10 Event Planning Trends Predicted to Take Off in 2023
In a post-pandemic world, the industry of event-hosting is ever-evolving, introducing new technologies, safety features, and even hybrid live-streaming solutions for optimal reach.
From returning to in-person events to focusing on holistic and hybrid events, here are the top 10 event planning trends predicted to take off in 2023.
1. Holistic Event Marketing
Holistic marketing works similarly to holistic healthcare solutions.
Rather than focusing on compartmentalized aspects of each individual event you intend to host, holistic event marketing focuses on one central and common goal. Adopting a holistic event marketing approach for businesses can help with streamlining communication among departments while also ensuring that all goals are aligned and in proper working order at all times.
2. Hub & Spoke Method
When it comes to hosting a successful event, using the Hub & Spoke method is one option, especially if you are hosting a large and expansive event. The Hub & Spoke method, originally coined by David Adler, ensures that an event's activities, speakers, and stages are all interconnected to provide as much variety, entertainment, and education to attendees as possible.
From using in-person subsections throughout a venue to creating digital hubs for particular groups, topics, and keynote speakers, the Hub & Spoke method of hosting any type of event is highly recommended.
Any time you want to maximize your reach and attendance for an event you are hosting, consider the Hub & Spoke method and how it might benefit you, your vendors, and your event's attendees.
3. In-Person Events Are Returning
While nearly 71%, or three-quarters of all event planners intend to implement a digital strategy for meetings and communication, many are also returning to hosting in-person events.
In-person events can help local attendees to connect more authentically with one another while also allowing the event's host to make genuine connections with guests, speakers, sponsors, and supporters.
4. Incorporating Smart Technology
Whenever you are hosting an event on your own, incorporating smart technology is highly recommended. From digital signage to interactive tech and virtual check-in systems, smart technology helps to streamline the entire process of planning and hosting events.
Smart technology can also provide prospective attendees with the ability to purchase or reserve tickets ahead of time with the use of their smartphone or another wireless device.
5. Online and Hybrid Hosting Solutions
Consider the option of hosting both online and hybrid events to streamline the planning process and increase the overall turnout.
Hybrid solutions that include in-person meetings, as well as live stream options, can significantly increase the overall attendance one of your events receives. Hosting both online and local events simultaneously ensures that you are able to reach as many people as possible, including those who were unable to attend in person.
6. Smaller, Intimate, Personalized Events
Hosting smaller, intimate, and more personalized events is also back and with a vengeance.
Many corporate marketers and small businesses alike are seeing the value of hosting smaller and more intimate events, especially when promoting a particular product, brand, or service. Smaller, personalized events help those who attend to feel comfortable, welcomed, and tended to, which may incentivize them to make a purchase or become a customer themselves.
7. Mental Health and Sustainability Remain a Top Priority
One of the most common event planning trends that are appearing throughout all industries is the topic of mental health and sustainability. Whether you are a forward-thinking eco-friendly company that is determined to create a more sustainable world or if you want to provide your employees and team members with additional mental health support, both topics will be a major focal point of 2023.
From implementing a mental health crisis system into your own workplace to integrating new sustainable products, services, and materials into your day-to-day job, there are many ways to incorporate both mental health awareness and sustainability into the workplace today.
8. Offsite Team-Building Retreats Are on the Rise
Planning team-building retreats off-site is also becoming increasingly popular among both small startups and expanding corporations. Team-building retreats provide a number of benefits for employees and employers alike, such as:
- Communication: Improve team communication skills with a variety of fun activities and training exercises.
- Trust: Build trust among employees and employers to maintain a sense of security throughout the workplace.
- Learning styles: Get to know more about the individual learning styles of each of your employees during a casual retreat.
- Decompression: At times, we all need a break. Providing your employees with a getaway or a retreat where they can relax, decompress, and simply be themselves can ultimately result in increased productivity once they are back in the workplace.
9. Virtual Reality Meetings Are Likely to Expand
Another prospect to consider as we are heading into 2023 is the ability to host meetings in a virtual reality space.
With virtual reality on the rise, the opportunity to host conferences, networking events, and even corporate retreats using a unique location or environment has never been easier. Virtual reality meetings also eliminate the need to live or work in the same vicinity, providing more opportunities to expand your hiring pool.
10. Social Media Events
Planning your event on social media is also continuously growing as a trend, for both small businesses and larger corporations. Using social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Snapchat or Tiktok (depending on your target audience) can help streamline the planning and hosting processes.
Using social media also provides an opportunity to share updates immediately live and in real-time, allowing you to keep a pulse on each individual event you are hosting and promoting online.
Planning an event in 2023 provides plenty of opportunities, both locally and digitally. With the expanse of the event-hosting markets and industries, event planners now have access to additional solutions that involve virtual reality, mental health, and even sustainability goals. Whether you are hosting an event to promote local business, a fundraising event for a cause, or you are simply trying to bring awareness to a particular brand, 2023 has many new exciting opportunities to look forward to when it comes to event planning trends.
