2022 Re-Cap of Edmonton Event Trends and What to Expect in 2023
/0 Comments/in Corporate Events, Edmonton Events, Event Planning /by Courtney Coulombe2022 Re-Cap of Edmonton Event Trends and What to Expect in 2023
Planit Events Inc. shares the top trends from Edmonton events in 2022 and shares insight on what to expect in the coming year.
2022 Re-Cap of Edmonton Event Trends and What to Expect in 2023
I can’t believe another year has flown by! It’s been an incredible year getting back to in-person events and to say I’ve been busy would be a complete understatement. The 2022 events year was so unique to any other year. So let’s take a deeper dive into this last year in the events world and reflect on some of the trends I’ve noticed and what we can expect moving into the new year.
Return of In-Person Events (Hybrid Events still a focus)
I can’t tell you how amazing it was getting back to in-person events, after what felt like an eternity. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces and make new connections. One of the most notable trends of 2022, was although we got back to in-person events, online events did not decrease. In fact, many events have pivoted to a hybrid model, accommodating those who want to attend in person and those who wish to attend virtually; the best of both worlds! With that, there has been an increased budget for online event software to help accommodate and deliver a seamless virtual event.
Hybrid events have become popular over the last few years due to a few key reasons:
- Attending virtually allows flexibility in busy schedules
- Ability to watch recorded sessions after
- Attending virtually eliminates all travel costs
- Virtual tickets are usually discounted
Moving into the new year, if you think that your event may perform well as a hybrid event I encourage you to test it out! Keep in mind that hosting a hybrid event does take more planning as essentially you are planning two events in one day.
For tips on hosting a hybrid event, check out my blog.
Events for Brand Awareness
Many organizations, especially post-pandemic, are seeing that hosting or sponsoring events can generate great brand awareness. Whether it is an online, hybrid, or an in-person event, these can create a buzz around your organization and provide many benefits. Some of these events consist of educational workshops, webinars, networking events, fundraisers and so much more!
If you’re thinking of hosting a networking event in the new year, check out my blog!
Data Collection
Data, data, data! I’m sure you keep hearing the word data over and over again, but it’s for a good reason! Data can help you fine-tune your events so well that you are giving your audience and attendees the exact content/event they are looking to attend. Data collection is being focused on in many industries and in the events industry, it can be just as beneficial. So how has data been collected? Through registration portals, surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. Moving into the new year, consider reviewing your data collection methods and ensure that they are sufficient and responsible.
Focus on Recovering/Pivoting from the Pandemic
As we began to recover from the effects of the pandemic in 2022, many events focused on recovering and pivoting from the pandemic. This was very beneficial to attendees as it brought in expert advice and industry opinions to help other similar businesses find a way for themselves to transition into the new phase. An example of this is an event I help organize yearly, the Alberta Health and Safety Conference. The 2022 theme was Preparing for the Unexpected: Lessons Learned. Professionals gathered from all across Alberta to meet and discuss the theme among themselves and learn from industry experts and trends.
Eco-Friendly Options
This trend isn’t just apparent in the events industry, but it is being seen across many. Moving towards eco-friendly options has been a trend that is gaining more traction each year and will continue to do so. Moving forward into the new year, brainstorm where you may be able to incorporate a few eco-friendly options. Some examples may include using less disposable plastics, using biodegradable or reusable cutlery, using recyclable materials, providing shuttle services, or choosing a green venue. There are lots of different ways to start incorporating these options, you will just need to decide what is right for your event and guests.
Stronger Focus on Health and Safety
The pandemic brought in many new trends, one of which was placing a stronger focus on health and safety with in-person events. Some of the key takeaways include:
- Contactless check-in
- Health reminders
- Sanitization stations
I don’t predict that these new standards will disappear so if you aren’t already doing it, review your current health and safety standards for your event and see where improvements can be made.
So what can you do to prepare for the upcoming year of events?
- Decide if your event can be converted to a hybrid event. Is it worth it for your organization to pivot toward the trend?
- If you aren’t hosting events yet, consider if it’s time to start to help generate brand awareness.
- Ensure that you are collecting data effectively and responsibly.
- Can eco-friendly options be implemented into your upcoming events?
- Review your health and safety policy to see where improvements can be made.
Events aren’t always easy and sometimes trying new ideas can be a bit daunting. Planit Events Inc. is well-rehearsed and can offer you advice, recommendations, or even plan the entirety of your event to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible and your guests are ecstatic. Contact us to learn more, or check out our Corporate Event Planning and Trade Show page!
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