Bold Ideas for Event Organizers in 2025: How to Create Events That Truly Connect ???

If you’re planning a conference, summit, or company event this year, here are 8 ways to make sure it’s impactful, inclusive, and full of energy.

1?? Define success before you start

What does a great event look like? Think about:

? Audience experience – How do you want people to feel afterward? Inspired, challenged, excited?

? Speaker impact – What do you want them to deliver? Actionable insights? A deep emotional connection?

? One Key outcome – Should attendees leave with new connections, a clearer strategy, or the motivation to act?

2?? Bring in artists and performers

Artists help us see things differently. A well-placed choir, poet, or dancer can drive home a message in a way that no PowerPoint ever will. Music, poetry, choir, dance, or visual storytelling can amplify your message and make it stick. I love working with artists—they break expectations and help audiences feel the urgency of a topic. I’ve worked with incredible multi-disciplinary professionals, and they always leave audiences thinking in new ways. Who to ask? Ask me :)

3?? Choose your venue with purpose

A corporate setting or a hotel conference room sends one message, while a community center, cultural hall, or town square sends another. The right space can reinforce your theme and make your event’s topic feel urgent and relevant.

4?? Don’t assume you “can’t afford” a great speaker

Budgets are real, but so are creative solutions. Many speakers (including me!) offer options, including pro bono keynotes, workshops, and panel moderation. Don’t hesitate to ask!

5?? Make inclusion a priority, not an afterthought

Consider:

? Accessibility – Ramps, captions, sign language interpreters.

? Food options – Dietary needs, cultural preferences.

? Representation – Who’s on stage? Who’s in the room? Who’s missing?

Here’s a checklist for accessibility & diversity in events, recommended by a cultural worker. It’s in Finnish/Swedish, but it's an excellent resource!

?? Checklist for accessibility & diversity (Finnish/Swedish): https://www.kulttuuriakaikille.fi/doc/tarkistuslistat/Tapahtumien_saavutettavuuden_ja_moninaisuuden_tarkistuslista.pdf

?? General checklist for event organizers: https://www.kulttuuriakaikille.fi/tarkistuslistat_arvioinnin_tueksi_kaikki_tarkistuslistat

6?? Go beyond your usual networks to reach a more diverse audience

If you want new people at your event, stop promoting in the same places. Get into new spaces—collaborate with professional networks, NGOs, and grassroots organizations. Mix audiences where not everyone is already familiar with the topic—fresh voices create fresh conversations.

7?? Invest in networking opportunities

People come for the content, but they stay for the coffee breaks. ? Don’t rush through them! Build in structured networking—speed networking, guided small-group discussions, or casual breakout sessions.

8?? Remember: Events build communities and inspire action

I’ve always believed that events aren’t just about strategy—they’re about people. Your event might be where someone finds their next mentor, business partner, or life-changing idea. So don’t cut corners.

BONUS: Make Your Panel Discussions More Engaging!

If you’re organizing a panel discussion, make sure it’s not just another dry Q&A session! I’ve written a guide on how to make panel discussions engaging, dynamic, and valuable.

?? Read it here

The Best Way to Start Your Event? Message Me. ????

I don’t just host events. I bring them to life. My events are about energy, connection, and real conversations—the kind that make people feel like they’re part of something big.

If you want an event that feels human, fun, and deeply impactful, let’s talk and create a space where people don’t just show up—they feel something. High-quality engagements. Inspiration. Momentum. Sense of belonging, action and hope towards a better tomorrow!

Warm regards,

Kamilla Sultanova

P.S. What’s one thing you wish people understood about event organizing?