Our Top 5 Tips For Awesome Events in 2024
Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of event trends can be a daunting task for any event planner. Rapid changes in technology, fluctuating attendee expectations, and budget cuts create a sense of uncertainty, posing challenges to develop a robust, long-term event strategy that brings a positive ROI.
Check out our top 5 tips to make your events awesome this year….
Stop sticking to the same old same old
After the pandemic, event organisers were keen to get back to in-person events with ideas to infuse them with newfound vitality. Everyone expected the event industry to emerge transformed, embracing innovative approaches and breaking away from the pre-pandemic norms. But, it didn’t. Most events are exactly like they were before.
This event trend poses a significant risk because if event organisers fail to adapt and evolve, events may become outdated, unengaging, and disconnected from audience expectations. The conventional in-person event model is no longer enough to captivate today’s audiences.
Feedback shows that attendees increasingly find traditional events dull and are not satisfied with various aspects ranging from content to catering. Plus, rising costs mean fewer people can afford to attend in-person events.
Come up with new ways to engage your audience at events
The blueprint of event organisation is changing. As the older generation of event professionals and attendees begins to take a step back, a vibrant new cohort is stepping forward. The Millennials and Gen Z make up almost 42% of the population. They are redefining the ethos of event engagement. Their preferences and perspectives are not just a fleeting event trend but a call for a fundamental change in how we conceptualise and execute events.
Mix it up with different events formats: In-person, Hybrid, and Virtual
The strategic mix of different event formats – in-person, hybrid, and virtual – emerged in 2023 as a crucial component for successful event planning and will continue in 2024. The blend is not just an event trend. It’s a response to the evolving needs and preferences of audiences worldwide.
In-person events, while invaluable for their immersive experiences, can consume a significant portion of resources, accounting for 58% of the B2B marketing budget. Their high demands in terms of time, energy, and finances need a more balanced approach. By integrating a mix of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events throughout the year, organisations can achieve broader reach and accessibility, catering to diverse audience preferences and constraints.
Personalise experiences and content as much as possible
As we look to 2024, the event trend of personalising event experiences and content has become crucial in the industry. The need for customisation is not just a preference but a need to connect your audience more deeply with your brand. This personalisation extends beyond mere promotional tactics and into the very fabric of the event experience.
Include sustainable goals in event strategies
Sustainable events have been a key event trend for many years now, and 2024 will be no different. Especially because it is estimated that the events industry is responsible for as much as 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. One contributing factor being that they often involve transporting thousands of people to a single location. It is therefore our moral duty to make events more sustainable, which requires a conscious and dedicated effort.
According to the Events Industry Council, sustainable practices can result in a 20–30% reduction in costs and a 60–80% reduction in waste. Considering the events industry is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation, these practices are not just beneficial; they are necessary.
As we’ve said before, using an expert like Gray Dawes Events can make all the difference from being a generic event to it being an extraordinary event.
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