EventMB (Event Manager Blog) has recently published 10 event trend predictions for 2021. Here’s what you should be looking out for when planning your events this year:
- Micro Experiences
There’s a lot of risk that comes with planning large events, especially in the current climate. But micro experiences allow event organisers to offer smaller events that are more intimate and build more meaningful connections.
2. Safety
With COVID-19 still on the loose, event brands will now build their reputation and credibility on health and safety as well. With more restrictions and risk in planning events, attendees will use safety as a decision-maker on whether to attend or not. Make sure you abide by government restrictions that are in place at the planning stages.
3. Virtual Events
With the advancement of technology, virtual events are becoming the new norm. They provide a less-risky version of an event that don’t require the consideration of social distancing, masks, contact tracing and general health and safety guidelines.
4. Hybrid Events
Like virtual, hybrid events take away some of the health and safety risks of completely in-person events. They’re a good way to adjust to capacity restrictions and can improve your global reach much quicker than just holding in-person events. Hybrid events aren’t just a solution to COVID-19 restrictions, they’re a great way to boost your event brand and include/reach more event attendees than you could before.
5. New Priorities
As the event industry returns to normal there will be stiff competition in luring attendees to your event. Why should they attend yours over another? Meaningful connection is key. Where once before the content and speakers were the main draw card for events, EventMB predicts that now it will be more about networking and building connections that were lost or missed during 2020.
6. Audio vs visual
While connection is expected to be a key strategy for event planning in 2021, EventMB also welcomes the possibility of audio only events. This format is all about portability and multitasking. This way attendees can participate while washing the dishes, walking the dogs, or cooking. By using an audio-only format it encourages attendees to visualise and use a different part of their brain.
7. Virtual technology
While Zoom is still the primary software for running virtual events, event planners are now expecting more for their attendees. Using websites that are specifically built to run events and have more built-in events features make for a better experience for attendees. And the same for hybrid events, make sure there is high-quality production technology organised.
8. Redefine engagement
With the rise of virtual and hybrid events engagement is more important than ever. When planning how to engage event attendees, don’t think of it from one point of view. You’ll need to consider different strategies for each audience; in this case, one size does not fit all.
9. Diversity and Inclusion
2020 helped the world realise the importance of inclusion in everything we do. When planning events, diversity and inclusion should be at the forefront of the process. Consider how your event can best display diverse speakers, attendees and organisers.
10. Reduced use of alcohol
With health and safety restrictions in place, it’s more important than ever that event guests can safely follow protocol and event rules. While alcohol has long been used to aid networking events and connect guests, it might not be such a clever involvement in upcoming events. It also makes it hard for virtual attendees to feel like they’re truly part of the event, too. And don’t forget: most virtual and hybrid events will be recorded…
