2021 Event Industry Trend Roundup: Everyday Experiential’s 4 Faves

There is no shortage of buzz at the moment about what’s happening in the world of events and experiences. As one of the final industries to re-open post pandemic (after having been one of the first to close), agencies and event professionals are revving up to jump back in, and that means scouting out what’s hot.

After digesting a few blogs and articles, here’s the roundup of Everyday Experiential’s four favorite trends in 2021… in no particular order

1. Intimacy

   • From mini-monies (mini wedding ceremonies) and micro-weddings to elopements, the wedding industry fully embraced the beauty of intimacy in 2020. Moving into 2021, couples have continued to celebrate their love with a smaller crowd after evaluating - like many people - what and who meant the most to them. The larger events industry is following suit, swapping opulence for intimacy and focusing on a quality event of a smaller scale, which here at EE we’ve always said is the key to unlocking positive brand sentiment. In this blog, “quiet or tech-free areas, or mini-events focusing on wellness as part of the larger event agenda” was cited as a trend this year, pairing intimate environments with encouragement to unplug and focus on wellness.

2. Personalization

   • With the world laser focused on hygiene, single-use items and personal portions of literally everything have certainly had a moment in the sun over the last year. In the events industry, personal items got an upgrade and guests have been seeing an increase in welcome boxes, which are designed as a swag bag alternative given out at the beginning of an event rather than the end. This could be a fantastic opportunity for what one blog described as ‘targeted sponsorships’, which again can help reach attendees on a deeper level and increase brand sentiment overall. Also, when it comes to personalization, stations with keepsake items may not be the way to go. The idea here is to make the attendee feel like the party was thrown just for them - not to send them home with an engraved keychain.

3. Heavy Tech Integrations

   • Tech integrations in live events is something that has been emerging since before the pandemic. But now that the public’s interest in virtual event spaces has piqued, people likely won’t be so willing to going back to physical events that have no technological components. As a result, many things (including weddings) have adapted a hybrid format - functioning in person while accommodating a virtual audience. Not only that, but the advent of virtual reality and augmented reality to the main stream have also upped the ante significantly on what people have grown to expect from event organizers. Which means if you can swing it, some level of tech integration is a great idea for your events this year. One thing to always be mindful of, however, is the growing need for ethical use of personal data. Be sure to the best of your ability that your tech integrations aren’t further perpetuating the digital divide or promoting unethical AI or data mining.

4. Sustainability

   • The events industry as a whole has been held up to a microscope and widely criticized in recent years for its lack of sustainability. Truthfully, change was definitely overdue in this department. As events got more extravagant, they’ve gotten what seems like exponentially more wasteful. Additionally, the environment seems to have thrived while we stayed inside - which put even more of a glaring focus on the events industry to cut waste when it returns full throttle. Moving forward, maintaining some aspect of sustainability at your event seems like a non-negotiable. Because while people understand that certain things just can’t be both biodegradable AND instagrammable, they’re still watching for just a hint that you tried.

Overall, these are the trends that I think are going to turn into timeless event staples over the years. Intimacy and personalization in particular are arguably two very important foundational aspects of brand loyalty. After all, what could be better than a brand that feels like it was made just for me and gives me personal attention?!

As always, remember to stay present in your everyday experiences.

Until Next Time,

XO