In a recent survey by vFairs, event industry experts were asked what they believed to be the dominant event format long-term: virtual, hybrid or in-person events. Thirty-nine percent of respondents replied that they will be hosting hybrid events going forward. This was the most popular answer, as compared to a 4.5% response of “in-person only” and a 7.5% response of “virtual only.” The remaining respondents plan to use a mix of all event formats.
Our observations on the impact we made as humans became very clear when we were not traveling and consuming as much as we used to during the pandemic. Having witnessed the decrease in pollution resulting from lack of traffic during COVID-19, we have returned to events and conferences much more aware of our footprint.
After a long shutdown of events, 2022 saw the doors fully swing open, and we eagerly started to gather again en masse. Virtual events became fully hybrid as we found ourselves rubbing elbows and networking like it was 2019.
Swag bags aren’t new, but they continue to be appreciated and even expected by employees and event attendees alike. However, this reality can make it hard to develop fresh and unique ideas for the kinds of items to include. You want to hand out things that people will use and remember, but there are only so many branded coffee cups one can own before they toss them aside.
Here are a few things to consider for different audiences the next time you build a swag bag.
QR codes are proving to be a winning solution for many companies around the world. British Airways uses them to cut down on queues. Italian fashion brand Diesel uses them to authenticate apparel.
Design experts predicted that curved furniture would be a popular trend throughout 2022 and beyond. The streamlined version of this unique style, which first came to prominence in the 1940s, is eye-catching and can be both professional and fun.
After my first week of being hired at a manufacturing company, I saw an opportunity for efficiency if workers simply altered the process in which they were fulfilling orders. I made my suggestions to the owner of the business, after which he shook his head and replied, "Thanks, but we've been doing it this way for years."
Event professionals have lived through a roller coaster over the last three years, which has included the pivot to virtual, the return of in-person events, evolving safety precautions and tightening budgets.
The pandemic brought every business that relied on in-person meetings, from multinational corporations to small local businesses, to a grinding halt—effectively emptying convention centers and shuttering hotels. Though many events were canceled, some organizers created virtual events to keep in touch with exhibitors and retailers, albeit digitally.
As we at District Marketing (formerly Fixation Marketing) mark the end of our first year in business, review the performance of our clients’ events and look at changes and opportunities in this post-pandemic environment, we are thinking a lot about trends.
So, having dug through some campaigns and surveyed our staff, we thought we’d share a list of some trends we’re seeing in trade show and event marketing.
Event marketing looks different than it did three years ago. Virtual and hybrid events have proven their merit and reset attendee expectations. Yet, for all the changes, one fact has remained consistent: It doesn’t matter if an event is offline or online. What matters is the experience it provides.
