With 2017 kicking off, we find ourselves anticipating what’s to come in the year ahead. As event experts we’ve noticed some changes in preferences within the industry and we’re here to give the insider scoop on 2017 event trends. Elevate your next event by keeping up with the times! Here are three things to keep in mind as you’re planning your 2017 event:
Give the full experience: Mindfulness is not just for yogis anymore. Our world is putting a greater emphasis on being present and experiencing the moment. Incorporating experiential moments into your event will change the attendee’s involvement and overall perception in a big way. What does this look like? Guests are wanting to touch, taste, see and feel. Innovative, touchable tech is a great place to start, should your budget allow. Adding delicious food and beverage tastings to spice up your event makes everyone happy. Get creative with your visuals. Look for as many ways as you can to incorporate unique experiences! Feeling stuck on how to make your event more experiential? We can help!
Let them mingle: The concept of providing “Brain Breaks” is not a new one. If you’re dabbling in the world of entertaining an audience, you probably already know that an adult can only focus on a topic for 7-10 minutes before losing interest, even if the topic is of interest to them. When planning an event, you should always work in breaks and leisure activities to give guests not only a mental pause but also a chance to interact with each other in more relaxed environments where they can recharge. It’s a natural opportunity to network. Last year, one client added a page in the middle of their program for coloring and provided logo’d colored pencils as a giveaway to all attendees! Ask us for other great ideas to provide your guests a mental break – we’ve got you covered.
“Niche” is the new black: Events focused on smaller “niche” audiences allow for focus to be on select attendees, limiting session and audience size. We’ve seen a huge rise in popularity of these micro-focused events, such as the Benevon Model. These events don’t waste time. They’re straightforward, usually in a more intimate setting and typically take about half the amount of time as a standard breakfast or luncheon. Don’t be afraid to focus your scope and streamline your event by utilizing this model. We’re well-versed in benevon style events and would be happy to offer our expertise!
Keeping up with industry trends is important in order to deliver the best possible experience for your guests. As always, there are many things to consider, but this short list will help you prepare for 2017 events in style. And remember, we’re always here to help!