If you’re in the event industry, you know how fast things get old. You can’t have a guide for an event and use it every year.
This industry demands creativity and creativity demands knowledge.
Having attended (and analyzed) the top events this year, we’ve curated a list of trends in the event industry.
If you’re responsible for organizing events or know somebody who is, do read this article. This is going to be the future of event planning.
A. Cost-Cutting Trends In The Event Industry
Deterring global economic condition is no secret. As inflation levels rise, so do prices.
And with that, the cost of organizing events is constantly rising. However, the demand for events is also high.
So, event planners are left with no option but to cut costs. Some good practices that will cut costs are:
- Looking for budget-friendly or inexpensive venues
- Organizing events on dates outside the peak season
- Get volunteers to reduce labor costs
- Strive for sponsorships, even if it doesn’t fit your theme exactly (I mean, what was colors TV ad doing at a Divine concert?)
B. Digital Trends in the Event Industry
During the pandemic, the way we saw technology transformed completely. Two years with it, we saw lots of development.
And at this point, we are used to the ease and novelty that comes with technology. So, it is paramount that you include it in your events.
The integration can be as simple as digital ticketing. It can also be as complex as integrating AR and VR into your events the way BlizzCon does.
C. Social Media Integration
One of the biggest trends in the event industry is how well social media is being used.
Before the event, you can create a community of your target audience and then pitch your event.
During the event, you can strategically place QR Codes to get the attendees to follow you.
Post event, you can have a social media campaign to get people to share their memories.
Many events also feature their Instagram handle cutouts. It allows people to pose and publicize the event, all at once.
Look below at this wholesome idea!
D. Phygital Events
This is the face of the events changing. The lines between online and offline events are blurring.
However, don’t be scared of these changes. It offers more good than bad.
There is an added responsibility of offering keynotes and online access to your attendees.
However, there’s also an added benefit to having more people attend your event. The limitations offered by space and area of your event are no longer an issue.
You also get the added benefit of more visibility and contact even after the event is over. You can achieve this by sharing keynotes or event recordings.
Sounds like a win-win to us, with very little added effort.
E. Sustainability as an Unspoken Rule
As an event planner, you must realise that your audience is getting wiser (read: woke). They are learning about various social and environmental issues.
And, you, as an event planner must hop onto this idea and use it to your advantage. It could be as simple as giving environment-friendly goodies to your guests.
You could even go for a venue powered by solar energy.
Or, you could simply use recyclable or compostable one-time-use items like glasses and plates.
Who knew cutting down on plastic won’t only be good for the environment but for business too?
F. Demand for Accessibility
Cancel culture is on the rise these days. It only takes one emotionally-charged bad review for your event to go downhill.
To avoid such situations and provide a guest experience, you must take some steps. A few good examples could be:
- Have safe and clean washrooms
- Make sure the venue is well-lit to ensure safety
- Have volunteers and guards to address needs
- Make sure the venue is wheelchair accessible
- Waive off ticket prices for those accompanying a disabled attendee
- Have an “accessibility desk” or hotline that people with needs can approach
Note that by having the latter, you can improve to fulfil requests you couldn’t think of before.
G. Privacy and Security
Remember when everybody started looking for Zoom alternatives amidst the security controversy?
Then there was a time when Travis Scott lost huge following after a few people died at his concert.
Oh, and you might be aware of some news about indecency and violence at some college fest in India.
These are all examples of poor privacy and security at events.
Here are ways you can overcome them:
- Read the fine print about the security measures offered by online event hosting platforms
- Use secure and safe ticketing system
- Have a good security guard to attendees ratio
- Have a well-lit venue with good boundary checks
- Follow COVID protocols even when the cases are not alarming. Social distancing never hurts anyone
H. Emotional Marketing For Events
Since we are not homebound anymore, the demand for events is huge.
While this is good for business, it’s also bad. You’ll be giving people more options that they can afford.
To stand out, events have to market themselves. Emotional marketing tactics will be on the rise.
Try to evoke any of these emotions: hopefulness, adventure, activeness, acceptance, and motivation.
You can do it by sharing visuals, posters, and posts that convey the abovementioned. Only when you make your audience feel something, will they be compelled to buy the tickets.
I. Automated Event Processes
Drones are now frequently spotted in events. But why? Read the caption of this post.
Cameras? Automated.
Checking? Automated.
Ticketing? Automated.
Consider spending on the right event technology for your types of events.
Look at this event technology for example. It is great for religious events like Ganesh Chaturthi.
It might seem like the opposite of cost-cutting. But, it is in fact going to cut down lots of recurring future costs.
J. Better Data Gathering Practices
Analyze your target audience and then analyze the audience that actually shows up.
This practice will help you deliver better in the next event.
In addition to the seemingly boring numbers, also gather vibrant pictures and videos.
You can leverage this media content to gain traction in the next edition of your event.
Look at how this event is using media to keep its audience engaged all year for an annual event.
K. Transformational Events
2023 is the year of change. The audience is increasingly looking for events that change one or the other aspect of their life.
Weave healthy new concepts into your events, like spirituality and health. People will be more likely to attend if they see lasting changes coming out of it.
This also means that educational events are likely to succeed this year.
L. Events As An Ad Space
If you’re not doing brand marketing through events, you’re definitely falling behind. Look at these great examples of brand marketing in events:
Get creative with your marketing.
Don’t miss any spot when it comes to marketing. The most unusual spots make the best marketing spots.
You don’t just have to market your event but try to incorporate your sponsors creatively too.
We are over the age of television ads, so events are definitely the next big space.
M. Mis-Matched Events
Food fests? Sneaker fests? Valentine’s Fests? Pet Fests?
Yes, we’ve all had a lot of that. It is getting pretty repetitive.
But, we see some event planners mixing things up by combining the best of two worlds.
Sneaker and food festival? Pets Valentine’s Festivals?
Yes, now we’re talking!
Look at how this event idea brings the best of pet and valentine’s day events together.
They seem to be all caught up with the trends in the event industry!
Providing Personalized Experiences
The average attendee is tired of feeling like a sheep in the crowd.
And events strive to give personalized experience despite the large audience they cater to.
How can you do that?
- Personalized experiences begin at the ticketing stage. Make sure they receive their name on the ticket
- Send personalized emails (same body, different names) in the days leading up to the event
- Allow the attendees to choose their preferred date and ticket types
- Give different wristbands based on the ticket purchased
- Gift tokens of appreciation like discount coupons or any merchandise
- Have lots of spaces where people can click pictures to preserve their memories
- Provide plenty of food options so people can eat despite any dietary restrictions that they may have
Is there any other trend in the event industry that we missed? Probably! This industry never stops growing.
But neither does EventTube. We keep bringing you new and fresh event insights that you can access here.
Now that you’ve learned the new trends, develop an event marketing strategy. To help you with that, we have this article to guide you.
Happy event planning!
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