The world of events is constantly changing – especially in the last few years. Technologies are the driving force behind changes in the way people experience events, and the industry continues to adapt to keep up with the tech in addition to eventgoers’ needs and wants. Think about it: from virtual events to hybrid events to artificial intelligence … event trends are changing the way people interact with each other and the world around them.
The best event planners will be quarterbacking with these trends in mind.
Virtual & Hybrid Events – They are convenient, reach a wider audience, and they are cost effective. Offer an in-person option … and you have the best of both worlds.
Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) for Events – AR is extremely popular with smartphones, etc. Similarly, VR provides event guests with a realistic, immersive experience. New ways to deeply engage with customers are all the rage. “Gamification” is real, and it’s what’s next!
Get Social – Promoting events via social media platforms is a no-brainer. People learn about events on social media; you can gauge success as well. Partnerships with influencers and well-oiled organic social media channels are not optional these days.
Live Steam – People want easy access to content, so give it to them!
Mobile Tech – Everything has an app these days, and it’s for good reason. People want a one-stop-shop to find information, make reservations, purchase tickets, interact with other attendees, etc. It’s a win-win, and event planners should budget for it ahead of time.
Data is a Guiding Light – Track, track, and track some more. Event planners can track attendee behavior better than ever before, measure event success, and then use information to adapt. Invest in data analytics and use it to your advantage in 2024 and beyond.
While some event organizers and brands are still working toward embracing these trends, the Thread Connected Marketing team is already on top of them and putting them into practice with clients such as Toledo Jeep Fest, Rally of the Rivals, and Cooper’s Hawk, among others. If you want to capitalize on this year’s event-related trends, contact me at whitney@threadgroup.com, and we’ll navigate into 2024 together.