What Does Event Planning Look Like In 2022?

May 27, 2022

We are well into 2022, however, it’s been difficult to understand what to expect when it comes to events in 2022. What does event planning look like in 2022? Will eased restrictions allow for people to return to in-person? Will organizations adopt hybrid events as their main event format? What can we expect from 2022?

The ‘new normal’ finds us adapting to a post pandemic world. It is changing the way we work and the way we engage with one another. We are propelling into a new universe – the metaverse.

Just short of the Star Trek universe, individuals are ‘teleporting’ from one venue to the next. In Mark Zuckerberg’s words, “The defining quality of the metaverse will be a feeling of presence — like you are right there with another person or in another place.”

As we are adapting to this new world, the future event trends are very different. Event planners need to be aware of new event trends.

Let’s look at a few of these trends and what the future holds in some event types.

What Are The Future Event Trends?

Hybrid Events

As the world partially opens up, some of us are still not comfortable venturing out. Safe to say, people would like the flexibility of remaining remote and online or going in person. The new normal means that you can have both an in person and virtual audience.  Event trends are now pushing towards hybrid events! In a report, 57% of event organizers agreed that hybrid events will dominate the future. In the same study, 76.4% noted that they planned to host one or more hybrid events in 2022.

Here are just a few of the benefits of hosting hybrid events:

• Expand reach globally
• Save costs since you’re inviting a global audience virtually
• Host environmentally friendly events
• Access data driven tracking
• Increase your event ROI

What we can take from this is that hybrid events are here to stay.

There is some hesitation about this event type. Because hybrid event management sounds quite complicated. Do the virtual and physical worlds converge? Or do they happen at different times? The answer is it can be both! Find some key takeaways for hosting hybrid events. vFairs offers 3 major solutions to hybrid events:

1. Light

The physical event takes place at a venue, while the virtual event is tuned in at the same time. All networking and Q&A’s are limited to social media and chat boxes.

2. Sequential

The physical event takes place at a different time and venue. The virtual event takes place at a different time and virtual venue. Agenda format, exhibitors etc all remain the same.

3. Complex

The physical and virtual events are happening at the same time. You will have Q&A, matchmaking, workshop activities etc will all be available.

How Does This Trend Impact Different Event Types?

Events for the Education Industry: The education industry was the hardest hit when things went online. Now with Google classrooms and other platforms children and teachers adapted well.  New event trends have seen part of the student body go back in person. The other half remained online.

This hybrid reality will be true to events like graduation ceremonies, open days and career fairs. Events like graduations might require a complex hybrid model. This is so peers can have the feeling of graduating together. However job fairs and open days can be conducted in sequence.

Internal Meetings: In a survey, 41% workers stated that they wanted to remain fully remote. With this event trend, organizations will need to adapt to meetings that cater to online and those physically present. A light hybrid model would be perfect for these kinds of circumstances.

Conferences: Large gatherings like those at conferences will be unlikely. With 3D designs and virtual environments, one can replicate the actual venue. Online individuals can feel like they are actually present. Booth hall layouts can look like those in person.

Videos can be live or available on demand. Here is your chance to find out how your attendees are behaving and analyze the data the virtual world will provide. This will help make more informed decisions for both online and offline events.

Trade Shows and Exhibitions: The virtual world offers greater access to e-commerce. For virtual trade shows, product launches and exhibitions there is a greater opportunity to showcase oneself to a global audience. Hybrid realities offer exhibitors the ability to showcase their products both in person and online. For those who prefer to touch and feel their products versus others who prefer online information.

Want to learn more about successful hybrid events. Read our ultimate guide to hybrid events!

Focus On Safety

Whether a hybrid event or a full in-person event, health and safety standards are a huge consideration with event planning in 2022. Maintaining social distance and indoor mask mandates are most likely going to persist. Where the event will take place will be determined by COVID-19 numbers as well. This makes timing and logistics all the more important. Some of the things to bear in mind;

1. Contactless

A way event planners will have to evolve around is how to keep the event contactless.  New event trends dictate how technology is adapting. Electronic watches, wristbands or badges will keep people from touching surfaces. The 

 allows for contactless exchange through a QR code scan.

2. Onsite testing

One way to offer attendees peace of mind is to provide on site lab tests. This will be particularly important for on-site staff and event personnel. If you plan to offer on site testing for attendees, you will need to plan in advance as well. Some questions will need to be answered. Where will the rapid antigen testing booths be located? How will it be organized?

3. Health Screening

During registrations and right before the event starts everyone will have to be screened. Submitting proof of their vaccinations will be one such method. This includes attendees and onsite staff. Vaccination and travel histories will be part and parcel.  Whether they have been in recent contact with a sick person will also need to be considered.

4. Safety Reminders

In order to make sure guests are following protocol, regular reminders will have to be in place. These can be in the form of screens, signs or posters. These signs will include;

• “Keep your masks on”
• “Maintain social distancing”
• “Sanitize your hands regularly”

This kind of planning and expenditure might be reasons why most organizations will opt for virtual events. The market is adapting however and this may benefit the technology industry.

How Does This Trend Impact Different Event Types?

Trade Shows And Product Launches: Pharmaceutical and tech companies are currently developing products that address our current health and safety concerns. Especially for big gatherings. Not only will they be incorporating these products in onsite events, but will likely showcase these products at trade shows and product launches. Augmented realities will be a great way to showcase products. Giving consumers the look and feel of goods.

Original Article: What Does Event Planning Look Like In 2022?