If you’re searching for a template for event planning, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of results. Event trends are constantly changing, and in a hybrid event environment, it’s become even more critical to host events that captivate and connect your audience.
Hybrid events have become an important aspect of event planning since the onset of the pandemic. But, the popularity of hybrid events continues to explode. The numbers don’t lie:
- 71% of event planners plan to maintain their digital strategy for virtual audiences even though in-person events have returned
- 57% of event attendees believe they achieve event objectives online
- 66% of event planners use video as part of their marketing strategy
So, how can you incorporate a hybrid event strategy in your 2023 event planning?
Hybrid Event Planning Trends
Before we dive into the hybrid event planning trends, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page by starting with a ‘hybrid event’ definition:
A hybrid event is one in which participants can choose their preferred method of attendance. Hybrid events feature in-person and virtual (or live video) components.
At this point, events that fail to include a virtual component are missing the mark. Participants expect and enjoy when events give them the option to attend in-person or virtually.
Hybrid events are becoming a staple. So, events in 2023 – and beyond – will need to keep up with the trends to be successful. To ensure your organization meets stakeholder and audience expectations, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in hybrid event planning. Here are a few hybrid event planning trends for 2023 you can begin incorporating into your event strategy now.
Curated Experiences
Event attendees want to feel like the content presented is relevant to them. It’s important to curate your 2023 events as much as possible so that they resonate with both your internal and external stakeholders. Before you can do this, of course, you’ll need to first identify your internal and external stakeholders and then determine what content is appropriate for each audience. When the content is relevant and impactful to the audience, they’ll be more engaged at the event and receptive to your organization.
Micro Events
Another trend that you’re likely to see a lot of in 2023 is the prevalence of micro events. At one point, it was acceptable for companies to host one or two annual events during the year.. Now, however, micro events are preferred. So instead of hosting one large event, event planners should host smaller events more often throughout the year. This gives your organization the opportunity to have several more touchpoints and will provide you with insight into when your audiences are most active during the year.
Audience-First Content
What good is an event if your audience isn’t interested? It’s a waste of time for you, the planner, and your audience. For events in 2023, be sure to curate collaborative experiences that feature content your audience finds interesting. At Reimagined Experiences, we take the time to learn your audience’s perspective on what they want to gain from your experiences. In fact, this step – called an Audience Insight Inquiry – is the very first step we take with all of our clients. We use this intel to shape your upcoming experiences and launch your reimagined engagement strategy.
Creative Productions
Boring, 2-dimensional presentations on Zoom will no longer make the cut in 2023. Why? Because Zoom fatigue is a real thing! No matter the hybrid event platform your company uses, Zoom or otherwise, the virtual component of your hybrid event has to be just as creative and captivating as the in-person event. It’s time to say goodbye to generic presentations that use pre-programmed templates. Branded productions that highlight the look and feel of your company and leverage the latest streaming technologies are the way to go. These rich digital experiences make your audience feel more connected to your company.
Reimagine Your Hybrid Event Planning Strategy
As you can see, hybrid events are here to stay. Event planning trends continue to evolve and in 2023, curated experiences, micro events, audience-first content, and creative productions should be at the top of your to-do list. When you include these components, your digital experiences instantly become more unique, more compelling, and more fun.
Hybrid event planning companies exist to make this a reality for your company. At Reimagined Experiences, that reality is in reach. As one of the top digital experience and hybrid event planning companies, we work hard to stay ahead of the latest event trends. Our team of professionals uses robust technology tools to bring all of your experiences to life in the most engaging and memorable way possible. This way, you don’t have to stress about having a template for event planning – we’ve got you covered!
Book your complimentary 30-minute discovery call today!
