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The event industry is rapidly changing, and event planners have to be up to date with the latest trends to stay at the top of their game. What is considered the in-thing today may not be so tomorrow.
Nevertheless, there are a few event trends for 2016 that may be more than just a passing fad, and they’re definitely worth considering for your next event planning foray.
1. “Pop-Up” Venues
Instead of the traditional venue like a gymnasium or multi-purpose room, several businesses are outsourcing their own facility for rent. This is becoming an increasingly popular trend and is often known as pop-up venues.
These venues are not normally used for hosting an event and is a way for facility owners to earn additional revenue while getting some exposure in the process. Pop-up venues may include warehouses, outdoor settings in privately owned land, and even active shops and restaurants.
2. Periscoping
The Periscope app is a new breakthrough that is taking the event and tech world by storm. The app allows you to broadcast your event live through your own mobile device and stream it to your audience.
This has huge implications for events that have clients from all over the world that cannot be physically in attendance. With a live stream, followers benefit from the meat and potatoes of the event as they can tune into the live presentation or seminar right as it’s taking place.
3. Experiential Marketing
Experiential marketing encompasses a broad term, but it can be best defined as any form of interactive advertising. As suggested in its name, it’s all experiential, meaning that it’s designed to test consumer reaction. As such, there is an inherent risk involved as it may not result in the desired level of participation.
A classic example of experiential marketing involves a stint carried out by Heineken known as Departure Roulette. The marketing ploy challenged travelers to embark on an all-expense paid vacation to an unknown destination; it was a massive success. Experiential marketing is all about this type of out-of-the-box thinking. How might you be able to use this for your next event?
4. Going Green
This generation is more eco-conscious than ever before. What ways are your event incorporating environmentally-friendly practices? Are you providing digital flyers in place of paper ones? Are you handing out reusable water bottles instead of supplying bottled water?
While seemingly minor changes, these are stuff that attendees will be mindful of. Sustainable practices will rub your attendees the right way, so make the changes where reasonably feasible.
5. Multiple Networking Opportunities
This is the age of social media. Guests should leave the event having added several fellow attendees, staffers, and sponsors to their contact list. Of course, some guests will do this on their own, but your event should also provide plenty of opportunities for doing such.
This can include an icebreaker that requires lots of face-to-face interaction or workshop activities that require the same. Heavily promote the idea that you’re all one big community.
Major Changes Are Underway for 2016
There’s a lot of trial and error that goes with planning an event, and not every trend you implement will resonate with the audience. However, by taking risks and employing new concepts, you will find a trend or two that really catches on with your demographic.
This post was written for evvnt by guest blogger Dan McCarthy – Dan is an Event Manager at Ultimate Experience, an event management company based in the UK. Dan has five years of event project management under his belt. He has worked on many successful events, and currently he shares his knowledge by writing on the company blog. Follow him on Twitter @DanCarthy2.

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