As the curtain rises on a new year, the events industry is poised for a transformative journey, with 2024 event trends mirroring the dynamic changes in our world.
With sustainability, experiences and innovation at the forefront, event planners are gearing up for an exhilarating year. Let’s dive into the key trends set to redefine the landscape and captivate the imaginations of both organisers and attendees.
Acting on sustainability: beyond a buzzword
In 2024, sustainability isn’t merely a trend; it’s a call to action. Post-pandemic, the events industry is primed to take significant strides towards environmentally conscious practices. From reducing waste to embracing eco-friendly solutions, events will play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future.
Experience creation: where connections matter
The year ahead will witness a profound shift towards meaningful events. Planners are prioritising human connection, authentic local encounters and the quest for more profound travel experiences. International events, in particular, will evolve beyond the conference halls into the destination, integrating cultural immersion into their agendas, with experiences taking center stage.
Reshaping event design: fluidity and flexibility
With attention spans shrinking, event formats are adapting. Fluid and flexible structures are becoming key as corporations strive to find new ways to inspire company culture due to the rise of remote working. This evolution aims to create environments that engage and inspire, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Smart event spaces: beyond the conventional
In 2024, event spaces will be redefined to cater to diverse needs. Venues that provide an environment accessible by all and foster collaboration and conversation will be in demand. Quiet rooms and sensory-friendly environments will become more common place in RFPs, as large, crowded rooms with a ‘one-size fits all’ approach no longer cutting it. Natural light and outdoor break-out spaces will be essential components for creating inclusive and engaging atmospheres.
Slow-life events: interactive immersion
Jam-packed itineraries are out of the window as the influence of younger generations is steering events away from traditional long-form lecture style formats to interactive and immersive. Gen Z is also driving increased integration of new technology, particularly smartphones, in events as we see gamification embedded into more event design as a winning format for presenting and retaining information.
Hyper-personalisation: the AI touch
AI continues to give rise to much fretting about its impact on employment, misinformation, politics etc (but not enough about its environmental impact). In terms of events it offers many opportunities to leverage attendee data and provide tailored agendas, recommendations and experiences. Is 2024 the year we’ll see facial recognition come into play at mainstream large events in a bid to create individual experiences for each attendee?
Wellness prioritised: events for mind and body
The wellness wave will surge even higher in 2024 with self-care folded in the design of more events with conscious strides to relax and recharge. Expect to see more flexible event schedules with down time, health-orientated experiences, time outside and an appreciation of local as employees look to counteract stress and burnout.
Flight free Europe: riding the rails to sustainable events
Train travel will be on the rise, especially for European events as a bid to reduce carbon footprint. You can also expect to see more events held in lesser-known destinations in a move away from ‘bucket list’ destinations to ‘off-the-beaten-track’ helping to decrease over-tourism whilst also satisfying the thirst for new and unique.
Escapism on the agenda: immersive destinations
Delegates, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are seeking more than a checklist of activities. In 2024, events will offer laid-back, immersive approaches that allow attendees to truly absorb the destinations they visit, breaking away from the hustle and bustle of packed itineraries.
As event planners embark on the journey of 2024, these trends promise not only to reshape the industry but also to create memorable experiences that resonate with a new era of event-goers. Sustainability, innovation and a renewed focus on human connection are set to make this year a milestone in the evolution of the UK events landscape.
Looking to bring these 2024 event trends to life in your events? We’re here to help! As a leading event agency, we offer a fully comprehensive event planning service as well as free venue finding services both in the UK and internationally. Let’s collaborate to turn your vision into reality and make 2024 a year of truly unforgettable experiences.
Tel : 020 7610 2808 – Email : anna@evolve-events.com