In 2026, there are expected changes in the events industry, especially since artificial intelligence (AI) has improved and become more popular in event planning, including in corporate events. Fortunately, this is one of the best things that can happen to event planning. With the availability of AI, it’s easier to organise things, and you won’t have to guess the preferences of the attendees. Instead, AI can provide its preferences based on the given data.
So, even if you’re working with corporate event planners, you might notice them using AI for event planning and other data-driven tasks. This allows them to work faster and more efficiently, especially when it comes to predicting the best options for the attendees.
In this article, we’ll provide some tips for using AI to predict attendee preferences in 2026.
1. Collect the Right Data
AI can only work well if you have the right data to let it assess. So, if there’s something wrong with it, expect a result that may not be as reliable. On the other hand, if you want to obtain accurate information, you should start collecting qualitative and quantitative data. This includes whether they’ve attended your past events, registration details, survey answers, online interactions related to the event, and social media activity.
In terms of the registration system, modern AI can predict attendance for events, which is usually with more than 80% accuracy. At the same time, it can also save the data on abandoned registrations, tag attendees for follow-up, and update the system automatically.
2. Anticipate Interests Through Predictive Analytics
Another thing you should look forward to in AI and event planning is the use of predictive analytics to understand attendees’ interests. Specifically, this feature helps you anticipate the right speakers, topics, and activities that will grab the audience’s attention.
For instance, if your target audience consumes content about mental health, the AI may suggest speakers who are mental health advocates. At the same time, it may also predict the best topics that can drive interaction among the panels and the audience.
In addition, AI can also be utilised through virtual and augmented reality, wherein the participants can interact with digital objects using AR glasses or smartphones.
3. Real-Time Smart Personalisation
Another benefit you can get from utilising AI in corporate event planning is that you can personalise the real-time attendee experience. In doing so, you can set up exhibitors’ booths, an event app that suggests the ideal session for each participant, and match participants with the same industry, career, or behaviour.
For instance, an attendee may have participants in various marketing-related activities, so the AI can recommend to them some exhibits and workshops related to it. This can be applicable to both online and in-person participants.
If the corporate event has been happening often, it can be easier to predict the preferences of the attendees, especially since the data can be easily gathered, which is also more accurate.
4. Combine AI with Human Insights
Relying solely on AI when planning events is also not ideal. So, instead, you should combine AI predictions with human insights for a more successful result. At the same time, AI is developed to guide and improve existing ideas of corporate event planners, but it’s not created to replace them.
For instance, if, according to the past data, the attendees weren’t engaged with the activities, this can be the right time to incorporate the ideas provided by AI and the things that human corporate event planners have in mind. That way, aside from the data-driven information, human emotions are also taken into consideration.
5. Ensure Data Privacy and Transparency
One of the scariest things about utilising AI is that it can gather relevant and personal information that can harm individuals and companies. So, before using any AI app or software, ensure data privacy and transparency.
Fortunately, in 2026, it’s expected that third-party cookies will disappear, and the global data rules will increase security. So, whenever you’re using AI for analysing the information of your attendees, don’t forget to be transparent about it.
6. Continuously Refine Your AI Models
One of the things that can help your AI model improve is by continuously refining it. After each event, don’t forget to review and identify the accurate insights and those that need to be improved or replaced.
It’s best if you can continue to help your AI model learn by feeding it the information it needs to be able to analyse the attendees’ preferences in a more accurate way.
Final Thoughts
The use of AI in predicting attendee preferences can be a helpful way to improve the overall performance of the event. By considering the existing information and human insights, it’s easier to plan corporate events and improve the activities and concepts that were lacking in the past.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.
