Tariffs & the Event Industry: Navigating 2025’s Economic Crosswinds

What shifting global trade policies mean for corporate event strategy.

The Real Impact of Tariffs on Events

In 2025, global trade tensions and U.S. tariff expansions are reshaping the landscape of live events. What once felt like background economic noise has now become a clear and present pressure point for event organizers, vendors, and corporate stakeholders alike.

Tariffs on steel, aluminum, electronics, and imported food goods have increased the cost—and complexity—of executing in-person events.

Event planners are encountering:

• Elevated AV and staging costs due to material tariffs

• Rising catering prices for imported foods, beverages, and specialty items

• Freight delays and material shortages caused by disrupted supply chains

The result? Event budgets are tightening under external economic strain, and reliability across sourcing and logistics is harder to guarantee.

What This Means for Corporate Event Strategy

For corporate events—particularly those involving executive leadership, high-level clients, or global teams—the stakes are higher.

Key shifts we’re seeing:

• Total cost of ownership is now a vital consideration for everything from tech rentals to custom build-outs.

• Planning cycles are getting longer, with early decisions unlocking more favorable pricing and better vendor access.

• Localized sourcing is accelerating, not just to avoid tariffs, but to reinforce sustainability goals and reduce delivery risk.

The outcome? Strategic planning isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s the backbone of cost control, brand consistency, and experience delivery.

How We’re Responding at Vivid Creative House

This environment has sparked deeper reflection—not just in how we execute, but how we advise and partner.

Here’s how we’re approaching the shift:

• Scenario planning: We help clients map potential cost increases and adjust scope accordingly.

• Domestic-first sourcing: Whenever possible, we prioritize vendors and materials that avoid tariff exposure.

• Creative adaptability: We reimagine design approaches that maintain impact while working within material constraints.

• Extended lead times: We advocate for earlier decisions to give events the best chance of securing favorable pricing and availability.

It’s about preparing—with clarity and flexibility.

Looking Ahead

Tariffs are just one piece of a larger picture. But they serve as a powerful reminder that events, like every business function, are shaped by macroeconomic forces.

For companies investing in leadership retreats, incentive trips, or client-facing activations, navigating these shifts requires a planning partner who understands both the artistry and the economics of live experiences.

At Vivid, we’re not just managing logistics—we’re helping clients move forward with intention, even in a changing world.