Meetings Blog Jan 09, 2020
As we reach a new decade (don’t they just fly by?), it’s time for us to check in with our resident meeting and events experts at NH Hotel Group and find out what they have been hearing on the industry grapevine. There’s no doubt that technology developments continue to drive the trends into a new decade, while an enthusiastic focus on the worsening climate crisis motivates much of what is taking place around the world. We’ve picked out five areas of discussion to get your minds in gear…
In 2020 the interaction for attendees is going to be even more of a common theme. If you think that a standard passive talk from a speaker to a purely listening audience is going to be accepted, then think again. It’s not rocket science to state that people remember more when they are participating in the debate, so discuss with your presenter how best this can be achieved. As well as the additional involvement during the event for your guests, the engagement before and after it must also be targeted to full effect.
Expert tip: as always, consider how technology, and the use of social media, can assist you to meet these goals. Mobile and hotspot surveys can help get this engagement, while sensible seating and coordinated interaction and networking can generate positive results.
To anyone working in the events industry, the rise of the planet of the apps has not gone unnoticed, and 2020 will see this trend continue to grow. Connections are getting faster – be that improved Wi-Fi or the emerging 5G technology – allowing software that can provide not only what is needed to support the event, but in the most realistic and intelligent of ways. AI will further remove some of the more menial tasks, ideally with all the software being linked together, allowing planners to give more attention to adding value.
Expert tip: If you’re not using apps, consider jumping on the well-traveled bandwagon sooner rather than later. No matter what you have planned for your event, your attendees are going to spend much of their time engaging with their mobile device. Use that to your advantage in as creative a way as possible. Data collection should also be your goal to be used to improve future events.
When your attendees’ expectations on what they’re likely to be treated to upon arrival maintain an upward trajectory, you have two obvious choices. First is to secure additional budget to cater for your attendees. Unfortunately, this is often not practical or possible, especially given the current economic climate. The year 2020 will see the other choice used even more, as learly define your strategy ry’o deal with changing needs and desires of their attendees, adn he in will consider the various splanners look to enhance their event using creative ideas and the ingenuity of their team. Surprise and originality is something we have spoken about extensively on this blog and is going to be needed even more.
Expert tip: get your eyes across as many industry examples as possible, listen to what attendees are saying on social media and in person, and partner with other experts. The more ideas that are presented to you, the easier it is to ignite your creative spark.
Every aspect of your event in 2020 is likely to have a green consideration, from the local produce you select for breaks and meals, to the way attendees actually ‘attend’. Tech innovation means that high-spec video options are now more palatable and are increasingly making travel aspects of a meeting less necessary, at least until greener transport is available. Clearly face-to-face interactions will not disappear over the course of the next year but effective planners will consider the various sustainable alternatives open to them to reduce the unnecessary physical movement of people.
Expert tip: look at ways to invest in whatever is appropriate for your particular event e.g. virtual networking rooms, social media connections, or panoramic video conferencing. Always consider how you can team up with venues that have the same carbon-reduction objective.
As technology is advancing, so too are the number of metrics that go with it and there are no signs of that slowing down as we enter into the new decade. With this is mind, these data points will allow event planners to stay ahead of what’s in the pipeline, to predict how best to deal with changing needs and desires of their attendees, and to constantly evolve and improve the events for client demands.
Expert tip: clearly define your strategy then take advantage of all the data around you that supports it, ensuring that you have a clear plan for how you can use it to your and your attendees’ benefit.
These trending topics for the year ahead barely scratch the surface of what we can expect in our ever-evolving industry. Fortunately we will also be tapping into new themes as they emerge across the year on our blog, where you’ll find our growing selection of galleries and articles to inform and, hopefully, entertain you through your planning process. Follow our regular posts via our Twitter handle @nhmeetings and remember that our team of experts across NH Hotel Group is always available to discuss your needs.
