Event Forecast 2023: The Top Trends You Can’t Miss!
As the AV and event planning industries continue to evolve in the coming years, new trends and technologies are emerging as the needs and preferences of attendees and event planners change. Located in America’s entertainment capital, Los Angeles, CA, Empire Lakes Productions (ELP) stays ahead of the curve by keeping up with the latest event planning trends and technologies in order to provide clients with cutting-edge experiences. As a passionate team of event planners, we’re excited to share three top trends we’re expecting to see in 2023 with you.
Personalized Attendee Experiences Powered by AI and Data Analytics
This year, attendees are increasingly seeking personalized experiences and event planners are leveraging advances in event technology and data analytics to deliver. From visualizing event space designs to automating administrative tasks, event planners are leveraging AI to enhance client experiences and maximize their efficiency. We’ll also see a heavy emphasis on event data analytics, as event planners leverage data to make more informed decisions, improve their ROI, and quantify event success.
The most outstanding way event planners are leveraging AI to personalize events is through targeted content recommendations. Even before executing an event, event planners can work with clients to collect information on attendees, such as age, gender, location, and interests. AI-powered event platforms, such as Swapcard and Grip, then use machine learning to analyze the information and create custom programming and design recommendations that will best resonate with them. For example, if an event will be attended by large numbers of young professionals, the AI software may recommend the incorporation of networking sessions and career development workshops. Event planners can use this capability to create customized agendas, playlists, menus, and entertainment for clients.
Additionally, event technology platforms, such as Bizzabo, offer AI-powered matchmaking tools that help attendees connect with others who share similar interests. This has particularly significant implications for more introverted attendees, who may struggle with traditional socializing. By tailoring aspects of the event to meet the more unique needs of attendees, event planners can create more personalized and memorable experiences.
Not only do event technology and analytics create more meaningful experiences for attendees, but these tools also help event planners learn from previous events and optimize their resources. During an event, planners can use tools, like Eventbrite, Pathable, and Cvent, to track attendees’ engagement with and response to different activities, music, lighting, and other event characteristics. Information on previous events can be saved and used to make predictions and inform the direction of future events. AI-powered predictive analytics can use information on past events to identify potential issues for future ones.
Sustainability
As more people become aware of the impact events can have on the environment, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for attendees and event planners alike. In 2023, we’re expecting to see the incorporation of sustainable practices such as reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and choosing environmentally-friendly venue spaces.
One big way event planners are incorporating sustainability into their events is by partnering with venues committed to sustainability. Event planners may work with sustainability consultants or organizations such as the Sustainable Event Alliance to identify venues and suppliers that have green certifications or sustainability programs in place. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has a slew of convention centers, hotels, and other event space partners. These LEED-Certified Venues are designed to minimize energy and water usage, reduce waste, and provide a healthier indoor environment. Green Globe is another certification program for sustainable tourism and event venues, as attendees seek to make destination events more sustainable.
Beyond strategic partnerships, event planners are also opting for more environmentally-friendly materials, such as bamboo, recycled paper, and plant-based fabrics, to decorate their events. To reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, planners may use reusable or compostable tableware, such as plates, cups, and utensils. On the Audio-Visual (AV) equipment front, planners are using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power their speakers, microphones, and projectors. This may come in the form of portable solar panels, solar-powered batteries or generators, and wind turbines. These energy replacements help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere.
In addition to taking measures to create more sustainable events, planners are also seeking ways to measure and report on the environmental impacts of their events. This may involve using data analytics tools to help track energy consumption, waste generation, and other metrics, and using this information to inform event adjustments. By incorporating sustainable practices and working with venues and suppliers that are committed to sustainability, event planners can help to create a more environmentally conscious industry.
Immersive Experiences
Engaging attendees on multiple sensory levels is becoming a popular trend in 2023. Event planners are using everything from virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), interactive displays, and gamification to create more intimate and dynamic experiences.
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies enable users to interact with digital content in a simulated or enhanced environment. VR typically involves a headset or goggles to immerse users in a digital world, while AR overlays digital content onto the real world through a mobile device or smart glasses. Event planners may leverage both VR and AR to create cool new opportunities for attendee participation, inviting attendees to partake in virtual games and challenges, explore virtual environments, or interact with digital objects.
Interactive displays, such as touch screens, motion sensors, and gesture recognition systems, are also increasingly popular methods of engaging attendees. These displays may be used to showcase products and services, provide educational information, and facilitate group activities and social media sharing. At a product launch, for example, attendees may use interactive displays to browse products, ask questions, and learn more about a company’s offerings. Event planners often also leverage interactive displays to gamify events, creating opportunities for attendees to participate in digital challenges or activities.
Besides exciting attendees, interactive displays are also convenient tools for data collection. Platforms like Crowd Mics and Pavegen allow event planners to gather valuable insight into attendee behavior, preferences, and interests. Crowd Mics offers interactive microphone systems that allow attendees to participate in discussions and Q&A sessions, providing real-time feedback and analytics on attendee participation and engagement. Pavagen, on the other hand, creates interactive flooring systems that collect data on attendee movement and engagement, which can be later used to improve event layouts and design. This data can then be used to create targeted post-event marketing campaigns or further personalize the event experience in real-time.
No matter how complex your event is, our team has got you covered! With our inventory of high-quality equipment and five-star, reliable service, we’ll make sure you are in good hands. Every order comes with a free consultation and we deliver, set up, operate, take down, and pick up. Get a free quote now!
