WOW! When did 2018 pass? Probably the question we are all asking ourselves.
We do not have an answer to this question but we know for sure how showed 2018 in terms of events.
It was a year of event experiences carried over to the next event thanks to technology, the courage to choose an unconventional location and to offer event experiences to the participants.
But what's coming in 2019?
Technology
We live in a world where we are connected to information through a device we carry in our pocket. In a world where information flows extraordinarily fast, a world where technology helps us take everything to the next level - from medicine, to technology and industry, to the experiences an event gives us.
Augmented Reality (AR) is back
Since 2016 and the emergence of Pokémon GO, the digital transformation of AR has shown tremendous potential for both the gaming and events industries.
Although Virtual Reality (VR) is enjoying popularity and acclaim, it cannot be used outside of a specific application. This is why event industry specialists predict that AR will be used mainly for event participant engagement.
Augmented Reality has the possibility to provide turn-by-turn directions to participants, can identify participants in an event through face recognition and even offers the possibility to interact with a product through a hologram.
Drones
Over time, drones have become widely used. Some drones are used to transport fruits or vegetables, while others have Slightly dark impact capabilities. Drones have made their way and are useful in a number of industries, including the events industry. The Federal Aviation Administration (US) says that by 2020 there will be 7 million drones.Obviously, drone filming and photography are great, but drones can be used in other ways too, becoming a strategic element of an event.
Blockchain
A topic debated in circles, in meetings or at technology conferences. Attention has grown and blockchain technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in many future industries. Blockchain allows digital information to be distributed, but not copied.
Interactivity
We continue to advocate for a fast registration process. No one likes to start an event experience standing 15-20 minutes in a queue to get into the event. That's why registration apps have become increasingly popular.
Also in that app you can get in touch with the speakers or the organizing team, asking questions to the speakers, giving them feedback or communicating with the organizing team for the little details that make the experience complete.
Location, location, location
With a focus on creating memorable and interactive experiences, events that take place in unconventional locations help to increase participant engagement. These locations will increase interest in the event and create buzz, which leads to standards being met just by boldly choosing a „different” location. From parking lots, to artist studios, art galleries, urban gardens or cafes, by default the experience offered is unique.
Go Offline & Go Online
Focus your energy on creating unique event experiences that will organically create buzz and engagement on Social Media. Ahead communicate your event hashtag to create suspense and you can leverage industry influencers to reach your target audience.
A Unique Voice
It is no longer enough to plan an event around a sales pitch. More than ever, attendees need to experience stories and impactful content, whether you're utilizing extraordinary resources for a learning process, your event must provide the support for quality content.
If you are planning to offer your colleagues an event in 2019, write to us and one of our colleagues will create the right offer:
We like to learn from:
- Blog.hubb.me
- Eventbrite
- Omnience events
- Event Manager blog
