As the world continues progressing, so does the event production industry. Compelling trends are emerging, from virtual and hybrid event experiences to sustainability practices and cutting-edge event tech. These are shaping the industry’s future, and we recommend knowing all about them.
At Mercian Events, we believe in pushing boundaries and creating exciting, memorable times. Because of this, we always have our eyes on the latest and greatest trends. This blog details a few of them.
Virtual and hybrid events
We’ve seen more and more virtual events in recent years due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the shift towards virtual events, many event planners are now incorporating hybrid events into their strategies to cater to both in-person and online audiences. This offers a broader reach and allows participants to attend from anywhere in the world.
Hybrid events mean the best of both worlds, allowing attendees to connect with each other and the event more personally while providing the convenience of attending from anywhere in the world. This is especially important for events that require a physical presence, such as trade shows and conferences.
As mentioned in our case studies, hybrid formats always have challenges. They require significant amounts of setup and strategising in advance. Choosing the proper approach for the event means striking a fair balance, allowing everyone to participate without causing awkward silences or delays.
A focused shift to sustainability
Event planners are also focusing on sustainability practices. The impacts of climate change are clear for all – organisers and attendees – to see.
Introducing sustainable practices includes using renewable energy sources and reducing waste. One of the most popular current examples is using reusable or biodegradable materials for event decorations. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that the event is environmentally friendly.
Another thing you could do is look for venues with sustainable certifications, such as LEED or Green Globe. These are trusted to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Diversity & inclusion
Diversity and inclusion have taken centre stage in the events world. They’re not mere buzzwords but pivotal values that significantly enrich our experiences. Event planners are adopting a renewed commitment to championing representation at all levels of their events.
When it comes to speakers, there’s a conscious effort to curate a line-up that reflects myriad voices, backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity ensures a richer tapestry of content, fosters fresh dialogues and challenges often-unexamined biases or assumptions. It’s about valuing expertise and insights from all corners of society and ensuring the stage is shared by a diverse array of thinkers and doers.
Content, too, is being sculpted with an inclusive lens. Sessions are crafted to address wide-ranging topics that resonate with different groups, ensuring that all attendees find value and relevance. This approach not only broadens the horizons of the event but also fosters a sense of belonging among attendees.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to ensure events are welcoming spaces for all attendees. This inclusivity might manifest in various ways, such as accessible venues for people with disabilities or provision of sign language interpreters.
Ultimately, the push for diversity and inclusion is rooted in a recognition that our collective strength lies in our differences. By shaping events that celebrate this diversity, event planners are not only enriching the experience for all attendees but are also paving the way for a more inclusive, understanding and interconnected society.
Implementing cutting-edge technology for a better event
Another trend changing the event management game is cutting-edge technology. When applied correctly, it can enhance the overall attendee experience and allow for more personalised and engaging interactions.
For example, we’ve seen new applications to streamline the check-in process. Facial recognition technology is now used at some events to make the check-in process faster and more efficient. Attendees simply need to scan their faces to check in, eliminating the need for a physical ticket or ID.
Augmented and virtual reality experiences are also becoming increasingly popular, allowing attendees to experience the event in a more immersive and interactive way. For example, using augmented reality technology, attendees can scan a code on a product and see a 3D image of the product on their phones.
It’s also worth mentioning drones. Drone footage has quickly become very popular, as aerial footage can be recorded for much less than hiring a helicopter. Contracting an operator to come and film for a few hours won’t set you back much, and it’ll provide you with some extremely handy footage for next year’s marketing.
Creating competitions – gamification
Gamification is also being used to increase engagement and participation at events. This involves incorporating games and challenges into the event experience, encouraging attendees to participate and compete with each other.
For example, attendees might be encouraged to take selfies at the event for social media using a specific hashtag. You might put them all in a prize draw, or perhaps the individual with the most likes or shares wins a prize.
Instead of offering free incentives, you could make attendees compete for them. While this might sound counterintuitive, it gives those vouchers or freebies a greater ‘worth’ for the winner.
Some of the ways you can ‘gamify’, your next event include:
- Interactive digital quizzes: Install touchscreens where visitors can answer questions related to your products or industry. Reward correct answers with small prizes or entry into a larger raffle.
- Virtual reality challenges: If your budget permits, VR setups can provide immersive experiences where visitors complete challenges or explore scenarios related to your business.
- Leaderboards: Showcase the top scorers or performers from your games or challenges. It encourages healthy competition and repeated engagement.
- Digital treasure hunts: Encourage attendees to find and scan QR codes or NFC tags scattered around your venue, offering rewards for completion.
- Feedback games: Turn feedback collection into a game. For instance, visitors can ‘vote’ on their favourite product or stand, using tokens dropped into designated containers.
- Loyalty cards: For larger exhibitions, stamp or mark cards when visitors complete certain tasks (like watching a demo or signing up for a newsletter). A fully stamped card can be exchanged for a reward.
- Interactive product demos: Allow visitors to ‘play’ with your products, setting them challenges or scenarios that showcase the product’s benefits.
- Storytelling adventures: Craft a narrative around your event or products, letting visitors progress through a story via various activities around the venue.
Remember, while gamification can significantly increase engagement, it’s essential that the games and challenges align with your brand message and exhibition objectives. It shouldn’t feel forced or detract from the primary purpose of the event. Done right, gamification can foster memorable interactions and deeper connections with your audience.
What Mercian Events can do for you
By embracing emerging trends and technologies, event planners can stay ahead of the curve and offer unforgettable experiences to their attendees. It’s time to innovate and reimagine what events can be.
Mercian Events has over four decades of experience in the event planning industry. Keeping up with emerging trends and identifying new ways to take modern applications is all part of developing a unique event.
While modern technology has always been vital to event planning, the fundamentals remain. Ensure your attendees have a fantastic time and remember your brand. With that in mind, develop your strategies accordingly.
Could Mercian Events offer assistance in an event you’re planning or considering? Why not contact us via email or phone (01905 726 665) for a commitment-free, friendly chat about what we can do for you? We look forward to hearing from you.