As 2025 comes to a close, I can honestly say this year has been a whirlwind in the best way possible. My first months at Forrester have been energizing, humbling, and full of moments that reminded me why this work matters. We hosted Summits across three continents that brought together thousands of professionals from diverse industries, backgrounds, and roles. What they shared was a clear sense of purpose — they came to learn, connect, and leave with actionable insights they could take back to their organizations.

That intensity of purpose is what makes Forrester events so special and what fuels my excitement for what’s next. It’s why we’re introducing our event promise for 2026: ideas into action. It’s not just a phrase; it’s our commitment to help attendees turn insights into outcomes. This promise will guide how we design every experience in the years ahead.

Building On The Lessons Of 2025

This year gave us incredible insight into what makes an event unforgettable and where the industry is headed. A few themes rose to the top that we’ll continue building on in 2026:

  • Attendees First. Every decision — from programming to networking — started with one question: How does this serve the attendee experience? That’s why we added more workshops and roundtables this year, responding to what attendees asked for and helping them start turning ideas into action.
  • The Power Of Storytelling. Across every event — whether we were engaging leaders in tech, marketing, CX, or other corners of the business — storytelling stood out as a differentiator. Our analysts didn’t just share data; they brought it to life. By weaving insights into narratives, they made even the most complex ideas relatable and actionable, creating moments that resonated far beyond the stage.
  • Community Matters. Workshops and roundtables were packed because people crave opportunities to learn from peers tackling similar challenges. That appetite for connection is something we’ll lean into even more next year — it’ll be central to our promise of turning ideas into action.
  • Balance Is Key. Our Summits deliver rich content, and that’s a strength. But we also saw how much attendees value moments to pause, reflect, and connect. Whether through inspirational keynotes or informal networking experiences, creating space to breathe and let learnings settle in is essential.

Then there’s the unique vibe of a Forrester event. We’re not a mega-conference with thousands of people competing for access. Our Summits are intentionally sized to foster connection. You see familiar faces, meet analysts without long lines, and leave feeling part of a community — not just a number. That ease of access and sense of belonging is something we’ll continue to build on as we help attendees make decisions faster.

Listening And Acting

The event space is fast-evolving — particularly given the realities shaping the current business environment. We’ve been listening closely. Tight budgets, limited travel, less out-of-office time, and competing priorities mean accessibility matters more than ever. Attendees don’t want more sessions; they want the right sessions. They want programming that’s focused and relevant, giving them time to engage deeply. We’ve taken that feedback to heart as we plan for next year’s events.

What’s On The Horizon

In 2026, you’ll see changes designed to make our events even more accessible, intentional, and impactful. Without giving away all the details, here’s what I can share:

  • We’re rethinking event formats to create more breathing room in the agenda.
  • We’re introducing new offerings that bring Forrester insights closer to where you are, including smaller, more localized experiences.
  • We’re exploring ways to make it easier for teams to attend together, because collaboration doesn’t stop at the event door.
  • We’re packaging our sessions more succinctly so that they’re easier to choose from and require less time out of the office.

These changes represent the biggest evolution in our portfolio in years. They’re about delivering what matters most: content that’s clear and actionable, experiences that foster connection, and environments that feel like community.

Closing Thoughts

If 2025 was about learning and listening, 2026 is about building on that foundation and raising the bar. Our mission remains the same — to help you turn ideas into action — but now we’re making that commitment more intentional than ever.

One thing hasn’t changed: In-person connection and learning remain in high demand and highly valued. We see it in the energy at our Summits, the packed workshops, and the conversations that spark new ideas. That’s why we’re doubling down on experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.