Meeting and Event Trends for 2021: Paving the Way Back to Live, In-Person Events
Are you wishing you had a crystal ball to uncover what the future of events holds for you and your team? As restrictions lift and live, in-person events resurface as a possibility, navigating the ins and outs of a post-pandemic event can appear downright overwhelming. There are a number of trends from the past year that we predict will continue to live on, even as the pandemic passes.
The pent-up demand and eagerness to return to in-person events is a sentiment shared by the Kennedy Events team, but we also realize that the virtual component is here to stay. In fact, one of the best results of the pandemic is the ability to combine elements of the virtual realm with in-person to create hybrid events that will reach audiences like never before.
Taking the Virtual Center Stage
Our event outlook suggests that hybrid events will be at the forefront of event design, prioritizing a strong virtual component to include distanced attendees. Technology will be the driving factor, revolutionizing hybrid events to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person audiences and creating opportunities for attendees to take part in shared experiences.
Large improvements in virtual conferences and events—such as enhancements in cybersecurity, virtual networking, and interactive event entertainment—will move the virtual needle forward, driving both engagement and audience participation.
Digital events broaden the scope of an event’s reach, as the virtual realm is not beholden to spatial restrictions. Mastering the “screen scene” will open doors to new audiences and markets.
As cyberspace replaced the norm of inhabiting a physical space, audiences have adjusted to the new format, but their expectations for virtual events are on the rise. We recommend putting a strong emphasis on interactive experiences in the form of games like live performances that engage the viewers or games like “Among Us” that provide hands-on entertainment. Event holders will need to rely heavily on the expertise of planners who think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible for virtual events to amplify the at-home attendee experience.
The Rise of the Micro-Event
Smaller, more intimate events embedded within a larger hybrid format will play a key role in allowing attendees to network in person and forge strong connections. Consider incorporating “watch parties” in various cities where attendees who aren’t able to attend your live, in-person will still be able to view your conference virtually along with colleagues or other like-minded individuals; providing that conference experience without the travel that some might not be ready for yet.
Exclusive dinner invitations to participate virtually in a gala fundraiser are a great option to help increase your attendee numbers while the event industry navigates remaining restrictions on crowd size and travel.
Obviously, venues for meetings and conferences will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as the world opens up post-pandemic. Keep in mind that smaller in-person events enable stakeholders to reconnect their teams, clients, and donors—which is exactly what many people are searching for in our return to “normal.” Takeovers of smaller spaces and exclusive bookings at hotels or unique venues will emerge at the forefront of team gatherings.
What Will the Return to Live, In-Person Events Entail?
For starters, there will be a big focus on safety. Preserving your in-person event participation will require preparation on multiple fronts. Pre-entry health screenings and on-site rapid testing will be paramount to eliminate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of all guests, especially if you have guests coming from outside your immediate area.
Innovations in wearable tech from RFID wristbands to smart badges will allow attendees to remain contactless, aid in crowd management, and support a variety of touchless interactions. There are also some great low-tech options, like colored bracelets identifying your guest’s level of COVID comfort; a red bracelet might mean “please give me space” while a green one proclaims the attendee is “vaxed and relaxed.”
One event item that never loses its spot on the must-have list for events is signage. Now more than ever, safety signage will uphold event safety policies and set clear expectations, encouraging guests to socially distance for safety. This also allows attendees to let down their guard, knowing everyone is clear on the rules and they don’t need to be the enforcers.
Compliance with event and public health restrictions will instill confidence in attendees to re-engage in large-scale, face-to-face gatherings. However, the unpredictability of in-person attendance will also need to be a factor in event preparations. Comfort levels will drive decisions and attendee experience will necessitate continued innovation. Delegating to experts in the industry will differentiate you from the pack and ensure that you’re able to deliver that WOW factor that will turn your attendees into devotees.
In Need of Some Hybrid Event Expertise?
As our world begins to reopen, you may be wondering what venues are doing to ensure the safety of attendees. Kennedy Events can help you navigate the rules and regulations of our new event reality. Schedule some time with us today and learn how our expertise in both the virtual realm and live, in-person can take your event to the next level—while helping you ensure the health and safety of your attendees.
MAGGIE KENNEDY
Maggie Kennedy is the co-owner of Kennedy Events is a large-scale event management company based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Our team creates stress-free conferences and events with a positive impact, which allows our clients to resonate with their audience. Kennedy Events specializes in producing flawless product launches, award ceremonies, fundraisers, and multi-day conferences while keeping our eye on retention and engagement goals.
About Kennedy Events
Kennedy Events began with one goal in mind—to produce high-level corporate events with just as much strategy as style. Maggie founded the company in 2000, found her match in Paige, and in 2011 the two became official partners. Since then, these two resourceful and brilliant creatives have pooled their strengths to build one one of the most the most sought after corporate event companies in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.
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