Future Meeting Space Revisited – Insights from the Innovation Catalogue

As early as the initial FMS research phases, it was anticipated that events would evolve into seamless hybrid experiences, supported by technologies such as telepresence robots, holograms, and interactive streaming platforms. 
Today, hybrid formats are firmly established across industries. International events like Web Summit or re:publica offer digital counterparts with remote networking and live interaction. Companies use hybrid models for global meetings, training sessions, and product launches via platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Hopin. While telepresence and holograms remain niche applications, they are increasingly used in keynotes and accessible formats.

Wearable technologies like smartwatches were seen as key to enhancing the event experience with real-time information, intuitive navigation, and hands-free interaction. 
Today, smartwatches are an everyday tool. In event settings, they help participants navigate venues, provide personalized agendas, and enable contactless check-ins. More advanced features, however, have still not been widely adopted in the event space. 

Early discussions in the FMS research explored how playful elements and innovative presentation formats could enrich learning at events. Today, formats like BarCamps, Pecha Kucha, or City Hunts are integral to many event concepts. Gamification elements such as app-based quests, point systems, or interactive challenges boost motivation, foster networking, and make trade shows and learning formats more engaging. 

Earlier FMS scenarios predicted that sustainable aspects like energy-efficient buildings, resource-saving materials, and low-carbon mobility concepts would become central to event planning. 
Today, sustainability is firmly anchored in many areas of the event industry among participants, clients, and partners alike. Venues are certified climate-neutral, setting new standards. Measuring and offsetting CO₂ emissions is standard in many event concepts. Eco-friendly solutions are also prioritized in catering, materials, and mobility. 

Mobility has always played a key role in event planning, especially in terms of accessibility, sustainability, and visitor comfort. It was predicted early on that integrated solutions combining public transport, car sharing, and alternative modes of travel would ease access and reduce emissions. 

In many cities, apps like Jelbi, Google Maps, and Citymapper now combine public transport, car sharing, e-scooters, and bikes in a single interface. 

Interest in sustainable mobility is also growing in the event sector: some platforms and organizers already integrate mobility options into registration or communication. Especially for international or eco-conscious events, partnerships with transport providers are emerging.

At Globetrender, Jenny Southan emphasizes that innovation is often not linear - trends move forwards and backwards. The future of business events lies in small, high-quality formats with a strong sense of community. Not every technological idea made it into event reality. Some concepts remain visions due to technical, ethical, or practical reasons. 

The idea of using RFID chips under the skin as tickets or payment methods was widely discussed. In practice, it failed due to ethical concerns and data privacy issues. Today, contactless alternatives like NFC badges, QR codes, or facial recognition dominate. 

Technically, robots mixing cocktails are already possible. Yet they are rarely seen at events. The social aspect and personal interaction at the bar remain essential parts of the event experience. 

Augmented reality glasses and projection wristbands were meant to enable new forms of interaction. Google Glass was discontinued, and the Cicret Bracelet remained a prototype. Instead, AR applications via smartphones and modern headsets like Apple Vision Pro are gaining traction. 

Self-driving vehicles for transport on trade fair grounds were a promising scenario. Despite technical progress, legal and infrastructural hurdles still prevent widespread use. Pilot projects are underway, but a breakthrough is yet to come. 

The idea of enhancing windowless rooms with virtual windows or fog projections remains intriguing but is still too costly and technically complex for widespread use. Applications are mainly found in showcases and special formats. 

The world of business events has seen tremendous innovation in recent years. Many former visions are now part of everyday practice. At the same time, not every idea can be implemented due to technical, economical, or social reasons. Still, the FMS innovation catalogue remains an impressive example of strategic foresight. 
If you’d like to explore it yourself, excerpts from the 2015 innovation catalogue are available here.
 

The full version is available upon request from the GCB team – for all the nerds who want to dive deeper.