an experience that mirrors being there in person. Virtual expo halls and networking lounges are some of the technologies that are transforming accessibility.

- Seamless Check-Ins: QR codes, mobile apps, facial recognition are examples of streamlining the registration process, eliminating long queues and speeding up things. Enhanced Networking Opportunities

Building meaningful connections remains at the core of corporate events, and new technologies are making it easier and more impactful.

- AI-Powered Matchmaking: Algorithms analyse attendee profiles to recommend connections, ensuring participants meet people aligned with their interests and goals.

- Virtual Networking Lounges: These digital spaces allow for connections based on shared interests, enabling both on-site and remote attendees to interact with industry leaders and peers.

- Interactive Features: Tools like live polls, Q&A sessions and gamification elements encourage participation and create a more interesting experience for attendees.

Sustainability in Corporate Travel

As environmental awareness grows, sustainability is becoming a top priority in corporate travel and events. Companies are integrating eco-friendly practices to align with their values and reduce their carbon footprint.

- Green Travel Solutions: Low-emission transport, green-certified hotels and sustainable dining options are now standard inclusions in corporate travel policies.

- Waste Reduction: Be it paperless registrations or eco-conscious event materials, businesses are adopting strategies that minimise environmental impact.

Balancing Work and Leisure

The rise of “bleisure”, that is combining business with leisure, is reshaping corporate travel. Employees today are extending business trips to explore destinations and creating a balance between professional obligations and their personal life. Companies are supporting this trend with flexible itineraries that include cultural excursions or local experiences, ensuring employees return back to work inspired and energised.

Focus on Health and Wellness

Frequent travel can be taxing and companies are addressing this by incorporating wellness- focused amenities into their travel and event strategies.

- Wellness Retreats: Dedicated relaxation spaces, access to fitness facilities and options for spa treatments help employees unwind and recharge.

- Travel Wellness Programmes: These include services like physiotherapy stations, meditation zones, catering towards the physical and mental well-being of travellers.

Strategic Event Design

Corporate events are increasingly being designed with a strategic focus on maximising engagement and achieving business goals.

- Pre-Event Engagement: Digital platforms provide attendees with networking opportunities and pre-event content before the event begins.

- Real-Time Feedback: Tools for live polls and analytics enable organisers to gauge engagement and make adjustments during the event, for its success.

- Gamified Experiences: Scavenger hunts, quizzes, point-based activities make events interactive and fun, while leaving a lasting impact on attendees.

The future of corporate travel and events lies in embracing these emerging trends. Businesses can now create experiences that not only meet their professional objectives but also inspire and engage their employees.

SKIL remains committed to crafting travel and event solutions that redefine the corporate experience. As the industry continues to innovate, their focus will be on fostering connections, enhancing well-being and delivering journeys that are purpose-driven.

- Wellness Retreats: Dedicated relaxation spaces, access to fitness facilities and options for spa treatments help employees unwind and recharge.

- Travel Wellness Programmes: These include services like physiotherapy stations, meditation zones, catering towards the physical and mental well-being of travellers.

Strategic Event Design

Corporate events are increasingly being designed with a strategic focus on maximising engagement and achieving business goals.

- Pre-Event Engagement: Digital platforms provide attendees with networking opportunities and pre-event content before the event begins.

- Real-Time Feedback: Tools for live polls and analytics enable organisers to gauge engagement and make adjustments during the event, for its success.

- Gamified Experiences: Scavenger hunts, quizzes, point-based activities make events interactive and fun, while leaving a lasting impact on attendees.

The future of corporate travel and events lies in embracing these emerging trends. Businesses can now create experiences that not only meet their professional objectives but also inspire and engage their employees.

SKIL remains committed to crafting travel and event solutions that redefine the corporate experience. As the industry continues to innovate, their focus will be on fostering connections, enhancing well-being and delivering journeys that are purpose-driven.

Ramanpreet Singh
VP - Growth & Strategy, SKIL Group | Championing Innovation & Leadership

With 14+ years of experience across Customer Experience Research, Consulting, Travel, and Hospitality, Ramanpreet Singh is a recognized leader in driving business growth and scaling high-performing teams. Currently VP of Growth & Strategy at SKIL Group, he has been promoted four times in six years and also leads SKIL Events.

Ramanpreet excels in Business Development, Marketing Strategy, and Operational Excellence. A passionate innovator, he inspires teams, builds trust through performance, and shares his leadership insights with students as a regular speaker.

Beyond work, he’s an avid badminton player and finds balance in spiritual music. His journey, from humble beginnings to industry leader, continues to inspire.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramanpreet1/