Evolve 2025: Future-proofing your business

Evolve is the premier wedding industry education and networking event, kicking off 4 June 2025 at Rydges Melbourne and then travelling to capital cities around the country.

The free event brings together venues and suppliers for an afternoon of networking and education. Whether you’re an established wedding professional or this is a new industry for you, you will be able to gain skills, information, and networking opportunities. This year’s events have been designed to help you future-proof your business, as well as a golden opportunity to create deep connections with like-minded industry leaders.

What can you expect at Evolve 2025?

What can you expect from Evolve 2025?

At Easy Weddings, we’re preparing for the next generation of couples. As Gen Zers get ready to walk down the aisle, wedding businesses that haven’t adapted their offerings, communication and marketing to this gen will see their competitors take over them in business. It might feel like the next generation of brides and grooms is somewhere in the distant future, but with the oldest Gen Z being 28, these changes and understanding of the new wave needs to happen imminently. 

Gen Z couples are redefining what it means to plan a wedding. They are tech-savvy, values-driven, and expect a high level of personalisation and transparency from the brands they engage with. Raised in the age of instant access to information, they’re not just looking for inspiration – they want efficiency, authenticity, and meaningful experiences. They’re more likely to prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and unique, non-traditional celebrations over cookie-cutter weddings. 

For businesses, preparing for this generation means more than just offering a great product or service; it requires a genuine online presence, responsiveness across digital channels, and a willingness to adapt to evolving expectations. Investing in technology, embracing clear communication, showcasing diversity, and building community through networking with other trusted vendors will be key to staying relevant as Gen Z enters the spotlight.

Evolve 2025 will explore this generation and what weddings look like, particularly how they’re planned and who they trust. The event aims to make those attending a trusted supplier and convert more business.

25 hacks for 25 years

It will also involve a presentation by Easy Weddings founder and CEO Matt Butterworth, who will explore the business of weddings, and share 25 hacks from the past 25 years. This will include how to adjust your business goals that will give your work meaning and most importantly – direction.

Industry experts and innovators will take a deeper look at:

• Adapting to the evolution of consumer behaviours and the level of expectation from them to the suppliers.
• How digital-first marketing is the most powerful tool for engaging the next generation of couples.
• Proven strategies that have created resilient businesses and how these can be adapted for your business. 
• Real stories from legacy suppliers who have experience in embracing change.

25 in 2025

At Easy Weddings, we have 25 years’ experience to draw from. As we mark our 25th year in the industry, our silver anniversary is set to be a highlight at Evolve 2025. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a moment to reflect on everything we’ve learned over the past quarter-century. We’ll explore how the wedding landscape has evolved, celebrate key innovations, and look ahead to what weddings could look like in 2030 and beyond. Our goal? To equip you with the insights, tools, and strategies needed to keep your business at the forefront of this ever-changing industry.

Evolve’s agenda

From our panel of industry experts and key speakers through to networking opportunities, what can you expect when attending Evolve?

1:30pm – Check-in & Welcome Drinks

2:00pm – MC Welcome & Ice Breaker
Presented by Easy Weddings MC, Chelsea Vrakatselis

2:20pm – Opening Keynote | 25 Wedding Business Growth Hacks
Presented by Easy Weddings & Venue Crew Founder & CEO, Matt Butterworth

2:50pm – Marketing Presentation | Winning the Next Generation of Couples
Presented by Easy Weddings & Venue Crew Marketing Director, Priya Kanniapan; and Head of Social Media & Campaigns, Emma Warren

3:20pm – Q&A with Matt Butterworth, Priya Kanniapan, and Emma Warren

3:35pm – Refreshment Break & Networking

4:05pm – Industry Panel | The Wedding Supplier Experience – Then and Now
Featuring local wedding leaders, and moderated by Easy Weddings & Venue Crew General Manager, Darcy Allen

4:40pm – Closing Celebration

5:00pm – Event Concludes

Key speakers

At Evolve 2025, we’ve curated a lineup of dynamic, knowledgeable speakers who represent the full spectrum of the wedding industry. From forward-thinking marketing strategists and digital transformation experts to seasoned professionals in venues, planning, and client relations, each speaker has been carefully selected for their unique insights and proven experience. 

Whether it’s unlocking the power of customer reviews and utilising new AI systems, mastering social media engagement, or understanding the evolving expectations of modern couples, our speakers are here to equip you with actionable takeaways you can immediately apply to your business. Expect fresh ideas, practical advice, and inspiration from voices that truly understand where the wedding industry is headed and how you can thrive.

Matt Butterworth | CEO & Founder

Matt is the CEO and Founder of Easy Weddings and Venue Crew, two industry-leading platforms connecting couples and corporates with top venues and suppliers across Australia and the UK. Easy Weddings has been Australia’s No. 1 wedding planning site for 25 years which also includes e-commerce and destination weddings divisions. Matt leads a team of 65 legends and also coaches founders through the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, helping them scale with purpose. Known for bold ideas and straight talk, Matt is all about growing businesses and shaking up the status quo.

Priya Kanniapan | Marketing Director

Priya is the Marketing Director at Easy Weddings and Venue Crew, leading brand, product, and customer marketing strategies across both platforms. With over 15 years of experience spanning fintech, automotive, and online marketplaces, Priya has held senior marketing roles at Zeller and carsales.com.au. Known for her ability to blend strategy with creativity, she drives acquisition, retention, and long-term brand growth. Priya is also an industry mentor at RMIT, recognised for her leadership in customer experience and brand storytelling.

Emma Warren | Head of Social Media & Campaigns

As the Head of Social & Marketing Campaigns at Easy Weddings and Venue Crew, Emma leads innovative initiatives that connect engaged couples with top wedding vendors across Australia and the UK. With 10+ years’ experience across social media, paid digital campaigns, content strategy, and influencer marketing, Emma has worked with various brands, from global fashion and beauty labels to hospitality and lifestyle businesses. A passionate advocate for the wedding industry, Emma thrives on creativity, collaboration, and data-driven strategy to help brands grow and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Darcy Allen | General Manager

With over a decade of experience in the wedding and events industry, Darcy leads our supplier marketplace and consumer products at Easy Weddings and Venue Crew. Before joining the team, she held senior roles at some of Melbourne’s most iconic venues, including Park Hyatt, Showtime Events Centre, and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Drawing on a deep understanding of both the supplier and consumer sides of the industry, Darcy is passionate about connecting couples with their perfect venues and vendors, while driving real results for wedding businesses.

Secure your spot today

Evolve kicks off on 4 June at Rydges in Melbourne. Although the event is free, space is limited, so secure your spot today.