TOP EMERGING EVENT INDUSTRY TRENDS
Event industry trends are continuously evolving to support the needs of our developing society. In the past few years, changes have been accelerated that would have otherwise taken years to catch on. To stand out and create unique experiences, it’s time to take advantage of the latest event industry trends. You might be familiar with some but others are new, and Wizard Studios is here to help you through it all. We’re a one-stop shop that strives to deliver extraordinary and unforgettable events to audiences everywhere.
Whether or not you work in the event industry, staying on top of the latest event trends is essential to event success. Dig into the trends that will elevate your event and leave an indelible impression on your guests!
Take a look at the top 5 emerging event industry trends!
HYBRID EVENTS CONTINUE TO SURGE
We’ve talked a lot in the past about the effects that Covid-19 had on the event industry. Perhaps the most influential game-changers from that time was the birth of hybrid events. Event planners and organizers had to get creative and find new ways to engage in-person guests in addition to those not yet comfortable leaving their homes. Hybrid events use technology to integrate both in-person and virtual attendees. Hybrid events allow for the flexibility and reach of a virtual event, but the connection and engagement of an in-person option- you get the best of both worlds! Though the future allows for more in-person gatherings, the digitalized world of events is here to stay. With the growing popularity of hybrid events, different models of hybrid offerings are still being uncovered. You can expect to see hybrid events take place predominantly online, but offer upgrade packages for an in-person experience. The advantages of hybrid events are clear and the opportunities are endless!
TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCEMENTS
We live in a world of revolving and innovative technology. Wizard Studios understands more than ever that digital experiences provide strong data about attendees to event organizers. This data can help event planners meet rapidly changing consumer expectations. The use of mobile apps can bring together audiences, regardless of the event format. Virtual attendees can engage with in-person guests, participate in gamification, and network all through the touch of their phones. Even if some technology is lagging far behind the demand, it's going to catch up in no time. Event tech is building momentum as the industry develops and incorporates the newest technologies at all future events, conferences, and gatherings.
EVENTS ARE THE KEY TO EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING
Behind every thriving business is a string of marketing tactics, and we’ve found that experiential marketing gives companies the best opportunity to connect directly with consumers. Wizard Studios is in the business of connecting people to each other by offering unique and unforgettable experiences.
What is experiential marketing? Experiential marketing, also known as event marketing, is a strategy that uses experiences to share your company’s products, services, and mission with customers. It is a unique strategy that engages your target audience more viscerally through interactive experiences. Audiences generally feel more connected to brands that offer experiential marketing.
Here are some of the reasons why you should use events as a tool for marketing:
Builds brand awareness
Supports and strengthens other forms of marketing such as word-of-mouth and digital marketing
Enhances brand image
Creates genuine connections
Check out our full blog article, “Why You Need Experiential Marketing” to learn more in-depth about the benefits of experiential marketing!
MICRO EVENTS BECOME A STAPLE
According to Statistica, the average event attendance for a meeting or conference in 2019 was roughly 5,000 people. In 2020, we saw that number drop exponentially. Scaled-back events took center stage: Micro-events, micro-weddings, and pod meetups all describe the changing event space. When we talk about micro-events, what we imagine are small-scale events you can host alongside a larger in-person or hybrid event. They can also be standalone events that are alternatives to bigger, more expensive conferences, expos, or gatherings.
While these events are kept more simple than grandiose, that doesn’t mean your micro event has to lose any of its character and glamour. In fact, micro-events provide a more intimate experience for your attendees and are the perfect opportunity for greater connections to be made. Any way you slice it, micro-events are on the rise for many reasons.
TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Event organizers are not just in the business of designing meetings and events, they are in the business of changing lives. Wizard Studios has a knack for bringing people together and building momentum for change. The foundation of events is bringing people together for this exact purpose: inspiration and transformation.
We believe an event’s success is determined by how much it transformed your attendees. The transformation starts the minute they sign-up and ends when they leave your event with their final impressions.
Here are some tips to help you create a transformational experience:
Create a positive and engaging environment for self-actualization
Encourage guests to participate and interact
Make opportunities for meaningful discussion
Include storytelling techniques
Share your mission and purpose
We will likely see this trend continue to evolve over the next few years. People want meaningful, transformative experiences that make them feel closer to others and themselves. Learn some more ways to prioritize transformation experiences by checking out our blog, “Human Connection Should Be At the Core of Every Event”.
Emerging event trends allow us to deliver the most inspiring and innovative experiences. Wizard Studios stays on top of all the latest emerging trends so your events are exciting and engaging for all your guests. Join forces with us and contact the experts at Wizard Studios today!