Kara Dao, senior director, client engagement and operations for JDC Events, recently came up with a list of her 12 Favorite Event Planning Industry Trends. We would love to hear any that our IAVM members might have. These are all good “food for thought” as more and more events take place around the world. With that in mind, here are her twelve:
1. Conservative COVID protocols. Go in conservative on COVID requirements, you could always pull back easier than add.
2. Pre-event communications are key especially with managing expectations of COVID protocols. Talk to all participants about what to expect as well as what is expected of them.
3. Exhibitors/Sponsors always wanted to provide content. Time to open our minds to selling speaking opportunities. There is a means to vet submissions and our sponsors have a ton of compelling content to share.
4. It’s an Online Buyers Guide NOT a Virtual Exhibit Hall. Call it a directory and explain how and why to use it. This will elicit a lot more use of this tool.
5. In-Person order of importance: Networking, Sourcing, Content, In-depth knowledge. People are craving togetherness, give it to them and not an endless stream of speakers.
6. Remote speakers with an in-person audience – saves on travel costs, serves two audiences easily.
7. In-person “fun” is no longer an option, it’s a must. Provide people with the experience they crave. They’ve been cooped up too and want to release all the pent-up FUN!
8. Events must visually WOW = All Hail the Producer!
9. Generational designing = four generations in the workplace for the first time. In event planning we must consider all four generations needs if we are going to meet audiences where they are.
10. D,E&I = it’s here to stay and the positive effects have already been seen. Be sure to incorporate in all aspects of your event planning from diverse speakers to diverse suppliers.
11. One-stop shop show floors – a lot of organizers were doing this prior to the pandemic but now it’s even more important. People have traveled to get there and you want to keep them. Also, it helps maintain a safety bubble.
12. Solutions not sales pitches are making ground on show floors. Help exhibitors understand the importance of showcasing their solutions and how they can truly assist attendees.