Trends come and trends go like a fleeting fad or a craze. However, when it comes to events and event planning (events require so much work), trends stay longer than most.
As event planners, it’s very important not only to be up to date with event trends but also to adapt to these event trends. In this article, we’ll share the top trends and effective tips for event success in 2023. So, get ready to make your event the talk of the town. Let’s dive in!
What will be the Biggest Challenge in Event Planning During 2023?
Events, occasions, and gatherings are looking hopeful this 2023. You can see consistent growth in attendance for in-person events. Furthermore, hybrid events are thriving.
Yet recovery does not mean without challenges. Difficulties will always be part of the growing event industry. So what are these challenges for the event industry this 2023?
- Rising Costs of Event Supplies – One of the biggest challenges for the event industry is the soaring cost of supply due to inflation. Because of this, there are companies that are still apprehensive about putting in money for events. As an event professional, you must be able to justify the cost of events. To do this, be strategic with budget allocation and fund management. Come up with a budget plan with a difference of 20% to keep up with this challenge.
- Shift in Work Preferences – Another challenge, taken from our experience, is staffing. More and more workers are looking for flexibility at work. And more people, especially millennials are looking for remote work. Some also think the compensation packages do not compete with their skill and talent. To keep talented and skilled people in your event management business, provide them with growth in the industry and their career in general. You should also give them a better work-life balance and care for their well-being and safety, aside from higher compensation.
- Possible Threats to Health and Safety – Moreover, attendees’ level of comfort is also one challenge an event planner is facing today since most venues today no longer impose health and safety protocols. Some attendees will be more comfortable with fewer precautions that are uncomfortable or prohibitive, while other attendees may still not feel safe in public.
- Threats to Data Privacy – Furthermore, event organizers must protect the data of attendees. Transparency in data privacy policies can boost attendee trust and confidence, resulting in increased attendance rates. Data privacy should be prioritized by event managers, effectively communicated, and made an integral part of event planning and management.
- Technology Challenges – Additionally, the expanding event technology (platforms, software, AIs) and slow internet support are also a challenge you must prepare for this year. And this is something you need to consider, leverage, or overcome especially in hosting virtual and hybrid events.
- Adjusting to Shifts – Lastly, the shift from in-person events to virtual events due to the pandemic, to getting back to in-person events. You can tackle this challenge with the use of a hybrid event, given you have the right event tech and event management software. Then there is the rising cost of marketing and digital advertising to attract audiences and attendees.
To accommodate and adapt to these challenges and advancing trends, your event plan must also have a contingency plan.
10 Event Planning Trends in 2023
Don’t miss out on some of the top event planning trends in 2023 and discover tips in planning an event in 2023.
1. In-person events are back and virtual-only events are declining.
Forecast:
In-person events are most definitely back in 2023! Meeting professionals are likely to return to in-person events according to a study by Martech.
As the world is easing up on safety protocols, businesses and schools are now getting back to their pre-pandemic operations. That means that face-to-face events are also back in full swing which translates to more business opportunities for you.
Event marketers’ desire to go back to in-person events isn’t just because of the declining health risks but more so because of virtual events’ inability to capture the relative magic of in-person relationship-building. That is why 97% of marketers say that in-person events are crucial.
This fact is in agreement with Business Insider’s study which says 66% of firms struggle to achieve the same success from virtual events as they would from physical events. This is because a virtual event can never bring to life the product and service experience an in-person event experience can deliver.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
Still having second thoughts about whether to organize your event in person or not? Doubt no more! Because regardless of how advanced virtual platforms are today, they can never replace the in-person experience and the connection it creates with your brand and your audience.
Yet here’s the thing, in-person events may have proven to be valuable, but it also requires more meticulous and rigorous event planning. Get ready as more organizations and corporate events will be in-person this year.
2. Hybrid events are flourishing.
Forecast:
Even though in-person events are back, hybrid events are also here to stay.
Since hybrid events enjoy the benefits of both in-person and virtual events, it also requires an event planning process for both in-person events and virtual events. Hybrid events may seem like a double effort but I tell you that it also means a double increase in ROI due mainly to the increased reach and scalability.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
Plan and create a seamless experience. This includes providing clear instructions on how to access the event, ensuring that virtual attendees can see and hear everything that’s happening, and providing opportunities for both groups to interact and collaborate.
