17 Jan 5 Event Industry Trends You Need to Know in 2024
The events industry has seen many changes over time, especially in the last couple of years. As new technologies continue to disrupt how people experience events, the industry is reinvented to keep up with these improvements. From virtual and hybrid events to artificial intelligence, event trends are changing the way people interact with each other and the world around them. We’ve put together the top event trends that can help all industry professionals be in a position to get the most out of 2024.
With changes in how events are booked, planned, and executed, 2024 will be an exciting year for planning and hosting events whether you are a restaurant, hotel, or unique venue.
1. Experiential Events
As we have seen this trend over the past few years, people will continue to seek out event experiences to remember this year more than ever. Events will increasingly focus on creating immersive and memorable moments for attendees. Rather than passive participation, attendees will actively seek opportunities to engage with the event content and environment. Expect planners to desire more interactive experiences. Some examples are workshops, hands-on activities, and multi-sensory experiences that leave a lasting impact.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented Reality (AR) has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment. It allows users to interact with virtual environments and virtual objects using smartphones and other devices. Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging trend in the event industry too and it’s quickly gaining popularity because it provides event guests a realistic experience. VR headsets allow people to immerse themselves in a completely different world. They can see what others cannot, and they can feel as though they are there. In addition to providing a more immersive experience, VR also provides a unique opportunity to engage customers in ways that were previously impossible.
It’s important to consider that gamification is expanding to different areas to help people learn and develop new skills. Consequently, AR and VR play a huge part in making people practice their skills.
For 2024, we can expect an expansion in events with VR areas and gamification.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2024 will continue to be all about Artificial Intelligence (AI). We’ve been witnessing this technology revolutionizing event planning. This trend will continue to help personalize experiences for event attendees through AI algorithms that analyse attendee data and preferences. We’ll see tailored event schedules, sessions, networking opportunities, and a level of personalization that enhances engagement. AI will also help to create human-like text for event marketing and when used properly, will help save time and money in event management.
4. Sustainability
The commitment to sustainability in event planning will continue to grow in 2024. Event organisers will prioritise eco-friendly practices, from reducing waste and carbon emissions to sourcing local and sustainable materials. Attendees will appreciate events that take environmental responsibility seriously, and this trend will likely lead to more sustainable event venues and practices.
There are many examples we’ve seen of environmentally-friendly values transcending into the event scene including:
- Reduced paper use (such as switching to digital contracts, menus, and promotions)
- Reduced water use
- Going plastic-free
- Greener food and beverage (more plant-based and organic menu options)
- Donating leftovers
- LED lighting
- Reusable decor
- Outdoor events
- Providing usable, eco-friendly swag
There is a great need to adapt and promote sustainable events going into 2024.
5. Social Media for Event Promotion
Using social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to promote events is an events industry trend that is here to stay. We understand social media doesn’t replace traditional advertising methods, such as flyers or even word-of-mouth marketing. However, it still has an effect on how people find information and decide whether or not to attend an event.
Furthermore, social media is still one of the best ways to measure success and acceptance of events and ideas. Our suggestion? Make partnerships with new and potential digital influencers and keep good professionals running your social media pages.
A major technology trend for the event industry is social media integration. As more and more people turn to social networks to learn about events and share their experiences, event planners must ensure their event promotion tools can integrate with these platforms.
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