Event Industry Trends And Predictions For 2022 | Event Always


Event Industry Trends



The events industry has been faced with incredible uncertainty over the past two-years. Unpredictability reigns as we enter 2022. However, there are some trends we can predict for the events industry.

Although we've made a lot of progress since March 2020, the events industry still faces a significant transformation. From heavy-hitting events that have explosive parties and huge budgets to virtual or hybrid experiences that require creative thinking.

This is not a comprehensive list of events industry trends. We have left out trends high tech event wearables, event marketing, and so on. However these four trends are crucial to your success in 2022.


1. An increase in hybrid events

We surveyed event organizers to find out their thoughts on the future of hybrid events in 2020. 97% stated that there would be more hybrid events by 2021 than ever before. Hybrid events are not slowing down as we enter 2022. There are many reasons for this.

Hybrid events offer greater reach and attendance. It is also easier to prove ROI and ROE (Return On Event). Virtual audiences make behavioural data collection easier. You will be better prepared to plan future successful events if you have more data about attendees.

Event organizers and marketers will face the greatest challenge in 2022: delivering similar personalized experiences to both in-person as well as virtual attendees.

Eventalways research found that 52.9% felt it was harder to create memorable experiences online for attendees of virtual events than in-person events.

These are proven strategies to master mixed events.

  • Hire an event manager to build a hybrid-ready group.
  • You can choose hybrid event management software with TV-quality video production capabilities.
  • Provide interaction and engagement opportunities for remote and in-person attendees.
  • Your event software should seamlessly.
  • Personalized journeys can be created by using data according to attendee type.

2. Increased Attention on COVID Vaccination Status

Event planners and organizers became more optimistic about the possibility of reviving in-person events as vaccines were introduced in 2021.

EventMB's study found that 55% of event organizers still consider safety to be the greatest barrier to hosting live events. PCMA also found that 39% event planners intend to need proof they have received COVID-19 vaccine in order to be able to participate in an event.

We predict that Omicron variants of the event will continue to spread rapidly throughout the globe as we enter 2022. Event organizers will do more to ensure safety and health for attendees, sponsors and staff.

We expect that more event organizers will require proof of vaccination at registration for hybrid or in-person events. Event organizers may also offer on-site screening and other COVID-19 services.


3. A focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Although the events industry has made great strides in prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI), there are still many areas to improve. Virtual and hybrid events are a great way to make your event more inclusive and allow you to reach more people.

We predict that diversity will play an even greater role in 2022 event strategy. Event organizers are looking for new ways of building diverse speaker lists and delivering more inclusive opportunities.


4. Micro Events are on the Rise

The big question is how to create memorable events as virtual and hybrid events continue growing in popularity. Micro events are designed to cater to specific geographic areas, attendee types, or other factors.

According to a Statista survey in 2019, the average number of attendees to the largest conventions or exhibitions was almost 5,000. The days of VIP events or in-person events where thousands, if not tens of millions of people fought for their seats are over. Omicron's variant is causing a rapid decline in the attendee and exhibitor list for CES 2022.

Event size is not only a concern for safety and health, but it also raises concerns about accessibility to events for people with different abilities.

We expect a rise of smaller, in-person events using hybrid strategies to reach a larger audience. Hybrid events, or micro events, are often cheaper and have fewer safety and health risks.

The best thing? The best part? You can turn event content into on-demand resources that allow attendees to connect and learn throughout the year.


Take advantage of these event industry trends to succeed in 2022

Although it is impossible to predict what 2022 will bring, we believe these are good indicators of the direction the industry is headed. Event professionals must embrace hybrid and virtual environments, promote diversity, prioritize safety and create events that keep attendees coming back for more.

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