3. Various micro events than yearly grand events to maximize engagement
Forecast:
Annual events are a no for 2023. Various micro-events are the way to go.
Having one event in a year, however grand of an event it may be, can never completely connect and convert the audience. One event trend you can look out for in 2023 would be the prevalence of mini-events throughout the year.
What’s great about this trend is that small-scale events are also much easier to handle than big ones. They enable more targeted and personalized experiences for attendees, are more cost-effective, provide opportunities for testing and refining event concepts, and assist event organizers in remaining top-of-mind with their target audience throughout the year.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
As an event specialist, we should be able to provide an immersive event experience that will result in maximum attendee engagement and maximum reach which you can do through micro-events.
For example, quarterly events are better than having one event in a year because you get to meet and engage people more often than during annual events. You can engage with your customers the whole year round by using all your marketing channels like social media, email lists, websites, or through in person gatherings.
Getting to collaborate or talk with your audience sooner than later can help you adapt and change sooner than only speaking to your attendees each year (or less).
4. Data collection as event motivation
Forecast:
Data collection from events is one of the rising trends for 2023 as events have been successful in generating qualified leads.
Events are proven helpful in gathering data from participants. Companies and organizations hold events to collect first-hand data from attendees. This data is used to improve products and services.
Because of this, event data assessment and analysis is gaining more significance not only for this year but in the coming years as well. One thing to keep in mind when taking in data from participants, as an event planner, is the data privacy policy.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
Consumers love it when companies and organizations remember their preferences. They are more likely to shop with a brand that treats them in a personal manner. Create a personalized and customized event experience by referring to data collected from preceding events.
5. Utilization of event technology to assist event management
Forecast:
- Acknowledgment of the importance of and heightened interest in event technology
- The use of simple event technology, one that does not require coding
- Use of Artificial Intelligence in event planning and execution
More and more businesses, including nonprofits, are turning to AIs to assist with work. This is also happening in the events industry. More people and businesses are putting their money into event technology.
Event planners are getting the feel of needing to have event technology that does not require coding. Event technology makes managing events for event planners easier which explains its rise in popularity.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
In response to the crisis of events because of the pandemic, different event platforms have sprung up and are continuously rising even with the decline of purely virtual events. Event specialists have come to realize the importance of mobile event apps to showcase their events.
Event marketers are now creating mobile event apps, making them accessible to different devices because according to a study, if you’re only reaching out to those users on desktop, you could be losing them along the way.
For your event planning this year, invest in an event app for both iOS and android. Having a multichannel event strategy, will not only keep audiences engaged but will also generate leads and convert them as they tune in to your event.
Aside from having an event app that is available to different channels such as iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets, take advantage of the upsurge of VR and AR. The integration of metaverse in events has been effective as seen in many events in the past.
Another event technology that is very valuable to event managers is software that does not require event managers to code. An event software that is user-friendly such as Event Smart.
Event Smart has the event technology and support you would need for online event registration and ticketing management. Having this event software is very helpful along with the use of AIs to gather, systematize, and evaluate data on the event.
These technologies will not only aid in creating personalized events but also helps make efficient and effective event planning, marketing, and management.
6. Experiential marketing is the new marketing strategy.
Forecast:
Bigger and better immersive experiences and interactive events will keep on increasing.
Experiential marketing is a marketing trend that evokes an emotional connection of a product, brand, service, or organization to its audience. Thus increasing not only awareness but loyalty most of all.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
To keep up with this trend, event managers should be genuine, leave a lasting impression, leverage partnerships, make the experience shareable, and use data to guide strategy.
The use of experiential marketing can be a powerful tool for attracting customers, increasing brand recognition, and creating buzz. Making sure your campaign is consistent with your brand’s values and personality, creating an engaging event that attendees will talk about on social media, and using data to optimize future campaigns are all crucial for using this strategy successfully.
7. Sustainability awareness and eco-friendly events.
Forecast:
Another trend that is rapidly expanding is customers becoming more environmentally conscious and having eco-friendly drives.
