Each year, we watch new event trends evolve and say hello to updated versions of old trends.
Twenty-twenty three looks to be all about new and innovative ways to create engagement as well as a stand-out experience for attendees. These trends will no doubt impact the way events will be held in the future.
If you’re planning an event, it’s important to consider how the event space will look in the upcoming year to help determine what will benefit your business most. To help out, we’ve gathered 7 of the top event trends for 2023.
Event Trends for 2023
These 7 emerging event trends will get you on track for generating leads, increasing sales, and creating new opportunities for 2023.
In-Person Events
In-person events are on the rise! Looking forward to 2023, it’s expected that the popularity of in-person events will continue to grow. People are ready to get off their smartphones and laptops and have more face-to-face interactions. They want to experience the personal connection that these types of events offer. With in-person events, attendees are able to interact directly with others, get hands-on with new products, socialize with food and drinks, and experience live entertainment.
Experiential Entertainment
Experiential entertainment is all about creating an immersive environment for your guest - and not just any type of environment. This experience engages all their senses and it’s one they’ll be talking about long after they leave. The goal is to go beyond what someone would expect of a typical trade show or conference. You want to give them memories they can take with them. Think theme-park-type rides, live demonstrations, virtual gaming, and interactive experiences. The bottom line? Incorporating this type of entertainment will help to boost your event return on investment.
Green Events
When it comes to planning events, green is the way to go. Most importantly, you want it to be both environmentally friendly and sustainable. Green events accomplish two things: you help to reduce your carbon footprint, and you’re reducing the number of resources being used for the event and by everyone that attends. The end result? Less waste and more efficiency when it comes to both planning and execution. Start by considering how many people are expected to attend and how much stuff you’ll need. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared to manage any waste. Next, research what recycling options are available at your venue and encourage guests to recycle by providing appropriate bins.
Indoor Festivals
Continuing the in-person trend, you may want to consider hosting an indoor festival for your next event or adding a theme night for your attendees. When you hear the word “festival”, you typically think of an event hosted outdoors. However, by hosting an indoor festival, you can have your event any time of the year, regardless of weather. You’re also not limited to the specific terrain that you would find outdoors. Indoor venues offer a more simple layout for ease of setup and construction - no worrying about setting up stages or large tents.
Self-Serve Bars
Self-serve bars offer two great benefits: you can save money on your event while also being able to control your guest’s experience. You start by purchasing the number/amount of beverages that fit within your specific budget. You then determine the pace at which you want those beverages to be served. Guests have the freedom to enjoy what they’d like, without having to wait to be served, and it encourages them to be more social. The key is to allow plenty of space for everyone to stand or sit comfortably with their drinks, so set up an appropriate number of drink stations for the number of guests you expect.
Virtual Events
Despite the fact that more and more people are bringing their events back to an in-person format, virtual events still have a stronghold. Specifically, virtual learning events. The greatest benefit is that they allow you to reach a much larger audience. You’re able to share your products and services across the globe. And for those who want to promote their cause or raise awareness about an important issue, these types of virtual events allow attendees to learn at their own pace. When planning this type of event, you want to make sure that what you share during this learning experience has sufficient context. You can do this by providing background information and visual explanations to ensure that what you’re teaching has value.
Upgraded Virtual Platforms
Business owners who choose to continue hosting virtual events will find that the platforms available to them have become even more sophisticated. New technologies mean more capabilities and better features. You’ll be able to tailor your content to each person based on their preferences and behavior. Attendees will discover that they have more opportunities to interact during live sessions and have easier access to all the information they need.
In the coming year, event planning will continue to mean big business and will remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S.
If you want to implement one or more of these trends into your upcoming event, we’re here to help. Schedule a Free Consultation Call today with a member of our team to discuss your needs and goals. We’re here to help you bring your big ideas to life!