The traditional business conference look is changing. Are you keeping up with it?

Around a year ago we wrote a post about the “Unconference” Conference look where we talked about how to create an inviting and unpretentious environment, one that allows people to feel comfortable to let down their barriers and connect with each other. 

We talked about a change in the ambience, from the traditional professional only conference (business only, minimal emphasis on aesthetics) to a more business casual setting (younger and diverse crowd, modern environments and experiences). This change keeps evolving further with conferences that enact a mindful and conscious mindset both in the event’s environment and purpose. 

One of the driving forces in this change of scenery has to do with Get Z taking over the workplace. By 2025, Gen Z will account for a third of the workspace (from CNBC) and this demographic is looking for a vibe at work that is beyond the realm of business transactions. They want to feel a connection with the culture of their place of work, and feel aligned. So companies are slowly moving away from Ping Pong tables and on-tap beer to focus on wellness, sustainability, and global issues. 

As a result, we are seeing a change in how conferences are designed. The rental furniture being used to create seating areas at conferences embody a more natural palette and feeling. Furniture with soft tones, low seating arrangements, neutral color carpets and the addition of lots of greenery give the space a sense of warmth. The furniture serves to seat guests comfortably but also to blend in with activities centered around mindfulness and relaxation - activities that are becoming part of today’s conferences.  

A recent conference we furnished involved a dedicated wellness area hosting yoga and meditation sessions. In another instance, the focus was on sustainability, renting out our Wooden Pallet Furniture to create seating lounges throughout the venue and adding to the earthy ambience. 

These thoughtful seating areas together with the new style of activities, brought people together. It lowered their guards, and helped form personal connections with each other and the conference itself.  

These seating areas brought people together. It lowered their guards and helped everyone connect on a personal level while connecting with a higher purpose. 

Our furniture rentals from recent conferences with wellbeing activities and sustainable design:

Conference attendees participating in a yoga session at the Conscious Conversations lounge during SXSW conference in Austin. Photo by Casey Holder (Holder Creative)

A lounge area made out of our Pallet furniture at a business conference in Miami