The more digital the world becomes, the more we crave what feels real. The entertainment and media industry hit $3.5 trillion in 2025, up 5.3%, and it's still climbing. Here's the shift: consumers love the convenience and choice of digital, but they're increasingly drawn to experiences that offer genuine connection and presence. The result? A surge in live and immersive formats. See what's behind the change in our Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026–2030: https://pwc.to/GEMO2026 #LiveEntertainment #SharedReality
A valuable insight into how consumer preferences are evolving. As digital experiences grow, meaningful real-world interactions and immersive experiences continue to create lasting value. At Friends Travel, we believe authentic travel experiences will always remain at the heart of memorable journeys.
Insightful findings. As technology continues to reduce friction, experiences become the true differentiator. In my interactions with founders, the businesses creating lasting value are those that combine digital convenience with authentic human connection. Innovation may attract attention, but meaningful experiences build loyalty.
Excellent insights from PwC. Digital infrastructure provides the initial reach, but immersive, physical experiences are what drive long-term user retention.
I was in London recently for one of the many live immersive events that seem to be springing up. This was in Peckham Rye where what must have been a warehouse unit was transformed into 1930s New York Jazz and cocktail club. No phones allowed, which actually added to the moment and meant people could be in the moment for a couple of hours. I was impressed, and as you say, people are demanding human experiences more.
Digital transformation doesn't reduce the need for meeting in person – it increases it. As virtual communication becomes easier, organisations place even greater value on environments that foster trust, creativity and strategic thinking.
The classic digital paradox: the more virtually connected we are, the more we crave authentic, tangible, and shared human presence.
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭! As digital experiences grow, authentic human connection becomes even more valuable. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. 🎭🌍
Technology keeps evolving, but our need for genuine human connection really doesn't.
A really interesting insight. 👏 As digital continues to grow, physical experiences that people can see, touch and remember become even more valuable. It's all about creating meaningful connections.
This trend extends beyond entertainment. Across industries, AI and digital technologies are enhancing efficiency, but lasting value comes from creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and human. Organizations that combine intelligent technology with meaningful customer engagement will be best positioned for the future.