For the past few years, public events have faded into history. Now if someone talks about events it almost feels like a story – a glorious, cheerful, and exciting memory we lived and cherished once. But, events have not gone anywhere, they were only replaced with the technology-backed virtual meetings that pivoted into our lives, when it was most needed. Finally, after a long-dormant phase and when restrictions are completely lifted off, events are here to make a sensational comeback.
The question would be – would the events be like before?
Will they allow us to communicate, share, and engage with participants in person? And most important what changes will it induce into the event design process?
The pandemic has already influenced every segment of our lives. From watching cinema, shopping, and getting engaged, the world order has taken a drift from normal. The events, now, are bound to witness a paradigm shift.
As many experts see it, “the design elements are crucial to creative experiences. Signage, interactive displays, custom lit decors, and design elements prevail in modern event branding” – states specialists in designing and manufacturing of light box signs.
The design elements are an integral part of the event design process. But with the transitioning event organization process, the design would become even more important but challenging for event designers.
Now, the design would be focused on carving long sessions that are meant to mesmerize, entertain, and narrate a story that would act as a powerful medium to convey brand messaging. And these seven spectacular trends would radically transform how events will be organized in 2021 and beyond. Let’s take a look.
Hybrid Events
As we walk into the future, our way of communicating, sharing ideas & knowledge, and making connections with events could be entirely remote. Virtual meetings have already become a common word that is reiterated by each one strongly associated with professional events.
Virtual meetings are quick and safe but they lack the experience and opportunities that in-person events proffer. The future is hybrid events where a mix of virtual and in-person events would fuse to fit into everyone’s objective. But technological and design challenges would be more than ever before, it is where event designs with their unique skill set can capitalize to configure these events based on the business goals. Whether it is about creating high-quality digital content, astonishing graphics, or welcoming a small segment of participants to venues with immersive displays, the future would introduce new ways to surprise participants.
Open Spaces
The Health and safety of participants would be at the center of every public event. Creating an ecosystem where everyone can feel comfortable, relaxed, and protected would be vital to the success of future public events. Open spaces would greatly contribute to this goal.
Having an open space venue is much safer than closed spaces as several studies have proven against contagious diseases. This fact would be the driving factor to substitute open spaces with large hall venues. And this idea would inevitably proliferate in the years ahead. Another incredible thing about open spaces is that they can be created during virtual meetups as well. It promotes one-on-one meetings and additional network opportunities that are attractive to several businesses. Public events’ popularity is quite often attributed to this objective. And the fact, virtual meetups would add a way to encourage this feature would bolster the confidence of the businesses in online events. This is already started to happen and open spaces are organized in parallel to the major virtual events.
Furniture Placement
Amid the challenge to convene a safe environment where the focus would be largely on the flow of ideas, having a singular factor that compromises health safety is peculiar. Apart from aesthetics, furniture acts as a way to set up an outline to create boundaries and distant participants according to prescribed health guidelines.
Furniture is meant for seating and comfort but it would also act as a barrier if placed appropriately. Hence, the arrangement of furniture is going to be a critical test. Play around with ideas to create a spacious but aesthetically pleasing arrangement. You can plan a layout and implement it with the assistance of event designers.
Technology in Action
Tech would be the denominator in the future of events, it has already started to demonstrate how valuable it is for human survival. For events, it would be a stimulating factor to power up events beyond 2021. It is a game-changer in the modern world.
Although tech is already the biggest differentiator in the virtual event world, the rising trends indicate tech taking a significant place in the event design process. With the aid of existing technology such as Augmented reality and Virtual reality, events could come out to be more interesting, interactive, and valuable. Apart from it, contactless and sensor-based technology would unravel countless possibilities to congregate events with safer and well-protected spaces.
Safe in Person Experiences
No matter what the size of the event is, the role of safe in-person experience would be hyper-emphasized. In this regard, the safety guidelines and equipment would play an overarching role. Prescreening and onsite testing are the two most essential techniques that will become a common line of action.
To achieve this, the responsibility would be on event organizers to ensure necessary resources and arrangements are made to conduct onsite testing. Use signage, floor markers, and digital displays to provide necessary updates and floor plans. Train your staff to manage participants in compliance with the guidelines while ensuring the guest experience remains intact.
Event Layout and Design
Event layout and design would accommodate changes invoked by the pandemic. The event layout prototype would incorporate necessary facilities and medical facilities to ensure that contingencies are priorly addressed. Keep a special focus on navigation, accessibility, and collaboration to avoid any hiccups during any event stage. Events duration can be long and providing spaces where people can take a break and relax would be of prime importance. Thus, plan your layout well keeping all the nuances in mind.
Creating Trust and Building Connection
Event design is more about marketing your ideas and making connections with your brand messaging. This ought to change in time to come. The trends signal a complete shift to a more personal and authentic event space. Leveraging events to build trust, network, and grow connections would encourage engagement and communication to a whole new level. For this, not only design but also the size of the event can be a thing of focus.
The Bottom Line
Evolving trends and innovative technology have definitely placed events at a new forefront. Earlier events were all about sharing expertise, insights, and knowledge but now they have turned into a remarkable opportunity to build networks, expand connections, and grow a community. By staying with these trends, the company can significantly transform the brand positioning and can enjoy the tremendous benefits they entail.