Event Trends: what’s new for 2022, and what can we expect in 2023

2023 is just around the corner, and event professionals are starting to think about what new trends will emerge in the event industry.  

In this blog post, we will look at some of the most popular event trends in 2022 and also give a glimpse into what event professionals can expect in 2023.  

Keep reading to learn more!

Focus on the experiences

One event trend that gained popularity in 2022 is experiential events. These events focus on creating unique and memorable experiences for attendees rather than simply providing information or entertainment. Experiential events can include anything from interactive exhibits to immersive theatre experiences, and they will continue to grow in popularity in 2023. After all, what could be more fun than attending an event that allows you to immerse yourself in the experience fully?  

Whether it’s a music festival, food, wine tasting, or a CSR activity, experiential events will surely provide attendees with a memorable time.

Sustainability is here to stay

Sustainability in 2022 is no longer a trend – it is here to stay. Event professionals are becoming more conscious of their events’ impact on the environment and society, and they are looking for ways to reduce waste and make their events eco-friendlier.  

So, if you haven’t already started Incorporating sustainable practices into your events, now is the time to do so.  

Sustainable events are becoming more and more popular with attendees. 

Sustainable practices are not just good for the environment – they are good for business, too. According to a report by GreenBiz, “companies that have embraced sustainability have outperformed the stock market by 11.14 percent since 2005.”  

So, if you want to boost your business, going green is a great way to do it. Not to mention, it is the right thing to do. Implementing sustainable practices into your events is a win-win situation – so there’s really no excuse not to do it.

Personalise the event

Finally, we are also seeing a trend towards more personalisation and customisation at events. Guests are increasingly expecting to have a personalised experience that is tailored to their interests and needs.  

Event planners are responding by offering more options for attendees to customise their event experience. For example, some conferences now offer “tracks” where attendees can choose which sessions they want to attend based on their interests. Other events provide add-on experiences, such as city tours or VIP access to exclusive events. 

Health and Wellbeing

As the world progresses, we are seeing a shift in trends – both in our personal lives and in the professional sphere. One area that sees the most change is wellbeing and health. People are becoming more conscious of their physical and mental health and seeking ways to improve both. 

Attendees, for example, are looking for healthy snacks and meals at events rather than the standard fare of processed foods and sugary drinks. This shift is likely due to the growing awareness of the importance of good nutrition in overall health. So, when planning an event, it is important to partner with caterers who offer healthy food options or provide a selection of healthy snacks at the event venue. 

In addition, people are becoming more aware of the importance of exercise in maintaining good physical health. As a result, they are looking for opportunities to be active, even when attending an event. So, incorporating fitness activities into the event schedule or partnering with local gyms or fitness studios to offer discounts or special packages for event attendees could be highly beneficial to your event.

New year, new event technology

With a new year comes new event tech trends. As we move into the 21st century, technology is becoming more and more involved in every aspect of our lives—including events. Therefore, it is essential to stay on top of the latest event tech trends to be sure your events are as cutting-edge as possible:

1. Augmented Reality (AR)

AR is an event technology trend that is slowly gaining popularity and is expected to explode in 2023. It involves superimposing computer-generated images on top of real-world surroundings, giving users a unique and immersive experience. This could mean using AR to provide attendees with a virtual tour of the venue before the event even begins or giving them the ability to try out products in a virtual showroom.

 

2. Chatbots

Chatbots are computer programmes that mimic human conversation. They can be used to answer attendees’ questions, provide them with information about the event, and help them navigate the event website or app. Chatbots can be particularly useful for larger or more complicated events —they can help keep attendees organised and reduce some strain on event staff. 

 

3. Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is similar to augmented reality, allowing users to experience a computer-generated world. However, VR completely immerses users in this world, making it feel as if they are actually there. This could be used for events to give attendees a 360-degree view of the venue or allow them to “attend” the event from home if they cannot participate in person.  

 

4. 5G

5G is the fifth generation of wireless networking technology and is expected to revolutionise how we use the internet—not just at events but in our everyday lives. 5G promises to speed up to 100 times faster than 4G LTE, the current standard, which means smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and less latency. For events, this could mean live-streaming keynote speeches or presentations in high definition without any buffering or lag time.  

 

The Word on the Street team is here to support you if you want to get ready for 2023 by creating an innovative and unique event. 

Contact the Word on the Street team

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