Event Industry Trends (2019): What’s New?

Wouldn’t it be great if we had a crystal ball that showed us what it takes to deliver a kick-ass event in 2019?

Sorry to disappoint, but we don’t.

However, we do know of the latest event industry trends…and that’s not a bad way to get ahead, either.

In this piece, we’ll take a look at…

• Trends in the events industry
• New challenges facing event organisers
• Event industry challenges
• Some predictions for 2019

Knowledge of the hottest event industry trends in 2019 can help influence and shape your events to make them more memorable for you and your guests.

So let’s get right to it!

Event industry trends in 2019

What does 2019 look like for the events industry?

Well, be prepared to explore the many innovations that smartphone technology can offer in event planning, such as online ticketing, event entry, and seating.

Event organisers are becoming increasingly more tech-savvy in their approach to event planning. Similarly, event management companies want to ensure that they offer their clients a one-stop-shop experience.

In short, people are expecting to buy an experience rather than just a service.

1. An active approach

We’re witnessing a shift in how event organisers approach and cater to their guests. They aren’t simply promoting their brand but creating a journey.

This change from passive to active allows organisers to make the event more memorable for their guests.

Experiences are talked about, shared, and remembered. It’s vital for any event organiser to be remembered for the right reasons.

Tip: Have a look at these four things you might have been doing wrong in 2018 (and should change in 2019).

2. Unique venues

Event organisers are exploring unique destinations and venues such as museums, sports venues, and historic buildings.

The idea behind this is to offer guests an “added value” experience: It’s not just about the event itself but all the peripherals that add up to the overall impression.

Event planners are looking for venues with stories that resonate with their brand and add a “wow factor.”

Tip: We’ve written an extensive guide on finding venues for your next event.

3. Security concerns

Data privacy and venue safety have become prime concerns of event organisers in 2019. There just isn’t room for any errors in a data-driven world.

That’s why event organisers are becoming more stringent with GDPR regulations to ensure secure data collection and handling.

Tip: Use this comprehensive guide on digital safety to protect your event and customer data.

4. Social media

We harp on about social media a lot on this blog. But there’s a method to the madness: People really, really like their social media…and that is particularly true at events. People want to share what they’re experiencing.

That’s why it’s crucial to incorporate social media as part of the marketing efforts, as well as part of the experience of attending your events.

Tip: Discover the top trends for social media event marketing in 2019 so you can jump on the bandwagon.

5. Personalisation

Personalisation is another one of the most popular event industry trends in 2019. Although a personal touch isn’t a new concept, it briefly went out of fashion only to return as a trend once more.

Personalised emails, invites, campaigns, content, registrations, ads, agendas, and apps are becoming a trend to harvest data-driven insights.

Customisation also makes attendees feel more valued and improves their experience.

It shows in the numbers, too. Personalised emails are opened 18.8% more often than generic ones.

Tip: Read these tips on how to personalise all aspects of your events.

6. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing has become a go-to for many event organisers—and indeed businesses in general—in 2019.

When used efficiently, it can really bring the right crowd (i.e. your target audience) to your event.

Approach influencers to leverage their followers and promote your events. It can easily be the best word-of-mouth marketing money can buy.

Tip: Check out websites like Tinysponsor and Influencer to find the perfect fit for your next big event.

7. Breakout spaces

The need for breakout spaces and activities in meetings and official events is also becoming an important factor in 2019.

Meetings can be long, and even people in suits want to engage in some recreational activities. Event organisers have clocked on to that and are structuring events with mindfulness in mind.

This new approach helps attendees take a moment to themselves, gossip, and rejuvenate before going back to their seats.

Tip: Read this article to learn how to create a killer breakout space at your next event.

Event industry challenges in 2019

Although there are new and exciting developments in the events industry, 2019 is also bringing a few challenges with it.

Let’s look at the challenges you might be facing as an event organiser and some suggestions for how to overcome them.

1. Finding new audiences

Although business is booming, it can still be difficult for event organisers to find new audiences to promote their events to. Why? Because the competition is becoming increasingly fierce in 2019.

However, the right use of marketing, social media, and community building will help you overcome this hurdle and beat your competitors.

Tip: Read our guides on how to increase ticket sales with Google and Facebook remarketing for events.

2. Tight budgets

Another challenge that troubles many event organisers is…wait for it…money.

A 2019 Global Meetings and Events Forecast shows that events are more in demand than ever, while the budgets allocated to them aren’t proportionate to that demand.

The only solution to the money problem is to better manage the funds you have.

Tip: Learn all about it in our guide on how to manage your event budget and find extra sources of revenue.

3. Stringent laws and compliance requirements

With GDPR laws, event managers have to deal with more red tape than ever when handling attendee data.

You can risk some pretty big fines if you don’t comply with the new laws. It’s a good idea to understand how to navigate said red tape.

Tip: Read this guide on what the new GDPR regulations mean for the events industry.

4. Securing sponsorships

With more events taking place, event organisers will lock horns to get the best sponsors on board.

Since money’s tight (see #2 above), you’ll need to put on your most “salesy” smile to convince companies to get on board with your event.

Tip: We’ve put together an article on how to approach sponsors for your event to maximise your chances of securing extra cash.

Event industry predictions 2019

As mentioned earlier, we don’t have a crystal ball. But we do keep our ears to the streets (the digital streets, at least) and have some predictions for what’s to come in this new year.

1. Apps will keep improving the workflow

There’s an app for everything. You can benefit from reading up on the latest trends in event apps. Although we see some repeat offenders, 2019 has seen new players enter the market.

Tip: We’ve put together this nifty list of the best event apps for your perusal.

2. Events with a purpose will boom

Events will become more socially responsible and offer more meaningful experiences. Organisers will focus on making an environmental or social statement throughout all the various planning stages.

Events will no longer be just a “meet and greet” spot. They will become a journey-like gathering, trying to evoke emotions. The ultimate goal will be to have the guests talking about it for days after the event is over.

Tip: Read more about how you can create an event with a purpose.

3. On-demand staff hiring

With companies like Gigstr and Coople, it will become easier to hire people and manage ongoing staff expenses.

But this easy hiring through apps does come with increased commission.

However, companies who can afford the additional fees will jump at the opportunity as it saves research and hiring times.

4. Carbon footprint reduction

Another prediction for 2019 is the reduction in carbon footprint.

Event planners and organisers will look for ideas that limit the event pollution to a minimum, especially when targeting Millennials. Venues will spend more resources to make their facilities more CSR-friendly.

Not only can you do your bit to save the planet, but you can also use your sustainable event to improve your brand.

Tip: Read this article on how to reduce the carbon footprint of your events.

5. Remote participation will soar

The trend of live streaming on YouTube and Facebook, sharing content on Instagram, live-tweeting on Twitter, and making stories on Snapchat has been on the rise again this year.

People can now “attend” events virtually, so they don’t miss out even though they’re a thousand miles away.

That gives event organisers an unlimited audience reach. It also provides them with better insights about their audience demographics, interests, and personal preferences.

This trend will also help develop a strong connection between audiences and brands, which in turn will let organisers improve their future events.

Tip: Find out how you can jump on this trend by live streaming your next event.

Now that you’re in the loop…

Keep checking back in with the blog or subscribe to our mailing list. We’ll always try to bring you the latest in event industry trends.

Did we miss anything? Drop us a comment below!