The Future of Global Events

Post by 
Brandon Busuttil
Published 
March 12, 2021

The landscape is changing – here’s what you need to know

The exhilaration of reveling with a crowd at a concert, the high degree of collaboration between delegates at a conference, the sharing of ideas at a meeting or forum. People are social creatures and we all miss the opportunities to connect, talk, interact and celebrate. But, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of that.  

Alongside the travel and hospitality sector, the meetings and events industry has been hard hit. Live shows have been postponed, and events, conferences and meetings, and even sports events, have been thrust into the virtual space. The events landscape is shifting. Change is calling. Innovation is burgeoning. However, while events may look different they are by no means unexciting.

Let’s look at some of the trends and features of the transforming events landscape that we can harness as opportunities in the coming years.

Virtual events are here to stay

Virtual events are here to stay, even once the health crisis is over. Predictions from Grand View Research indicate that virtual events will increase ten-fold over the next decade. Let’s face it, many people are still going to be hesitant to travel and be in a big crowd. The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability is also likely to keep driving events and conferences online, as companies and individuals seek to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the economic reality is that cost control is high on the agenda. It is more cost effective to host more attendees in a virtual event than it is to set up a physical space. And while both have their merits, this is a big consideration for brands that are in the recovery phase.

A survey conducted by PCMA showed that 7 out of 10 businesses have already moved their events to a virtual platform, with many indicating that they don’t see it as a short-term fix in the era of social distancing – but rather as a complement to in-person events into the future.

Investment in virtual events is set to grow

More companies and event planners than ever before are planning to invest in virtual events. A recent report on the outlook for events after COVID-19 shows that 90% of event marketers plan to invest in virtual events going forward, while less than a quarter of them had invested in virtual events in the past. Investment in marketing, staging, technology and assessing virtual events is set to grow. According to a survey by Markletic, 55% of virtual event organizers plan to invest more money in virtual events in 2021.

Hybrid events are the way of the future

Virtual is a focus. There is no doubt about that. However, we don’t believe for a minute that in-person, face-to-face and live-and-loud events won’t be back. They will. Looking ahead, we believe that people will enthusiastically go to events that they see value in attending. Others will be wary of the health risks, costs and time limitations associated with travelling to and attending events. In the spirit of inclusion and to maximise reach, cost efficiency and sustainability, hybrid events – which fuse virtual solutions with in-person events and exhibitions – will be the way of the future.

Hybrid events combine in-person elements with digital components, making them a perfect blend of technology, content and engagement features to give both live and virtual attendees an immersive experience. Combining the best of in-person and virtual features, hybrid events have big benefits.

You can break down the barriers of time, space and distance to accommodate people who previously could not attend your live events. In reaching a larger audience, you can potentially achieve a higher return on investment than with a strictly in-person event. Best of all, you have unprecedented access to data on marketing analytics, attendees, session interactions and more.

Hybrid events have been around for a few years already but they’re really coming into their own in the wake of the pandemic. Big brands and companies of all types are embracing and honing the opportunities a hybrid approach provides. Namely to extend the reach, level of engagement and return on investment of their events, product launches and conferences. The key to a successful hybrid event is to make the experience engaging, immersive, captivating and interactive to both live and virtual audiences. Looking for inspiration? Read about Riot Games’ League of Legends, Twitchcon and Tomorrowland Around The World — The Digital Festival.

Increased emphasis on engagement

With a digital component to your live events, you have almost limitless possibilities at your fingertips. Now you can expose your brand, share content and engage with attendees from virtually anywhere in the world. Think broadcasts, videos, audio, live streaming, chat bots, social media, voice translations during panel discussions, an event app to encourage attendee interaction, gamification, virtual reality, augmented reality and more.

Hybrid events open-up opportunities for more engagement with and between attendees because they are actively participating from their device or computer and are able to immediately comment, like and share. This isn’t always possible in large, in-person events, without considerable thought and planning.

There are numerous virtual event platforms and software suites to create a seamless, interactive and engaging occasion. Some of the most popular virtual event software and programme options include vFairs, ON24, and Big Marker. Another fantastic advantage is that many of these platforms allow you to capture valuable data that can help you enhance future dos and calculate your ROI.

Technology is reshaping the landscape

Technology has empowered millions around the world to work, collaborate and attend events without leaving their homes. Digital transformation has been bolstered during the pandemic and will continue to be integrated into remote working, meeting and event staging models well into the future. Innovation in technologies is growing and evolving at a rapid pace. When we talk about event tech, we are referring to the array of digital tools that enable planners and companies to stage launches, conferences and ceremonies from start to completion. We are talking about event management software, marketing tools, registration solutions, mobile apps, social media, virtual platforms, virtual reality, chat functions, augmented reality, videos, webcasts, you name it.

