Why AI and Tech Are Now at the Heart of Emotionally Intelligent Experiences
The latest American Express Global Meetings & Events Forecast 2026 paints a clear picture: the future of events will be powered by optimism, creativity – and increasingly, by technology.
With 85% of event professionals optimistic about the year ahead, the focus has shifted from simply delivering meetings to designing meaningful, data-driven experiences. And right at the centre of that evolution sits AI.
From Tool to Touchpoint: AI’s New Role in Experience Design
AI is no longer a buzzword or a back-office function. It’s now a creative partner – one that helps brands and event professionals imagine, design and deliver experiences that are as smart as they are memorable.
According to the Amex GBT Forecast 2026:
50% of planners are already embracing AI throughout the meetings journey
40% are introducing AI-powered event apps
34% use AI to generate creative concepts
28% use AI to track attendee experience
At Sleek, we’re seeing this shift firsthand. The most successful experiences now weave technology into every stage of the journey – from data-led concept creation to on-site engagement and post-event analysis. AI tools are helping shape everything from venue selection and logistics to mood-boarding and storytelling.
Our technical team, led by David Blair, ensures these tools translate into unforgettable live moments.
The beauty of technology is that it lets us focus on the moments that really matter,” says David Blair, Sleek’s Head of Technical Production. “AI and digital tools support the more operational parts of our work, which means we can channel even more attention into the sound, lighting and staging that make an event unforgettable. It’s not about replacing the human touch – it’s about enhancing it. As our clients become more technically literate, they’re looking for deeper value from their partners, and integrating AI helps us elevate the creative and experiential layers of every event.”
The result? Events that are better informed, more responsive and, crucially, more human – because AI is freeing planners and attendees alike to focus on what matters most: real-world connection.
TECH IS MAKING EVENTS MORE HUMAN, NOT LESS
One of the most interesting findings from the Amex GBT Forecast is that while technology adoption is accelerating, so is the desire for connection. Audiences today crave interaction, participation and purpose – 42% want more workshops and hands-on sessions, 40% want more social opportunities, and another 40% expect visible sustainability measures (Amex GBT, 2026 Forecast).
Meanwhile, the IBTM World 2025 Trends Report highlights that AI is now the main tech focus for 50% of meeting planners, with mobile apps continuing to be an expectation at events. Planners are already using AI for attendee matchmaking (42%), content creation (41%), theme development (40%), and tracking attendee engagement (39%) (IBTM, 2025).
This combination of human desire for connection and AI-driven efficiency is shaping the future of live experiences. When thoughtfully applied, AI frees time and resources, allowing event teams to create moments that are more personalised, more immersive, and more emotionally resonant.
When used thoughtfully, AI and digital tools help us:
Personalise every stage of the attendee journey
Tailor experiences to individual preferences in real time
Capture instant feedback and sentiment data
Continuously refine content and engagement moments based on audience response
This is how a well-executed event becomes an emotionally intelligent experience – one that doesn’t just look spectacular, but feels deeply human.
How Brands Can Harness AI Right Now
It’s easy to feel that AI is still “on the horizon”, but many tools are already accessible and ready to use. Here’s how brands can start embracing it today:
Use data to inspire creativity. Feed insights from past events, customer data, or social sentiment into conception tools to spark new ideas and formats.
Bring AI into pre-event engagement. Use intelligent automation for registration, matchmaking or content personalisation to make attendees feel valued before they even arrive.
Enhance live moments. Think smart way-finding, AI-powered translations, or instant polls that adapt the session in real time.
Extend the lifecycle. Post-event, use AI-driven analytics to understand emotional impact, not just attendance numbers.
At Sleek, we’re already incorporating this approach for clients who want their events to feel more connected, purposeful and data-informed – while giving attendees and teams more space to focus on meaningful IRL interactions.
The Future Belongs to the Emotionally Intelligent Event
Technology is no longer the opposite of creativity – it’s the amplifier. AI helps us craft experiences that don’t just look spectacular, but mean something to the people in the room.
By automating routine tasks, AI creates space for human moments – the conversations, workshops, and interactions that make events truly memorable. It’s this blend of creativity, empathy, and intelligence that will define the next generation of live experiences.
Technology is no longer the opposite of creativity – it’s the amplifier. AI helps us craft experiences that don’t just look spectacular, but mean something to the people in the room.
By automating routine tasks, AI creates space for human moments – the conversations, workshops, and interactions that make events truly memorable. It’s this blend of creativity, empathy, and intelligence that will define the next generation of live experiences.
If you’d like to find out more or talk to one of our team, get in touch.