New Year’s has past and event season is just heating up. If last year was big for event marketers and organizers this year is already tracking to be bigger. Are you as an event organizer ready to put on the show of the year?

Let’s face it: a standard event is just that. Standard. Today’s attendees know exactly what they want—and standard isn’t it. Traditional is out; memorable is in. And because event demand is stronger than ever, competition is naturally fierce.

No more one-size-fits-all platter events where everyone “eats” the same thing. It’s time to craft an irresistible event buffet that truly gives attendees something to talk about.

To help spark your imagination, here are some of the biggest event trends for the upcoming year: 

1. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize

Goodbye, tchotchkes. Hello, choices.

Once upon a time, personalization at events meant filling in your “Hello, My Name Is _____” sticker with a colored marker of your choice. But times change. So do markers. Today, event personalization for attendees is less about scribbling in a name, and more about stepping into the driver’s seat of a unique experience.

Yes, lineups, itineraries, and venue spaces are limited. But within them, technology can help you offer personal touches that still deliver big impact. For example, consider linking your app to attendees’ social media, so they can curate an itinerary based on their online preferences. Or, solicit feedback during the event—through a digital poll or Q&A—so your presenter can tweak the program in real time.

You might even consider designing multiple “event paths” for attendees to choose from. And let’s not forget customized take-home gifts, foodie experiences and memorabilia.

For best results turn pre-planned programming into a choose-your-own adventure. 

2. Pull Out All the Stops

“Been to one event, been to them all. . .” said no one ever.

Event attendees are spoiled for choice. Unforgettable experience is now par for the course. Plus, those baffling millennials who seem so tied to their devices? They now represent one-third of the event-going public. And research demonstrates that they will put those devices down—or even better, put them to use for your brand online—IF your “wow factor” is big enough.

Some easy ways to get (and keep) your attendees gasping:

• Get creative with your venue. You’ve likely already seen events at such head-turning sites as galleries, museums and pop-up shops. This year will see even more of these non-traditional event spaces. Convention centers and hotels still have their place, but non-traditional venues engage attendees in so many new ways. Plus, non-traditional is not just about the cool factor. The right venue can actually embody your message.
  
  

• Get creative with your activities. The new year will also be a year of multifaceted experiences. Just because an event is business- or cause-focused doesn’t mean the program can’t bleed over into other passions. For example, many music festivals added art, food and even activism to broaden their appeal. Attendees love to explore multiple passions in one place. Create a “one-stop shop,” and you’ll create loyal repeat guests.
  
  
• Get creative with your senses. It’s time to find new ways to engage all five senses. Why not use technology to amplify the scent during product demos? Or add more hands-on displays for tactile sensations? Multi-sensory events overall feel more engaging and immersive—often times for only modest additional expense. Consider digital-to-real options, too, with pre-event social experiences that culminate on site.
  
  

3. Perfect Your Tech

Yes, Virginia, there is a robot invasion. And it’s coming to an event near you.

Tech is still huge in the event industry, and it’s about to get bigger. Augmented reality and virtual reality were big trends last year. You, as an event organizer can expect to still invest heavily in technology at every stage of your experience—but with new twists.

Here are few trendy items you might want to consider:

• Artificial intelligence. Want to delight attendees and answer their questions, without increasing event staff? AI is now quite feasible for use in chatbots and event apps. There are also new options using AI to measure human emotion, which offers yet another chance to tailor an event as it’s happening.
  
  

• Event apps. A great event app is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. And not every event app is created equal. Having an app for app’s sake doesn’t serve anyone, but a well-crafted digital tool can serve everyone as a valuable information hub. Not to mention as a cool way to delight attendees with social content, event photos and even little surprises.
  
  

• RFID wristbands. Finally, the wristband becomes super accessible. Music festivals have used these for years to shorten lines and streamline sales. Expect to see them in a wide variety of contexts this year—maybe even at your event. RFID is a great way to streamline reentry for multi-day events. Also consider linking credit card data so attendees can pay wallet-free.
  
  

• Livestreaming. Letting the outside world share the energy at your event? Like an app, it’s no longer nice. It’s a must. Recent research suggests viewers spend up to eight times longer with a live video—meaning you stand to pull in a greater audience for event programming if you choose to make it available as it’s happening.
  
  

Moving Forward

Capitalize on the event momentum of last year while finding some new ways to engage. As you plan your approach to wow your attendees, consider as many ways as possible to personalize, amplify the experience and engage new technologies.

And don’t forget that choosing a confident, trustworthy live-event technology solutions partner is one of the best ways to bring your new year vision to life. Select a partner that offers expertise in every aspect of event technology and a bold creative vision, paired with common sense and street smarts about the everyday details of running an event.

(You know . . . someone like us.)

For more than two decades, LSAV has delivered technology solutions and logistics planning for world-renowned clientele. With our in-house production and creative services, scenic fabrication shop, audio-visual warehouses and robust support staff, LSAV can take on any project, anywhere. Experience the LSAV POWERHOUSE difference here.