Our 2020 Event Trend Predictions
This article was published on Inside Small Business.
The event industry is constantly shifting, evolving and shaking things up, and the 2020 event season is already looking revolutionary! Lean closer and peer into our crystal ball to discover our top 2020 Event Trend Predictions
1. Booze-free Boom
Hangover-free is the new black, baby! More events are being held on weekdays with people opting out of the traditional alcoholic options and instead choosing healthier drinks such as kombucha, local cold-pressed juices, craft sodas, craft teas and low or no-alcohol beer and wine. Move over tired, haven’t-evolved-since-the-80s sugary soft drink options; expect to see electrifying variety on the menu in 2020 events!
2. Live-streaming
It is now possible to ‘attend’ music concerts, live workshops and even product launches online, from the comfort of your jim jams in your fave armchair, via live-streaming. For internationals, introverts, people who are unwell or just CBF to go in person – live-streamed events are the key. Some of the most live-streamed events in history include Queen Bey’s performance at Coachella, the SpaceX rocket launch and the IPL Cricket Qualifier. This practice is on the rise and we’re betting on this virtual trend soaring in 2020.
3. Immersion
Interactive and immersive events have been on the rise for some time, and in 2020, with tech exploding, we expect it to blow up in a big way! Look to event leaders in London, the US and Japan, where interactive event and activation experiences are some of their biggest attractions, enticing and inspiring tourists from all around the globe. You can walk through projected water, slide down giant lolly pops, swing on enlarged bananas and watch your hand-drawn creations come to life in front of you!
4. Sustainability & Accountability
The events industry is guilty of producing massive amounts of waste every year, with some of the top offenders being food, paper and plastic branded collateral and styling pieces. Expect to see a huge jump in event organisers opting for reusable options, projection and lighting over printing, and partnering with other businesses to repurpose flowers, styling and food. Looking for tips on how to make your event sustainable? Read our blog here.
5. Personalisation
Comprehensive customisation to create the ultimate guest experience. This not only creates exceptional authenticity, but also demonstrates genuine care for your guests. Tailored events entail event organisers finding out information about their guests beforehand and customising the event experience to them specifically. Putting together event playlists complied from guests’ favourite songs, embossing the chairs at a seated event with guests’ names and treating your guests to researched personal gifts (star sign necklaces, bouquets of their fave flowers etc.) to take home and share on social media are ways to tailor an event, VIP style. Utilise the power of storytelling and technology to genuinely convey your brand’s story to guests, giving them a shared sense of purpose and opportunity to think beyond the event itself.
6. Unique Venues
Function centres work but they’re oh so predictable. Unique is IN! People love the gift of the unexpected and are more eager and engaged when presented with something fresh - the event venue should be an experience in itself. 2020 is the year of events in hidden, unexpected nooks, castle ruins, floating barges, platforms raised by a crane, unpredictable or extravagant private residences and natural wonders. At KAE we love to look at venues used for something entirely different, and reimagine them as an event space. Think light houses, historical sites, old fire stations…. The possibilities are endless.
7. Natural Aesthetics
Earthy, natural aesthetics are looking like one of the biggest event styling trends for 2020. Think neutral colour palettes including brown, beige, off-white and grey with pops of bright natural colours like burnt orange and leafy greens. Expect rustic textures like linen, cane and hessian to make a comeback. There is a definite growing trend of using dried florals over fresh-cut flowers. Complementing the return to nature and sense of calm, the Pantone colour of 2020 has been revealed as Classic Blue. Think the bluest cloudless sky reflecting in the perfectly still glacier lake. For more natural DIY event inspo, head to our Pinterest board here.
8. Inclusivity
Next year’s events are going to be more inclusive than ever, highlighting accessibility and a range of different options for guests from all walks of life. Culinary dishes will expand to include more substantial vegan and vegetarian options, while speech, language and disability barriers will be smashed. Make your event more accessible by integrating online apps to assist vision-impaired guests to hear descriptions of art pieces, installations and activities; handout pairs of earplugs or sound-proof headphones for those who struggle with sensory overstimulation; and engage Auslan Interpreters for important speeches. Ensure your venue is wheelchair accessible with plenty of seating options much like the popular Ice Cream Factory Summer Festival, where all events are wheelchair accessible and contain numerous seated areas.
So there you have it. Known Associates’ top event trend predictions for 2020. Let us know if you hear of any more. If you’d like some guidance or total event-management from Known Associates in 2020, send an email through to hello@knownassociates.com.au.
