5 Event Trends of 2024 That Will Shape 2025
5 Event Trends of 2024 That Will Shape 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the trends that shaped the events industry this year and look forward to what’s on the horizon for 2025. Event planning in 2024 saw a blend of innovation and nostalgia as organizers and attendees sought new ways to connect, engage, and create meaningful experiences. At Planit Events Inc., we’ve seen trends emerge, evolve, and redefine the industry. Here’s a recap of the event trends we saw in 2024 that will continue shaping 2025.
Top Trends from 2024
1. Personalization at Every Touchpoint
- The Year of Customization: 2024 was all about personalized experiences, with attendees expecting events tailored to their preferences. From custom welcome kits to curated content and interactive sessions, personalization became an expectation rather than a luxury.
- Audience Segmentation and Data Use: Event planners used audience data to segment attendees and deliver customized agendas, breakout sessions, and activities, catering directly to the specific interests of different groups.
2. Sustainable Practices as Standard
- Greener Events: Sustainability was a driving factor in event planning in 2024. Planners reduced carbon footprints by using eco-friendly decor, minimizing waste, offering plant-based catering options, and choosing energy-efficient venues.
- Green Swag and Digital Alternatives: Attendees increasingly received sustainable or digital swag instead of traditional freebies. Items like reusable water bottles, recycled materials, and e-gifts gained popularity.
For tips on going green in your events, visit our blog for 4 tips to get started.
3. Enhanced Hybrid Events
- Seamless Virtual and In-Person Integration: Hybrid events continued to evolve, with technology that made virtual attendees feel just as connected as those onsite. Real-time polls, live Q&As, and breakout sessions bridged the gap, enabling everyone to participate fully.
- Event Tech Innovations: Platforms and tools introduced in 2024, such as 3D virtual booths and augmented reality interactions, helped bridge virtual and in-person experiences, creating a unified event environment.
4. Wellness and Mental Health Focus
- Mindfulness and Well-Being in Event Planning: A focus on wellness became crucial, with events incorporating dedicated relaxation zones, mental health workshops, and meditation breaks to counter event burnout.
- Prioritizing Work-Life Balance: Many organizers adjusted schedules to respect attendees’ work-life balance, leading to shorter sessions, more interactive formats, and extended breaks.
Ready for tips you can incorporate in the new year? Visit our blog on reducing stress and burnout.
5. AI-Driven Event Planning
- AI for Efficiency and Engagement: Artificial intelligence played a significant role in 2024, streamlining event logistics and enriching attendee experiences. From AI chatbots answering attendee questions in real time to personalized event agendas based on attendee interests, AI helped event planners enhance engagement.
- Content Creation and Analysis: AI tools were also widely used to generate content, analyze event data, and gather post-event insights, giving planners valuable feedback to improve future events.
For tips on how you can integrate AI into your process, visit our blog!
What to Expect in 2025
The trends from 2024 remind us that events are about connection, personalization, and sustainability. In 2025, we anticipate even more immersive, engaging, and personalized experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, planners who embrace these trends will be able to create unforgettable, impactful events. Whether you’re looking to host an intimate gathering or a hybrid event with global reach, Planit Events Inc. is ready to help you plan and execute a cutting-edge experience that will leave your guests inspired.
Here’s to another exciting year in the events industry—let’s make it unforgettable!
8 Tips to Take Event Photos Like a Professional
8 Tips to Take Event Photos Like a Professional
Capturing stunning photos at your events doesn’t always require a professional photographer. Whether you’re organizing a corporate gathering, birthday party, wedding, or fundraiser, DIY event photography can be a cost-effective way to capture memories and key moments. With some preparation, basic gear, and a few techniques, you can achieve quality shots that truly capture the event’s atmosphere. Here are our top DIY tips to make your event photos shine.
1. Plan Your Shots Ahead of Time
- Make a Shot List: Before the event, outline the must-have shots. Think about key moments like speeches, special announcements, or group photos. Also, consider capturing close-ups, crowd reactions, candid interactions, and any special decor or design details.
- Scout the Location: Visit the venue in advance if possible, especially to check lighting conditions, backdrops, and potential spots for your key shots.
2. Work with Lighting, Not Against It
- Natural Light is Your Best Friend: Whenever possible, rely on natural light. Position your subjects near windows or open spaces to use soft, natural light that reduces harsh shadows.
- Avoid On-Camera Flash: Flash can create washed-out images, especially if used directly on your subject. Instead, if you need additional light, consider an external flash with a diffuser or bounce it off the ceiling for a softer effect.
- Bring Portable Lighting Options: Small LED lights or clip-on lighting can help, especially for darker indoor spaces or evening events.
3. Composition is Key
- Use the Rule of Thirds: Imagine a grid over your frame and place your subjects along the lines or at the intersections. This technique creates a balanced and visually pleasing composition.
- Get Close and Capture Details: Don’t hesitate to get close to your subjects for detail shots, like hands in action, decorative elements, or a plate of food. Details add a unique, personal touch to your photo collection.
- Capture Candids: Some of the best event photos come from natural, unscripted moments. Be ready to snap pictures of guests laughing, chatting, or interacting naturally with one another.
4. Pay Attention to Backgrounds
- Declutter the Frame: Be mindful of backgrounds and avoid cluttered or distracting elements. If possible, angle your shot to remove unnecessary items or crowds.
- Use the Environment Creatively: Make use of any scenic, well-lit areas, decorations, or branded event setups. For example, photographing attendees against a flower wall, photo booth, or well-designed space adds personality and style to your shots.
5. Focus on People First, Environment Second
- Get Portrait Shots: Capture a mix of solo portraits, group shots, and pairs. Zoom in for some close-up shots of faces and expressions, and step back for wider shots to get the full picture.
- Tell the Event Story: Think of yourself as a storyteller—capture the venue, setup, the crowd, the food, and any highlights to create a well-rounded album that represents the whole experience.
6. Make the Most of Editing Tools
- Use Mobile Editing Apps: Editing can make a big difference in the quality of your images. Simple adjustments in brightness, contrast, and colour can elevate a photo from good to great. Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom Mobile are easy to use and perfect for quick edits.
- Stick to a Consistent Style: When editing, try to keep the tone consistent for all images to create a cohesive look for the entire event album. Choose similar filters or colour balances for a polished effect.
7. Gear Up, But Don’t Overdo It
- Invest in a Good Camera or Smartphone: If you’re not ready to invest in a DSLR, high-end smartphones with good cameras are more than capable of producing excellent images. Consider purchasing a tripod or handheld stabilizer for sharper, steadier shots.
- Consider Accessories: Simple accessories like a portable ring light, external microphone, or clip-on lenses can enhance your photography without requiring complex equipment.
8. Practice and Be Patient
- DIY photography takes practice. Try to take photos regularly and experiment with new techniques or different lighting conditions. With time, you’ll improve your skills and become more comfortable capturing event moments effectively.
DIY event photography is an accessible, budget-friendly option that, with a bit of preparation, can yield impressive results. Remember, capturing memorable moments and telling the story of the event is the ultimate goal, not just taking perfect photos. So, relax, enjoy the event, and snap away!
If you’re looking for more event guidance or professional photography options, reach out to us at Planit Events Inc. We’re here to help your events shine, whether you’re capturing memories on your own or bringing in the pros.