We think it’s fair to say that 2020 put many forecasting analysts out of a job.
To be fair, however, most of us with a 2020 planner were significantly off-track by the end of this appalling year. We are now eyeing 2021 with no small amount of skepticism and view anyone with predictions further than the next 10 minutes with a raised eyebrow.
When it comes to event trends, though, we have applied logic and hands-on experience to explore what 2021 will bring.
Do you agree with these 2021 event trends?
5 Event Trends to Look Out For
We know that humans are social animals. We yearn to be together in groups again, feeding off each other’s energy, networking, and enjoying face-to-face interactions. Based on this, company and social events are not going anywhere.
They must simply morph into what we need in today’s world.
We’ve always been advised to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Here’s what that looks like.
1. Smaller Events
While the jury is out on exactly how long COVID is going to plague us, there is no doubt that we won’t be diving head-first into Woodstock style festivals for a little while yet.
Smaller events that allow for social distancing and that offer a lower risk to attendees are certain to thrive. Smaller events are by nature, more personal, and this intimacy is just what we need to reconnect with important clients, our scattered team, or potential new customers.
2. Outdoor Events
As much as we want to be together with our tribe, we also don’t want to get sick.
Medical professionals assure us that the risk of infection in an outdoor space is significantly lower due to the constant movement of air and the rate at which the droplets are diluted from a constant stream of fresh air. (As an aside, an outdoor event also reduces stress and tension in attendees. Who doesn’t need that?)
3. Technology
It may have taken a little while to get into the rhythm of virtual meetings. Nevertheless, the supporting technology has exploded into some of the most exciting innovations we’ve ever seen.
Smaller live events can tack on a host of virtual attendees who can interact and participate as if they were there in person. Multimedia is prolific and often far more engaging than a traditional keynote speaker.
AI allows for matchmaking apps to link up attendees with potential synergy to make events even more useful for all.
4. Creativity
Along with the flood of event, tech comes the opportunity to create an exciting and memorable event.
Event entertainment trends include hybrid events, personalized experiences, dedicated breakout rooms, and appealing performances. Enticing backdrops to a virtual event with artistic or interactive entertainment or immersive experiences are available with the right event company.
Basically, if you can imagine it, we can do it.
5. Personalization
The WIIFM mindset is here to stay. Putting yourself in the position of an attendee who wants to know, What’s In It For Me, will highlight another key event trend.
Almost 70% of companies surveyed in a recent report indicated that personalization for their customers is a top priority for them. Again, thanks to galloping technology you can include bespoke offers, polls and surveys, personal schedules, gamification, tutorials, and other materials based on their unique interests and goals to drive engagement.
Event Planning Made Simple
We won’t argue that the future remains a complete mystery to us all. However, we do know that applying a practical and measured approach to your event planning schedule will reap dividends.
Our team at Big Bold Thinkers are carefully exploring current event trends to ensure that we stay at the cutting edge, organizing the most creative, engaging, and memorable events for your business. Please take a moment to subscribe to our blog for entertaining, practical, and relevant information.
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