November 19, 2025
Digital Detox Events: How to Help Attendees Reconnect in Real Life
What are digital detox events, and why are they trending?
Digital detox events are experiences designed to help attendees unplug from technology, reduce stress, and recharge mentally and emotionally.
Between relentless notifications, back-to-back Zooms, and the constant feeling of being “always on”, people are running on low battery.
Over half of Britons feel overwhelmed by the number of apps, channels, and communication tools they use daily. Enter the rise of digital detox events, experiences designed to help people switch off from screens and reconnect with themselves and each other.
And it’s not a niche. It’s becoming a defining theme in the new experience economy, where people value time, presence, and wellbeing just as much as excitement and entertainment.
Why are people seeking digital detox events?
People are seeking digital detox experiences, not to reject technology, but to reject fatigue. With the UK’s average screen time now hitting 7.5 hours a day, “techno-strain” is on the rise, leading to burnout, poor focus, and a growing sense of disconnection.
Nearly 1 in 4 UK adults report feeling stressed more days a month than not. For many, the idea of logging off has become the new form of luxury. That’s the sweet spot for event planners and brands, creating offline moments that recharge attendees’ mental and emotional batteries.
How can event agencies design digital detox experiences?
Here’s how leading event agencies are reimagining corporate and wellness events to help audiences truly unplug:
| Strategy | Why It Works | |
| Create phone-free zones | Helps attendees be present and reduces distraction | |
| Design mindfulness moments | Supports mental clarity and relaxation | |
| Use ambient intelligence | Technology that fades into the background | |
| Incorporate nature and stillness | Counteracts urban overstimulation | |
| Curate meaningful human connection | Restores belonging and engagement |
These elements don’t just deliver peace, they create transformational experiences that linger long after the event ends.
How are digital detox experiences redefining corporate event strategies?
For businesses, the takeaway is clear: wellness and connection now sit at the heart of audience engagement.
- Only 33% of young employees say they can switch off from work when they need to.
- Meanwhile, Plum Guide reported a 22% increase in requests for digital detox-friendly homes in 2024, proof that people are actively seeking downtime.
When organisations embrace this mindset, corporate events shift from being “time away from work” to being a vital part of wellbeing and retention strategy.
By designing wellness events and offsites that prioritise balance and presence, brands send a powerful message: “We care about your mind as much as your output.”
That authenticity builds loyalty, reduces burnout, and deepens emotional connection, the real currency in the modern experience economy.
How can brands make digital detox events feel aspirational, not restrictive?
“Unplugging” doesn’t have to mean boring. The best event design doesn’t strip away stimulation, it reimagines it.
Think:
- Silent book clubs where people share ideas without phones
- Off-grid cabins like Unplugged achieving 90% occupancy rates by offering pure presence
- Luxury wellness retreats that replace screen time with sensory indulgence
In 2025, switching off has become a status symbol, an intentional act of self-care that audiences see as both aspirational and restorative.
The goal isn’t just to disconnect from tech; it’s to reconnect with purpose, people, and presence.
What’s next for digital detox events and the experience economy?
As event professionals, we’re standing at the crossroads of technology and wellbeing. The future isn’t about abandoning tech, it’s about rebalancing it.
Smart event planning means designing hybrid or live experiences that use technology to enhance disconnection, think ambient data lighting or hands-free interactions that don’t dominate attention.
Digital detox events are more than a wellness trend; they’re a strategic investment. They build trust, engagement, and emotional loyalty, the cornerstones of future-ready event strategy.
Want to work with us?
Get in touch with our expert event team, who will take the time to understand your audience, uncover what truly resonates with them, and craft experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Want more? Check out other related blogs:
How to Replace Hustle Culture With Mindful Experiences
The Rise of Human-Centric Events, Where Mental and Physical Health Take Centre Stage
What Gen Z Can Teach Us About the Power of Tangible Experiences
Author: Lucy Preston, Assistant Head of Sales
Lucy drives our growth strategy by working hand-in-hand with clients to turn their event objectives into measurable results, from growing brands to deepening audience engagement. Lucy is a strong advocate for work-life balance, encouraging her team to take time for self-care, prioritise their health, and approach every project with good energy and attention to detail.
