2026 is the year of the curated corporate event

February 10, 2026Lauren Windle

After the holidays and before all the 500 May craziness is a great time to consider what your company’s next event might look and taste like, as well as which of many event centers to book.

With that in mind, here is what we’re seeing emerge as new trends in event planning:

#1 Trend:  More intimate events

Event professionals are predicting a shift toward smaller, more targeted events. Those invited want to feel inclusivity and a walk away with a feeling of a curated event experience perfectly suited to them.

Your attendees should feel like you had them in mind, rather than hosting an event for ‘everyone.’ In the corporate world, this is a real and meaningful shift. You’ve got to have a very good idea of what your customer looks like and what’s important to them, such as:

  • Event décor is important to establish this feel. Color pop is still a thing, but in proportion to the theme, underlining it rather than overpowering it.
  • Allowing them the chance to personalize and portion-control what they eat, drink, and see.
  • Food choices that are respectful of diet preferences, such as offering gluten-free, meatless and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Inclusivity, natural light, comfortable seating, and flexible layouts for conversational interaction.

#2 Trend: Wellness-forward

As generational tastes shift, event expectations about what is served at corporate events have naturally change as well. Younger generations now in the workforce expect healthy food and beverages.

That means:

  • Fresh food that is chef-driven
  • Fresh and locally grown
  • Sustainably sourced with no additives
  • Lots of meatless choices
  • Vegetarian alternatives
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Reduced environmental impact

Jacquie’s team pays attention to what’s important to you and your guests. Plus, because we have catering privileges at more than 30 event centers in and around Indy, we can help you build the kind of inspired event you have in mind from the ‘ground up.’

We do corporate events, deliciously and memorably.

© 2026 Jacquie's Gourmet Catering. All Rights Reserved.
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