Change rarely announces itself all at once. More often, it shows up through shifts in behavior and priorities. To understand what the next year may bring, we asked professionals across industries a simple question: What trend do you believe will have the greatest impact on your industry over the next year, and why?
Their answers point to a common theme. Consumers are demanding more intention, more honesty, and more human connection.
Sustainability as a Source of Value
In home building materials and design, sustainability is no longer a niche preference.
“In the home building materials and design industry, sustainability is a growing trend. People are focusing more on sustainability than ever before. They want to have a better environmental impact as consumers, and they also want to find ways to reduce costs too. Buying home materials made from recycled materials, for example, has a minimized negative environmental impact, and it’s less expensive.” -Rassan Grant, Founder, Norstone
This shift reflects a broader mindset change. Environmental responsibility and affordability are no longer seen as tradeoffs. For many buyers, they are now intertwined.
Demand for Real, Human Stories in Travel
In destination-based travel, authenticity is becoming a deciding factor.
“The most significant trend will be travelers seeking real, human generated, on site content… We see that trust and word of mouth matter, with 40% of our guests coming from repeat or referral clients.” -Chris Atkins, Owner & Founder, Central America Fishing
As travelers look for confidence in their decisions, real experiences shared by real people are carrying more weight than polished and overly-perfect marketing.
Education and Transparency as Non-Negotiables
In real estate, uncertainty is pushing buyers and sellers to expect more guidance.
“What stands out to me most this year is how education and transparency are becoming non-negotiable for both buyers and sellers. With so much economic uncertainty and talk about rates, people don’t just want a transaction they want an agent who can break down the numbers and walk them through every scenario, especially around mortgages and creative finance. I’m spending more time than ever hosting community info sessions and one-on-one consultations, because when folks feel informed and supported, they’re more confident making those life-changing decisions.” -Parker McInnis, Owner, Speedy Sale Home Buyers
The role of the professional is expanding beyond execution into education, reassurance, and trust-building.
What These Trends Reveal
Across industries, these insights highlight the same shift. People want products, experiences, and services that feel responsible, authentic, and transparent. Sustainability, real human connection, and education are not separate trends, they are signals of a market that values intention over meaningless noise and trust over convenience. The year ahead will likely reward those who meet customers where they are, with clarity, honesty, and purpose.