Corporate events have undergone rapid changes in recent years, driven by factors such as advancements in technology, evolving people expectations, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying up to date with new trends in the corporate event industry is crucial to make events more successful than ever. Let's explore the latest trends for corporate events in 2023.
1. Hybrid events are becoming increasingly popular :
The popularity of hybrid events has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with 71% of organizations with over 5,000 employees having incorporated hybrid events into their portfolio in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards hybrid events, which combine in-person experiences with virtual experiences. Events that offer a virtual option can significantly increase brand reach and allow international attendees to avoid travel costs, which are often high in the current economic climate. In 2023, this trend is expected to continue, offering companies the opportunity to reach a broader audience while still providing an in-person experience for those who prefer it.
2. Interactive event formats are gaining popularity :
Events that allow for more interactive participation, such as interactive training workshops, are continuing to gain popularity. In 2023, companies are looking to integrate interactive elements into their in-person events to create a more engaging experience for attendees. People now expect the same level of convenience, benefits, and interactivity from the mobile apps they use on a daily basis, and they want the same experience during events. Event organizers can use their conference event app before, during, and after the event to inform participants about the agenda, speakers, and topics, as well as enable them to start interacting with other attendees using the networking tools. Using an event app also helps to showcase your brand and collect valuable event data about participants that would otherwise have been unknown.
3. Online events are declining, and in-person events will dominate the market :
This may come as a surprise, given the popularity of virtual events over the past few years, but the in-person events market is set for its "strongest year ever" in 2023. All in all, it's clear that the demand for coming together in person, where possible, is higher than ever, and this trend is expected to continue to grow.
4. Experience is the new marketing :
When planning your corporate events in 2023, it's essential to keep in mind that "experience is the new marketing." It's no longer enough to simply communicate information about your business; you need to create a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression on attendees.
Rather than just conveying facts, figures, and features of your brand, strive to create an immersive and memorable experience that attendees will recall long after the event is over. This requires a more hands-on approach that engages all the senses, from hiring actors who can bring your brand story to life through performances, to offering immersive activities and providing more opportunities for attendees to interact with your offerings.
By delivering a more experiential event, you can create a deeper emotional connection with attendees and foster brand loyalty that extends well beyond the event itself.
5. Year-long event calendars are replacing one-off events :
Gone are the days when companies ran one or two mega-events per year. Future trends in event planning suggest that this strategy isn't fit for purpose in 2023. Instead, event professionals are designing year-long event calendars, using smaller, more targeted events to guide buyers towards conversion. This new approach allows for a more personalized experience that can better engage attendees and achieve business goals.
In 2023, hybrid events and interactive formats will continue to gain popularity, while in-person events will dominate the market, creating unique and personalized experiences that leave a lasting impression on attendees is critical. By incorporating these trends into your event planning strategy, you can create successful events that meet the needs and expectations of your target audience.
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