The events industry is constantly changing. Whether your event organizers are planning in-person events or virtual events, here are five trends to keep in mind to throw the most engaging events for your team.
Why should you keep your finger on the pulse of corporate event trends? 🧐
In the fast-paced world of event planning, staying informed and up-to-date is key to creating memorable and impactful experiences for your team. It's important to ride the wave of corporate event trends because doing so ensures your events are:
Innovative: Following event trends allows you to infuse fresh ideas and innovative concepts into your events. It helps you stand out from competitors and create unique experiences that leave a lasting impression on attendees. 💡
Providing guests with the best experience possible: Event trends often focus on enhancing the attendee experience. By staying on top of these trends, you can implement strategies and ideas that improve engagement, networking opportunities, learning outcomes, and overall attendee satisfaction. 🤗
Adaptable to changing expectations: Whether it's incorporating sustainable practices, integrating virtual or hybrid components, or embracing interactive platforms, keeping up with trends helps you align your events with the expectations of your audience.
Utilizing technology: Technology significantly facilitates smooth event planning and execution. Being aware of event technology trends allows you to utilize the latest tools, platforms, and apps to streamline event processes, enhance attendee engagement, and deliver a seamless and positive event experience!
Making the most of your recurring corporate team building events 🙌
Building a strong and cohesive team is essential for the success of any organization, and that's where recurring team-building events come in! These events provide valuable opportunities for your team members to connect, collaborate, and grow together. To make the most of recurring corporate team-building events, companies, and event planners can consider the following strategies:
Provide opportunities for reflection: Incorporate time for reflection after each team-building event. Allow team members to share their experiences, insights, and key takeaways. Encourage open discussions about what worked well, areas for improvement, and how the lessons learned can be applied in the workplace.
Foster a culture of continuous learning: Treat team-building events as part of an ongoing learning process. Build upon previous events and continually seek opportunities to reinforce and expand upon the skills and lessons learned. Incorporate team-building elements into regular team meetings or ongoing professional development initiatives.
Measure and evaluate impact: Implement mechanisms to measure the impact of team-building events. This could involve conducting surveys, gathering feedback, or tracking key performance indicators related to team effectiveness. Use this information to assess the effectiveness of the events, identify areas for improvement, and define future goals.
Emphasize long-term team building: While recurring events are valuable, remember that team building is an ongoing process. Encourage regular team interactions, collaboration, and relationship-building beyond the formal events. Foster a positive company culture that supports continuous team building and recognizes its importance in achieving organizational goals.
By implementing these strategies, companies can maximize the impact of recurring corporate team-building events, strengthen team dynamics, and create a positive and productive work environment.
Let's dive into five virtual event industry trends in 2024:
1. Focus on data and ROI
Post-event data collection has become an essential part of the corporate event strategy. Companies are no longer content with simply hosting events; they are now keen on understanding the impact of these events on their business objectives. This involves gathering data on metrics like attendee engagement, satisfaction levels, lead generation, and sales conversions.
To demonstrate ROI, companies are focusing on specific KPIs aligned with their business goals. For instance, a company aiming to boost brand awareness may measure metrics like social media mentions, press coverage, and website traffic post-event. Those focusing on lead generation might track the number of qualified leads and follow-up meeting requests.
According to 2023 industry reports, 65% of companies increased their investment in event spending to better track and report on these metrics. This investment helps quantify the success of events and make data-driven decisions for future events.
2. Advancements in technology and artificial intelligence
According to Amex’s 2024 Global Meetings and Event Forecast, 42% of event planners plan to use AI in their event strategy. The integration of advanced technology and AI is transforming every aspect of event planning and execution, enhancing both efficiency and attendee experience by creating:
Personalized Attendee Experiences: AI is enabling unprecedented levels of personalization at corporate events. From tailored agendas to personalized content recommendations, AI algorithms analyze attendee data to deliver customized experiences. For example, event apps powered by AI can suggest sessions, networking opportunities, and even dining options at company offsites based on individual preferences and behaviors.
Efficient Event Management: AI streamlines event management processes, reducing the workload on event organizers. AI-driven tools can automate tasks such as registration, check-ins, and feedback collection. Chatbots, another AI application, provide instant assistance to attendees, answering queries and guiding them through the event seamlessly. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances attendee satisfaction.
