In the vibrant setting of San José, Costa Rica, the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) recently hosted its annual Thrive Conference. As a Platinum Sponsor, AFR was honored to join hundreds of DMC professionals to explore the trends and design shifts currently reshaping our industry.

Representing the AFR team were Leigh Tidwell, CSEP, Vice President of Special Event Sales, and Sarah Bradley, National Account Manager. Beyond reconnecting with longtime partners, Leigh took the stage for the panel, “Future Forward: The Next Era of Event Design and Trends.”

Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

1. The Rise of "Attainable Luxury"

In an era of tightening budgets and complex logistics, the panel explored how to maintain high-impact design without unnecessary excess. Leigh highlighted the concept of attainable luxury: the art of creating a high-end atmosphere through strategic selection.

"Impactful design doesn’t require filling every square inch of a space," Leigh shared. "By identifying one or two 'anchor pieces' that define the aesthetic, planners can deliver a memorable, sophisticated environment that remains practical and cost-effective."

2. Designing for Emotion

The way clients seek inspiration has shifted. Rather than requesting specific furniture styles, many now describe the feeling they want an event to evoke—whether that is "immersive and moody" or "cozy and residential."

The role of the event professional is evolving into that of a translator. Success now starts with deeper discovery conversations, turning abstract emotions into tangible environments that resonate with attendees on a human level.

3. Inclusivity as a Design Standard

Perhaps the most vital part of the “Future Forward” conversation was the commitment to inclusive and accessible design. True hospitality means creating environments where every guest feels expected and supported.

Leigh shared several practical considerations for planners:

• Navigation: Ensuring aisle widths comfortably accommodate wheelchair access.
• Functional Seating: Selecting furniture with sturdy arms to assist guests in sitting or standing safely.
• Intentional Heights: Utilizing innovations like AFR’s wheelchair-accessible registration counter.

The impact of these choices is profound. Leigh recalled a speaker using a wheelchair who noted how meaningful it was to roll directly up to a registration desk just like any other attendee. This simple design choice eliminated a barrier to entry—both literal and emotional—proving that thoughtful planning is the ultimate key to a successful event experience.

Connecting with the DMC Community

Between sessions, Sarah Bradley spent time at the AFR sponsor table, sharing our latest product capabilities and design solutions with the DMC community. These interactions are the heart of why we support ADMEI; the collaboration between rental partners and DMCs is what drives our industry forward.

A sincere thank you to ADMEI and all the professionals who made Thrive such a success. We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting the next era of event design together.

Photo credit: Photos courtesy of Soliman Productions & Tagbox.

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