A simple web stream is no longer enough. Attendees expect a more captivating and interactive virtual experience. The experience defines the entire journey, from the time they register until the time they leave or submit their feedback via an app. Technology will drive each step in this journey. Innovation is happening – embrace it or be left behind.

Specialised skills are in demand

Specialised skills to plan and execute engaging virtual and hybrid events are in demand. Event planners need to have a design mindset, a deep understanding of the psychology of their audiences and their finger on the pulse of new trends and technologies, to get their jobs done and bring virtual events to life. With the fast advancements in enabling event technologies and the rapid move to virtual and hybrid events in the past year, gaps in the skills and resources to stage them are emerging.

At The Event Production Company, we eat, sleep and breathe this. Since 1993, we have been producing in-person events with a quick move to virtual and hybrid events that deliver cohesive and enticing experiences. We can help you to make any occasion a mesmerizing, memorable and measurable affair. Talk to us to find out how.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

“If you can dream it, you can do it”. - Walt Disney...and we’ll be here to help make it a reality.

Book a session with the team and get a clear idea of how we can help you create an unforgettable experience. 

Contact Us
THere's More

Post You might Also Like

Event Technology
Nov
20
//
2023

Maximising ROI on Event Sponsorship: Strategies for Success with AI Integration

In this blog we explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the effectiveness of event sponsorships. The blog delves into how AI-driven analytics and predictive modelling can provide deep insights into audience behaviour and preferences, allowing for more targeted and impactful sponsorship strategies. It highlights the significance of AI-powered personalisation in elevating attendee engagement and the role of AI in streamlining event operations for greater efficiency. The blog also discusses the use of advanced AI metrics for accurately measuring sponsorship success and the creative potential of AI in content optimisation and interactive feature integration. This comprehensive guide underscores the growing importance of AI in revolutionising event sponsorship, offering practical insights for businesses aiming to leverage technology for maximising their sponsorship ROI.
Event Technology
Nov
7
//
2023

Revolutionising Event Management: The Contactless Technology Advantage

EPC is revolutionising event management by integrating contactless technology, heralding a new epoch where safety and innovation are paramount. This approach heralds streamlined digital check-ins, ensuring expedited entry and adhering to the highest safety standards. Interactive networking via QR codes facilitates seamless digital connections, obviating the need for physical contact. Furthermore, contactless payments have redefined financial transactions at events, ensuring they are swift, secure, and stress-free. EPC's pioneering adoption of contactless solutions signifies a commitment to redefining the event experience, aligning with the evolving landscape to enhance attendee engagement, convenience, and safety, promising an era of smarter, indelible event experiences.
Hybrid Events
Oct
31
//
2023

Building a Strong Event Brand: Strategies for Effective Event Marketing

Building a strong event brand involves a comprehensive strategy that starts with a deep understanding of your audience to create experiences that foster brand loyalty. A unique brand identity must be established through a cohesive visual and experiential narrative across all touch-points, ensuring consistency that builds trust. Narrating your brand's unique story engages attendees emotionally and intellectually, while adaptability ensures relevance in a dynamic marketplace. Leveraging social media, integrating modern technologies, fostering strategic partnerships, maintaining consistent communication, and seeking feedback are all crucial. These elements must work in harmony to forge a brand that not only resonates with attendees but also stands out in the competitive event marketing landscape.
Event Technology
Oct
23
//
2023

The Future of Event Production: Navigating Technology, Global Impact, and Tomorrow's Possibilities

The future of event production is marked by rapid technological advancements, global reach, and boundless possibilities. Technology, including Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and holography, has seamlessly merged the virtual and real worlds, enhancing networking and live performances. Global impact has transcended geographical boundaries, making events accessible to a worldwide audience and fostering cultural exchange. The future promises hyper-personalization, real-time engagement, and a blending of physical and virtual experiences. Events are evolving into transformative experiences that leave lasting legacies. The Event Production Company leads the way in this evolution, aiming to deliver unforgettable experiences and invites others to shape the future of events.
Event Technology
Sep
26
//
2023

The Role of Technology in Event Planning: Trends and Best Practices

In this article, we'll delve into the role of technology in event planning, examining current trends, and identifying best practices. Whether you're an experienced event planner or just starting out in the industry, this article will offer valuable insights into the latest technological advancements and how to leverage them effectively to deliver memorable events. Buckle up and get ready to discover the exciting fusion of technology and event planning!
PLANNING AN EVENT?

Let's Plan Something Big

Hire Us