By Sophie Knight, managing director, VenueScanner for Business.
As Gen Z increasingly enters the UK workforce, their influence is impossible to ignore. By 2030, they will make up more than a quarter of all employees (PwC), and their expectations are already reshaping the way organisations approach events.
At VenueScanner, we see this shift first-hand in our booking data, enquiry patterns, and client feedback. What’s emerging is a generation that doesn’t just attend events, they expect to experience them.
Here are some of the biggest trends we’re seeing, and where organisers sometimes miss the mark when trying to engage this generation.
Interactive, not passive
Traditional lecture-style sessions are fast losing appeal. Gen Z grew up with interactive platforms, personalised content, and instant feedback loops. Sitting through hours of one-way presentations feels outdated to them.
Instead, they crave active participation – think collaborative workshops, small-group problem solving, or gamified elements that let them contribute rather than just consume. Networking opportunities also rank highly; this generation values building genuine professional connections but prefers it in curated, structured ways that reduce the awkwardness of “working the room.”
Purpose-driven gatherings
Gen Z is deeply values-led. For them, a company event has to be more than just a date in the diary, it needs a clear purpose. Whether that’s professional development, driving social impact, or fostering a sense of belonging, attendees want to leave knowing the “why” behind the event. Token gestures or vague objectives are quickly called out.
Increasingly, we’re seeing demand for events with a tangible impact: sustainability focused away days, volunteering initiatives, or skills-based learning experiences that align with both company goals and personal values.
Tech integration as standard
For Gen Z, technology isn’t an add-on, it’s the baseline. This is the first generation of true digital natives, and they expect seamless integration throughout an event. That means reliable hybrid streaming options for those who can’t attend in person, apps for real-time updates, and instant feedback tools like polls or Q&As that give them a voice in shaping the agenda.
Laggy Wi-Fi or clunky tech platforms can sour an otherwise well-planned day. Conversely, when technology works effortlessly, it fades into the background – exactly as they expect it to.
Authentic, inclusive environments
Diversity, equity, and inclusion shouldn’t ever be a box-ticking exercise; they must be baked into the fabric of the event. That means everything from speaker line-ups that genuinely reflect different voices, to venues that are accessible and welcoming.
Overly corporate or sterile settings can feel alienating, whereas environments that promote authenticity and openness are embraced. We’re seeing more requests for venues that signal inclusivity by design informal layouts, accessible facilities, and décor that feels warm and approachable.
Wellness-first scheduling
This is a generation that prioritises balance. Back-to-back sessions that stretch into the evening are often viewed as counterproductive. Gen Z expects organisers to respect boundaries around personal time, breaks, and wellbeing. That doesn’t mean shorter events, it means smarter design: integrating wellness activities like mindfulness sessions, building in proper downtime, and avoiding schedules that assume stamina is infinite.
Events that align with modern working practices hybrid options, flexible timings, and health-conscious food and drink – resonate far more strongly.
Spaces that inspire
If there’s one area where VenueScanner’s data is particularly telling, it’s in venue preferences. Gen Z is turning away from boardrooms and hotel function suites in favour of creative, unconventional spaces. Think converted warehouses, art galleries, rooftop terraces, and venues with a story behind them. The desire is to feel inspired, not trapped in an extension of the office.
We’re also seeing more appetite for sustainable venues and those with local character, reflecting broader values around conscious consumption and authenticity.
Designing events that bridge generations
It’s worth noting that most company events don’t cater exclusively to Gen Z, there’s always a mix of generations in the room. The challenge is finding a balance that engages younger employees without alienating more experienced colleagues.
The good news is that many of these shifts benefit everyone. Few people, regardless of age, enjoy sitting passively for hours, or attending events that lack purpose. Inclusive, tech-enabled, wellness-conscious gatherings in inspiring spaces are universally appealing, Gen Z is simply accelerating the pace of change.
Final thoughts
Gen Z’s rise in the workforce is less about tearing up the rulebook and more about demanding higher standards for how company events are designed and delivered. They want experiences that are interactive, purposeful, authentic, inclusive, and inspiring and they’re quick to disengage when these expectations aren’t met.
At VenueScanner, we’ve seen how aligning with these values not only attracts younger employees but also raises the bar for events overall. After all, the best company gatherings aren’t just attended, they’re remembered.