The New Social Occasion Report: How Brands Should Evolve to Keep Up

Socializing is undergoing a revolution.

As people’s behaviors and influences shift faster than ever, the way we connect is evolving too. In the wake of the pandemic and continued socio-economic uncertainty, consumers are prioritizing collective experiences over materialism, and hence socializing is holding more weighted meaning.

Social occasions are no longer just routine meetups at bars or dinner tables - they’re becoming richer, more meaningful, and experience-led. They are spilling into new territories, from gyms, creative pop-ups, hobby clubs, and even digital detox retreats; the focus is not on a product or just an interaction, but on the shared moment and created memories.

Hence brands that engage with consumers in and around socializing, need to adapt to this shift.

In the latest feature-length insights report from adm Group, we explore 5 of the key trends and opportunities that brands can leverage to succeed in winning customer loyalty and affinity in social spaces.

Key Highlights

Socializing showing up in the wellness spaces is opening new opportunities for brands.
The comfort of nostalgia is connecting with consumers.
Brands must not forget to show up in real life amidst the digital age.
Elevating at-home is offering new paths for engagement.
Quality over quantity is making exclusivity a key strategy.

Download the full report for detailed case studies, point-of-sale thought starters, and actionable analysis.

5 Key Trends

1. Social Wellness

Wellness is now a shared experience, with fitness and self-care evolving into social hubs like run clubs and healthy hangouts. For brands, this shift offers new opportunities to connect through community, not just consumption.

2. Nostalgia

In uncertain times, consumers crave the comfort of the familiar. Nostalgia is a powerful emotional driver, helping brands create meaningful, feel-good moments that deepen connection and loyalty.

3. Digital Detox

As digital fatigue grows, people are seeking real-life, offline moments. Brands that embrace simplicity and presence - through in-person events or quieter settings - can foster more intentional, lasting engagement.

4. Exclusivity

Consumers are seeking quality, not quantity - turning exclusive, curated experiences into valued social occasions. Brands can tap into this by creating premium, small-scale events that feel special and memorable.

5. At-Home Hosting

As more people socialize at home for comfort or cost reasons, brands have a chance to enhance these gatherings. By offering tools, treats, or inspiration for hosting, they can elevate the at-home experience and stay present in these intimate moments.

Discover how leading brands are excelling with in-depth case studies, actionable insights, and expert analysis. Take the first step toward revolutionizing your POS strategy today.