ASA Live Looks Forward: Predictions for 2026
A blog post from our Founder and President, Christian Garceau
The New York Times recently published their “10 Predictions for Life in 2026”, (it’s a gift article; no paywall!) and it got me thinking about what lies ahead for the event industry.
The truth is, many 2026 events are already just around the corner. Large-scale productions often have their creative conception in 2025 or earlier—venues, for instance, are frequently booked three or even four years in advance. So while some trends will evolve later in the year, the decisions we made in the recent past will continue to shape the immediate future.
That said, four predictions from the Times list particularly struck a chord with me regarding the future of gathering:
1. Dumb Phones as a Status Symbol
“Dumb phones” are becoming a definitive status symbol. The ability to disconnect from email, breaking news, and constant connectivity is increasingly a luxury available only to the privileged. While most of us can’t realistically spend a full workday away from notifications, the trend signals a deep desire to slow down.
You might not be able to make your conference entirely “smartphone-free,” but there is a growing appetite for quiet, creative, contemplative spaces at events where people can escape technology, even for a moment. Organizers can tap into this by designing "analog" breakout zones that rely on tactile experiences rather than constant digital stimulation.
2. The War on Slop
AI technology became omnipresent in 2025, to the point where we often have no idea if what we see on social media is real. “Seeing is believing” no longer applies; photos and videos are no longer undisputed facts. As a result, we are resisting the artificial and seeking out the authentic.
The "wow factor" of handing a task over to AI is gone. We are increasingly trained to detect its use, and audiences are pushing back. Event organizers need to use these tools intelligently—as assistants, not creators—and never simply hand over the reins. Your audience will not forgive "slop," so make sure your content feels human.
3. It’s No Longer Cool to be Cold
This prediction hit home the most. With so much inauthenticity swirling around us—emails written by AI and responded to by AI—our personal interactions are demanding more sincerity and warmth. When the digital world feels sterile, human connection becomes the premium product. Organizers need to leverage this truth: hospitality, kindness, and genuine face-to-face engagement are more valuable than ever.
4. The Rise of the Exfluencer
Finally, we are seeing the rise of the "Exfluencer." So many creators made it big, fast, and now feel tethered to the tripod, facing impossible expectations for content delivery. Expect to see influencers less on TikTok and more as keynote speakers delivering a harsh truth: get offline and get into real life. Live your life for you, not for the feed.
The Verdict?
To me, all these trends point to a universal truth for 2026: we are tired of the artificial. We want authenticity, and we will celebrate it.
Event organizers are realizing that AI will not take their place. We will learn to hand it the menial tasks (like proofreading this blog post), but our own natural, innate creativity must drive the year forward (like writing this blog post).
Good event planners and producers know this truth. The rest will either remain ignorant of the forces of AI or fully succumb to them.
Let’s show our real faces in 2026. Want to work with an event team that values the human element? Contact ASA Live today and meet the real us.
Christian Garceau President & Founder (and not a bot) ASA Live Inc.
