There are a number of wonderful reasons to be optimistic about the current state of the event and conference industry in 2023. Last year brought a resurgence of in-person events, igniting a series of exciting new opportunities that increased attendee engagement. Even though we are now dealing with issues like inflation and a national lower employment rate, the demand for events is still high and only going up. 

As you are preparing for your company’s next conference or workshop, it is essential to take note of what’s currently trending in the corporate event industry. Implementing current trends will help make your conference a huge success! As for any type of event, it’s crucial to start your planning process by studying your audience. Is there a certain keynote speaker that will excite your audience and draw them in? Does your audience value the implementation of new technology? The more you understand your guests, the easier it’ll be to make decisions regarding your conference or workshop. Keep in mind that for most major conferences or workshops, attendees will likely need approval before spending corporate money on flights, registration, and participation. This means that your conference needs to provide valuable knowledge that your attendees can return to the office and share with their colleagues.

Keep reading to see the top trends to look out for in 2023 and learn how they will impact your conferences and workshops.

DRAW IN YOUR ATTENDEES WITH A THEME

At Wizard Studios, we like to make your corporate events feel not so… corporate. This idea stretches beyond typical corporate events and extends to conferences, conventions, and workshops. The key to selling tickets to your upcoming event is choosing a theme that appeals to your targeted audience. This means you first have to understand and get to know your audience on a deeper level. Would a relaxed theme fit better, or do you think your audience would appreciate an upscale and elegant event? It is evident that popular conference topics continue to be influenced by societal concerns that are important for people to discuss. These topics could influence your theme and your attendees. Consider a theme that will resonate most with your audience. 

Choosing a theme can be a powerful way to create a cohesive aesthetic throughout your conference or workshop. We’re not suggesting that your theme should *figuratively* smack your guests in the face, but your guests should understand and notice the theme throughout the event, from their invitations to party favors. Here are all the areas of the event to include your theme:

• Interactive activities

• Design and décor, 

• Keynote speakers

• Performers and entertainment 

• Food and beverage

• Party favors or swag bags

HEIGHTEN THE EXPERIENCE WITH EXCITING TECHNOLOGY

“Immersive” and “interactive” continue to be the biggest buzzwords in corporate events and brand activations, especially in terms of technology. We are living in the digital era. Everything from artificial intelligence to projection mapping can have a huge impact on your guests and your conference’s success. 

Use a contactless approach to make check-in secure and stress-free. Send participants an email that includes a barcode or QR code that can be scanned with their smartphones. This eliminates the need for a will-call and your guests won’t have to worry about losing their tickets.

Invite speakers or panelists to your event to debate the newest technological trends and how they can improve your company’s industry. Give your experts a chance to demonstrate new technology products and attendees the opportunity to explore them and try them out. Companies looking to stay ahead of the curve are always drawn to these kinds of events.

Transport your guests to another location with projection mapping. Projection mapping is a lighting technique used to turn objects, often irregularly shaped, into display surfaces for video projection. These items could be elaborate industrial landscapes, structures, furniture pieces, or dramatic staging. You’re audience may be in a convention center in New York City, but with the help of projection mapping, they may feel like they are in the middle of the jungle or along the stunning canals of Venice. Wizard Studios has a long history of transforming events with projection mapping. Check out this and more of our capabilities here.

These are just a few of the many incredible ways to elevate your event with new technologies. Learn more about implementing new technologies at all your future events by visiting our blog article, Transform Your Event With New Technologies. 

PLACE INCLUSION AT THE CENTER

Fostering inclusion at events, especially large-scale conventions, conferences, and workshops requires action. We live in a world that is in need of significant change consistently, and we all have a role to play in making it happen. As members of the event industry, we have a responsibility to show that inclusivity is not just talked about, but manifested at every level. As our society works to implement inclusion as a whole, there are certain things that your attendees are going to expect, which will have a huge impact on their experience.

At first, it may not feel like a big deal, but paying attention to guests’ dietary preferences can make it or break it for certain guests. Offering vegetarian or vegan options at your conferences is a great step towards including a whole population of event attendees that usually have to just snack on the side dishes. Since these dietary preferences and restrictions have become more mainstream, restaurants and catering companies have perfected a number of dishes that taste just as delicious and rich!

Just because someone doesn’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean they don’t want to sip on a fun drink, instead of just settling for a class of sparkling water and lime. Try including a selection of liquor-free curated mocktails at your next conference! Mocktails are an extremely popular option right now! There are so many creative mocktails that you can name as a specialty for an event and that can reflect the theme of your event!

Plan ahead for a diverse crowd to make sure that everyone who attends your event has a good time. That means folks that may speak different languages, guests that are hard of hearing or neurodivergent, and guests that may have physical disabilities. Make sure all of your participants can physically access the venue and its amenities. Some attendees may decide not to attend your events in the future if they find any component of them difficult to use or comprehend.

Wizard Studios values inclusion so much that we have a series of past blogs about the importance of this topic. If you’re interested in reading more about inclusion, check out these blogs: 

1. Human Connection Should Be At The Core of Every Event

2. How Events Can Better Foster Inclusion

3. Language Accessibility: Ensure Your Event Is Welcoming For All

Conferences, workshops, and corporate events are continuing to adapt to our current world. With each new year, there comes a series of new trends. Reinvigorate your next conference with these helpful trends and contact Wizard Studios today!