With a new year on the horizon, now is a great time to prepare for the future, and see what 2022 has in store for event planners and managers. Keep reading to discover the top event trends for the new year.
Top 5 Event Trends for 2022
Hybrid events remain popular
While more people are becoming comfortable with attending events in person, hybrid options will remain popular in the coming years. These types of events benefit from the best of both worlds – they have the flexibility and reach of a webinar, with the interaction and connection of a physical gathering.
Another benefit of hybrid events is that it’s easier to curate a great lineup of speakers – planners can invite speakers from all over the globe to participate in their events, without the barriers posed by physical conferences. Finally, hybrids offer attendees the choice to join in person or online, allowing them to prioritise their safety without missing out.
Emphasis will be placed on safety
Since the start of the pandemic, the topic of safety has been a huge concern in the event industry and will continue to be a priority in 2022. Many organisers request proof of vaccination, as well as screening at the door. Bigger events with bigger budgets may even provide rapid on-site testing to stay as safe as possible.
We will continue to see mask mandates, social distancing, specialised cleaning crews and air-filtration systems at gatherings.
Engagement will get a tech upgrade
The advancements of technology affect nearly every aspect of our lives, including the way we engage with one another. Online guests can engage with in-person attendees as well as participate in networks and gamification, all with the help of a button. Mobile applications can bring audiences together, regardless of event structure.
We also know that innovative technologies can bring us strong data about audiences, helping planners to meet the constantly changing needs of consumers.
Micro-events will become more popular
The need for social distancing introduced a new type of scaled-back meeting: micro-events, quaran-teams, and pod meetups are new terms that perfectly describe the current (and future) event landscape.
Micro-events often refer to one particular segment of a larger conference, which means multiple planners could be working the same event together, just on separate portions of the event. This type of event is perfect for small audiences and has the potential to provide a more personalised experience for guests.
Events with purpose will come to the foreground
The disruption of the event industry in 2020 called into question the importance of events as a whole, and audiences now look for more than just content for the sake of content. Organisers need to pivot their marketing to meet this need. For example, a corporate meetup could be less about numbers and more about people.
Another aspect of this shift is the need for diversity and inclusion. Consumers no longer have to put up with brands they feel excluded from and will lay their loyalty elsewhere. A good place to start is to ask yourself these two questions when planning your next event: Have I made accommodations for people with disabilities? Is my speaker lineup diverse?
Like the year behind us, the year ahead will be one of trial, error, and growth. For more event news, tips, and tools to assist you through the new year subscribe to our newsletter here.