Physical and environmental awareness and safety are growing concerns not only for event planners but for consumers, as well. Covid-19 has changed the way consumers think. Consumers have become more conscious and more inclined to sustainability and environmental protection.
In fact, consumers are prioritizing sustainability. The research by IBM found that of the 16,000 global consumers. 51% say environmental sustainability is more important today than the last two years.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
Stand out as an event specialist and make your events sustainable. Include in your event planning and execution practices that promote environmental care and protection. You can do this through the promotion and use of eco-friendly transportation options for your events.
You may also use recycled materials for your events which will be cost-effective on your part. Another is to find the perfect venue, one that uses renewable energy for events. Also, if you are planning on having an event swag bag, choose items that are reusable and recyclable. You can partner with sustainable brands for sustainable goodie bags.
Additionally, you can partner with Event Smart for a more efficient and paperless ticketing system for your events.
8. More training from independent event organizers and small businesses
Forecast:
As the global economy slows down, entrepreneurs are using events to start their businesses or supplement their income.
Small business marketing and statistics and trends reveal that almost half of the small businesses spend less than two hours per week on marketing efforts. In the same study, it is revealed how valuable online events are to small businesses. And how important it is to dedicate time to marketing campaigns or to invest in marketing professionals and event specialists.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
Be a supporter of small businesses and startups. These partnerships will expand your network and connections. Plus, these small businesses help create more jobs. Small businesses generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the last 25 years.
9. Varied on-demand content that the target audiences can consume at their own convenience.
Forecast:
Providing on-demand content that the target audience can go through at their schedule’s convenience is a priority for event planners.
In today’s hectic and busy world, on-demand content is becoming more popular. As a matter of fact, it has already become a primary means to consume entertainment and information. Due to its popularity, the on-demand segment is projected to reach US$111.10B in 2023 as reported by Statista.
What also makes it popular is its ability to produce a variation of your topics. One of my favorite quotes says; “repetition with variety creates learning”. Having on-demand content in various forms, whether a recording of your event, a pre-recorded session, or a short and informative video aids in the retention of the topic on your audience.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
One event planning tip for this trend is that you should create high-quality recordings of your events or pre-recorded videos on the topic of your event. By doing so, your target audience can have something to watch and rewatch as they please at their convenience.
After your successful event, send on-demand content to your audiences via email. Or you can encourage attendees to subscribe to a newsletter to help them stay updated.
10. Budget-friendly events
Forecast:
Consumer needs have become more demanding while inflation continues to climb. The cost-per-attendee for meetings and events is expected to rise up to 32% this year.
As consumer needs keep growing and the cost of supplies continues to rise, holding an event that is budget friendly has become more challenging. As an event specialist, you need to design enticing events while staying within the budget.
Suggestions and event planning tips:
For you to keep up with the rising cost of events as an event planner, be strategic and do not rely on creativity. Refer to data. Find ways and strategize to create a lasting impact on audiences at your events without the massive expense.
One way to do it is to give value and significance to your audience during your event more than giving them extravagance. Another is to offer solutions to existing problems and possible problems they may encounter.
The key is to make them better people after attending your event. That they will leave your event with the decision to change for the better and not just with the feeling of happiness that they got from attending your event.
Lastly, aside from selling tickets, create a sponsorship package for your organization’s event to boost funds not only for your event but for your organization as well.
Keep Tabs on Event Trends to Create a Great Event Experience with Event Smart
To create an outstanding event experience, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on event trends. As an event planner, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge from current trends to use them to your advantage in future events.
In 2023, equipping yourself with the right knowledge of event trends and partnering with the right event software can make your event planning business successful. That’s why you should consider adopting Event Smart, the best event management and ticket sales software on the market.
With Event Smart, you can automate your event registration and ticket sales, reducing your workload significantly. Additionally, you won’t have to pay any commission per ticket sold.
Event Smart also provides a customizable event website that suits the needs of your event. Its user-friendly platform makes it easy to manage repeating events. The list of benefits goes on, but the best way to find out is to give it a try.
Take advantage of our free trial today.
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