An ever-changing industry

The events industry has been through a whirlwind the past two-three years following the global pandemic caused by Covid-19. Many businesses are still recovering from the financial strain endured and feeling the lingering post-pandemic effects. In this blog post we dive deeper into the ever-changing events landscape and the prediction around event trends for 2023.

1. A major emphasis of health & safety

2022 was the first year since the pandemic that in-person events started to take off again. Although we saw a major increase in the demand for in-person events, there was still a notable uncertainty and hesitancy, especially from big corporates. There has been a huge shift in the business world, where larger firms are increasingly being challenged to ensure the health and safety of their employees; especially focusing on mental health well-being. This in turn affects in-person events as management leaders do not want to risk putting their employees and other stakeholders at risk in an uncertain health environment.

So, what about virtual and hybrid events? These types of events are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Maybe not so much virtual, but certainly hybrid. Hybrid meetings and events not only cut costs but empower your stakeholders to make their own decisions surrounding their health and safety. It allows for the flexibility and bigger reach, but also gives the option of engaging and connecting with fellow stakeholders.

We provide our clients with industry leading hybrid solutions and encourage the venues we partner with to include it in their sales strategy as well.

2. The resurgence of in-person events

Although we have mentioned the success rate of virtual and hybrid events, research how shown that in-person events will make a remarkable come-back in 2023. According to MEETING & GROUP BUSINESS magazine, “The in-person events market is set for its strongest year ever in 2023.”

Travel restrictions have kept us from exploring and experiencing what the events world has to offer. Now that these restrictions have been lifted, there is no doubt that people will want to get out and connect again. They will take any opportunity to engage face-to-face with their stakeholders.

3. Focusing on sustainability and green initiatives

There has been a huge drive in the events industry to focus on green initiatives, especially with the ongoing global warming crisis we are facing. Event management companies and meeting planners will be pushed to have an eco-friendlier approach, and make events environmentally friendly. One of the trends promoting this has been the use of eco-friendly or sustainable décor.

Event planners will need to rethink how they host events and think creatively for ideas to help reduce the carbon footprint, such as integrating virtual platform by investing in new technology.

Conclusion

The world is changing, and we need to adapt. Events will never disappear as it is human nature to connect and engage with one another. However, we need to think about how we are managing and planning events to ensure we are responsible and accountable for the effects events may have on its attendees, the organizers, as well as the environment. It’s time for event professionals to embrace change and adopt the new ways of doing things.