The biggest corporate event trend for 2026 is simple: planners want attendees doing something, not watching something. In Amex GBT's 2026 forecast, improving the attendee experience with more memorable events is planners' top priority, and attendees are asking for more interactive sessions and more social time. Racing simulators fit that brief well, with some real trade-offs against escape rooms, axe throwing and karaoke, covered below.
What the 2026 data actually says
The Amex GBT 2026 Global Meetings & Events Forecast surveyed 601 meeting professionals in eight countries (fieldwork by YouGov, July 2025). Key findings:
- 85% of meeting professionals are optimistic about the sector in 2026, the highest level the forecast has recorded since 2021.
- Cost is the top challenge, named by 38%.
- For the second year running, the top priority is improving the attendee experience with more memorable events. One-third put it first.
- Asked how attendee expectations changed over five years, 42% said attendees want more interactive sessions, 40% more social activities and networking, and 37% more personalized experiences.
- Five generations now share the workplace, and planners are shortening sessions to allow longer networking breaks.
In plain terms: budgets are tight, and the money is going to experiences people take part in.
Why a racing simulator matches that brief
- It is interactive by design. Each guest drives. There is no audience-only role unless someone chooses to watch.
- It creates conversation. Lap times give people something to compare and argue about at the bar, which helps networking between people who have just met.
- It works across ages. Driving is familiar to most adults, and a simulator does not depend on fitness.
- Formula 1 interest is high. In the U.S., F1 TV audiences averaged 1.3 million per race in 2025, a record for ESPN's coverage, according to the ESPN Press Room. Many guests already know the sport.
Simulators vs. escape rooms, axe throwing and karaoke
| Option | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Racing simulators | Comes to your venue; competitive; easy for spectators to follow on a screen | One driver per rig at a time, so large groups need several rigs |
| Escape rooms | Strong teamwork in small groups | Usually off-site; a group is locked away from the rest of the event |
| Axe throwing | Memorable and physical | Usually venue-based; organizers need to think carefully about safety and alcohol |
| Karaoke | Cheap and social | Many people would rather watch than perform |
Being honest: if your goal is a tight team-problem-solving exercise for six people, an escape room may serve you better. If you need something that runs inside your own venue and lets a whole room take part or follow along, simulators are a strong fit.
Planning tips for 2026
- Size the rig count to your guest list. More rigs mean shorter lines. We offer volume discounts on the rig subtotal: 5% off 2–3 rigs, 10% off 4–5, 15% off 6–7, 20% off 8–9 and 25% off 10 or more.
- Put the rigs where people already gather. Near the bar or the main room, not in a side hall.
- Add your brand. Custom branding starts from $500, plus tax and insurance.
- Measure what matters to you. Planners in the Amex GBT survey are moving toward data and ROI tools; decide up front whether you are tracking participation, sign-ups or content.
Book simulators for your 2026 corporate event
SimsForHire brings racing simulators to corporate events and trade shows across South Florida, and we deliver, set up, staff and tear down. Staffing is included for up to 4 rigs; from the 5th rig it is $1,500 per day for every 3 additional rigs. Full-motion rigs are $2,750 per rig per day, with a $2,000 event minimum — all plus tax and insurance. Delivery is free within 50 miles of Miami; farther out, we quote the delivery fee on request. We can book with as little as 24 hours' notice. See pricing or our case studies. Call (754) 228-5654, email hello@simsforhire.com, or start a booking. We reply within 24 hours.