At AMS Event Services, one of our core objectives as professional event planners is to create meaningful experiences that resonate with emerging professionals—those typically between the ages of 22 and 35 who are new to the workforce or transitioning into new roles within their fields. This dynamic demographic brings energy, fresh perspectives, and a strong drive to connect, learn, and grow.
Understanding their motivation is key. Research consistently shows that emerging professionals attend events to learn, to network, and to have fun. With that in mind, here are some proven strategies to align your events with their expectations:
- Tools to Enhance the Experience
Leverage event technology to streamline registration, provide real-time agenda access, and integrate social media. These professionals are tech savvy and value innovation, so utilizing technology to enhance their experience is key. - Targeted Programs
Secure inspiring keynote speakers—visionaries who bring industry insight and energy to the stage. Create sessions focused on career growth, skill-building, or leadership development. Topics like “building your personal brand,” “negotiating your first promotion,” or “navigating industry changes” – sessions that are an investment in their future. - Dynamic Design and Engagement
Craft a high-value agenda with a variety of session formats (small groups discussions, pre-recorded content for on-demand viewing, etc.) and a diverse speaker lineup. Better yet, let them moderate a panel, introduce a speaker, or contribute to a lightning talk session. Giving them the mic, even briefly, builds confidence and visibility—and helps them feel like contributors, not just attendees. This encourages engagement, sparks ideas, and fosters ongoing conversation beyond the session rooms. - It’s All Fun and Games
Introduce gamification elements to drive interaction and make networking feel more approachable. Try mobile scavenger hunts, trivia battles, networking bingo or create gamified goals tied to a cause your attendees care about (e.g., “For every 100 points earned, we donate to [charity]”). Track progress on a live leaderboard. This taps into their values and community-mindedness and playful incentives will boost participation. - The Yin-Yang of It All
Create neurodiverse-friendly opportunities, such as: quiet zones, sensory rooms, chair massages, and the like. Prioritize wellness by incorporating varied food and beverage options, stretch sessions,flexible scheduling and meditation sessions. A balanced environment helps attendees stay energized and engaged throughout the event. - Meet Your Mentor
Facilitate connections between seasoned professionals and emerging talent through casual but structured networking opportunities just for early-career attendees to connect with each other and with approachable mentors or leaders. Icebreakers, hosted conversations, and light programming (e.g., “ask me anything” sessions) can break down barriers. - The Afters
Extend the life of your event with social media, virtual networking platforms, or event apps. These help attendees stay engaged, reinforces learning, and builds long-term loyalty. Millennials, which make up many emerging professionals, are highly active on social media and value connection, authenticity, and community, so use hashtags, post questions, and launch a post event challenge. Encourage attendees to post, repost, interact and share their event experience.
As a leading professional meeting and event company based in Silicon Valley, AMS Event Services is committed to designing innovative, inclusive, and high-impact experiences.
Contact us at events@amsl.com to speak with one of our Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) and learn how we can bring your next event to life.