Emerging Event Trends to Create Transformative Experiences
Last year provided the events industry with new challenges, which kept a continuing focus on sustainability, AI and diversity & inclusion. So, have these trends kept up in 2024 or have new ones broken through? In this blog, we explore the ways you can harness these emerging event trends to enhance engagement.
Food and Beverages
Food and beverages are among the most important aspects to consider when planning events. Take the flow of the venue, the duration of the event, and the activities planned into consideration to ensure the offering hits your event objectives. So, let’s look at the top food and beverage event trends we have seen in 2024 so far.
Fusion street food is here, giving fresh twists to crowd favourites. It works really well for those events where you want to give guests something more substantial than two bite canapes but not a seated dinner. With companies offering interactive food stations where guests can join in with the chefs or mixologists to create certain dishes, it is a great way to create a last memory for each individual.
With the new generations growing up in a more connected world, we are seeing companies moving away from the traditional three-course seated dinners. Instead, clients opt to serve two courses and then move to a taster pudding bar so guests within the interactive environment can network as they explore their surroundings.
There has also been a significant increase in attendees (53%) wanting a good variety of zero-proof and low-alcohol options at events. As wellness continues to strengthen its requirement within the events industry, it’s not surprising that attendees will find an event that offers zero-proof and low-alcohol options more appealing.
Wellness
With mental health at the forefront of our minds, Wellness is among the most crucial event trends to keep in mind. As events can be sensory overload, guests may need quiet spaces to recharge their social batteries. Having these separate spaces will provide a sanctuary where guests can retreat, have time to decompress and find respite to read, listen to music or even take a nap. It can also give people the chance to speak to someone safely and confidentially.
Working alongside events industry leaders EventWell, who can provide a range of sessions, spaces and activities that prioritise neuroinclusion, fostering mental well-being, and promoting attendee welfare across all types of events from dinners through to multi-day conferences, getting to grips with your objectives will help you identify the best way to integrate these zones into your event.
There is also a significant increase in eco-conscious events, with 65% of event organisers planning events with more environmentally-conscious elements in 2024, which is a 14% increase from last year. In this blog post, you’ll learn how we can help you build eco-friendly practices into your plan.
Venues
Choosing a venue will always be important, and in 2024, there’s a clear requirement for unique venues and events offering ‘transformative experiences’ that promote a more connected experience for guests. Alongside the wellness trends still being at the forefront of our minds, there has also been an increase in guests who want events to be connected to nature, so finding a venue with outdoor space is important.
According to a recent survey, 69% of attendees (and 75% of 21 to 35-year-olds) feel positively towards events that allow them to connect with or immerse themselves in nature.
These types of spaces will also provide you with a more flexible environment where you will be able to include outdoor activities (weather permitting) to help inject a unique twist into your events. Some types of unique event venues include rooftop gardens, historic landmarks and museums, art galleries and studios, industrial warehouses and lofts, riverside venues, and country estates.
At Word on the Street, our expert venue finders ensure every box is ticked and every possibility is explored. We take great pride in providing events that help our customers achieve lofty goals while maximising the attendee experience to deliver an occasion that will create a lasting legacy. Learn more here.
Technology
In today’s fast-paced world, the use of virtual and augmented reality is one of the top event trends we’re seeing. Using this kind of technology to immerse guests into augmented spaces can increase attendees’ engagement and interaction, allowing you to provide a more personalised experience of the brand and its values.
With hybrid and virtual events carving out their place in the events industry, there are more tools to make an event planner’s life easier. From AI-powered algorithms which facilitate connections based on an individual’s preference and profile, more advanced event analytics to help understand the metrics of your event to content delivery, which ensures attendees receive timely event information, ensuring you deliver a seamless event experience.
With event technology becoming more cost-effective, there is a wide range of cost-friendly options available to ensure you provide connected experiences to attendees.
Ready to Harness These Trends?
Get in touch with Word on the Street to find out how we can help you utilise these event trends to provide you with an unforgettable experience that engages your audience and boost your brand. From choosing the venue to designing your event, our expert approach offers everything you need—get in touch today!