Enhanced Networking Opportunities: AI-powered matchmaking platforms analyze attendees' profiles and interests to suggest the most relevant connections. These smart networking tools increase the chances of meaningful interactions, ensuring that attendees derive maximum value from the event.
Immersive Experiences: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are becoming more prevalent in corporate events, creating immersive experiences that captivate attendees. For instance, VR simulations powered by AI can provide personalized training experiences, while AR can offer interactive product demonstrations.
3. Virtual and hybrid events
Even as people return to the office, virtual and hybrid events have become a corporate event trend due to their ability to combine the benefits of both in-person and virtual experiences. 93% of event marketers plan to offer hybrid events for the foreseeable future. Hybrid events using virtual event platforms offer:
Increased reach and accessibility: Event attendees can participate remotely from anywhere, reducing travel costs and logistical barriers. This accessibility broadens the event's reach and increases engagement.
Flexibility and convenience: Hybrid events offer flexibility for attendees to choose their preferred mode of participation. Some may feel virtual event fatigue and prefer to attend in person, while others can join virtually. This flexibility accommodates various schedules, time zones, and individual preferences, making the event more convenient for your guests.
Brand innovation: Adopting a hybrid event approach demonstrates a company's innovative and adaptive mindset. It showcases the organization's commitment to providing cutting-edge experiences and staying ahead of industry trends, which can differentiate the brand in a competitive landscape.
How to get started 👉 Browse team building experiences that work for distributed teams in our Hybrid collection!
4. DEI and accessibility-minded
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and accessibility awareness remain important corporate event trends due to the increasing recognition of the importance of creating inclusive and accessible workplaces. Companies are prioritizing these initiatives to foster diverse and equitable environments, ensure equal opportunities, and address barriers that may prevent full participation. Here are some reasons why DEI and accessibility awareness are trending in corporate events:
Social responsibility and reputation: Companies are expected to be socially responsible and inclusive. By prioritizing DEI and accessibility, organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating diverse and equitable workplaces. This enhances their reputation and helps build trust among employees, customers, and the broader community.
Talent attraction and retention: Inclusive workplaces that prioritize DEI and accessibility are more attractive to diverse talent. Companies that showcase their commitment to these values through events can better attract and retain employees from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Examples of DEI and accessibility awareness at corporate events include:
DEI workshops and training: Companies organize workshops or training sessions to raise awareness about unconscious biases and their impact on decision-making. These events educate employees about recognizing and mitigating biases to create more inclusive and equitable work environments.
Employee Resource Group Events: ERGs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion organize events to raise awareness, celebrate cultural or identity-based observances, and promote dialogue. ERG events can include panel discussions, networking sessions, or educational activities.
As far as the event planning process goes, this includes hiring minority speakers and vendors and making sure the events and activities are accessible, like offering closed captions and ASL interpreters.
5. Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility
As many companies become aware of the CO2 emissions produced by hosting large in-person events, sustainable and socially responsible initiatives remain a corporate event priority in 2024. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a corporate event trend due to the growing importance of sustainability, social impact, and ethical business practices. CSR-focused events align with the values and expectations of stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the wider community.
The latest corporate event expectations are that organizations will try to reduce their event carbon footprint through sustainable practices, including:
Incorporating recycling into events and reducing the use of single-use products
Giving out eco-friendly incentive gifts or swag bags
Examples of CSR-focused corporate events include:
Volunteer Days: Companies organize events where employees dedicate their time and skills to support local nonprofit organizations or community projects. These events can involve activities like environmental clean-ups, mentoring programs, or providing assistance to underserved communities.
Educational Workshops: Companies organize workshops or training sessions to educate employees and stakeholders on topics like ethical business practices, diversity and inclusion, or responsible supply chain management. These events promote awareness and foster a culture of corporate social responsibility.
How to get started 👉 Book an experience from the Charity Team Building collection and Confetti will make a donation on your team’s behalf!
Book your virtual and hybrid events with Confetti 🎊
Keeping up with trends can be overwhelming, especially when juggling a hefty to-do list. That's where Confetti's virtual event platform comes in! Our team at Confetti is passionate about planning exceptional corporate team building events that incorporate the latest trends and leave a lasting impression on your virtual event attendees. Let us take the stress off your shoulders and create a customized event experience that aligns with your goals and reflects your brand. Say goodbye to the worry of staying on top of trends and let Confetti handle the details.
Leave it to the event professionals, let's make your next corporate event an unforgettable success! Schedule a call to speak to a Confetti expert today!
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