You did it! You have successfully executed so many great events this year, and just like that, it’s over. 2019 was a hit for event planning, but now it’s time to prepare for the upcoming year. Here are event planning trends to look out for in 2020.
Meetings and Conferences
If you aren’t already attending event planning meetings and conferences, you better start in 2020! There is already quite a large rise in demand for these meetings, and that rise is continuing in the new year. CWT Meetings & Travel predicts a five to 10 percent growth. With this comes an increase in hotel rates. As always, event planners should adjust their budgets for higher rates and book event spaces as early as they can. Remember: The longer you take to book, the more you’ll end up paying. Book fast!
Book Performances
With the increased demand for more meetings and conferences, these sort of events are becoming as popular as music festivals. Add performances to your agenda, and you’ll see a high rate of engaged attendees. For larger events, drive revenue by securing a variety of spaces, including resorts, outdoor spaces, and convention centers.
Health and Wellness
People are becoming more conscious about what they eat and the healthy activities they participate in. Many consumers under the age of 49 eat a plant-based diet, and more than double of that are older than 50. Vegan and vegetarian lifestyles are as popular as ever, so event planners need to adjust their menus to be more allergen-friendly and all-inclusive. Speak the millennial food language with specific catering styles, such as food trucks, street venues, communal portions, and station servings. Don’t forget to include mindful activities as well! Incorporate tech-free areas for your attendees to unplug — yoga sessions, 5Ks, guided meditation, and messages should be part of your plan. If your guests are happy and healthy, they are likely to be more engaged!
Face-to-Face Interactions
In a time when we’re all about putting our faces to a screen, it may be hard to believe that attendees actually crave more face-to-face opportunities. But that’s just it — we spend so much time on our phones, computers, tablets, etc., we’re constantly missing human interaction. Continue creating more opportunities for face-to-face networking and interactions. Skip typical venues, and think outside of the box. Popular venues these days are those with a minimalist aesthetic and a crafty bar. A blank canvas means dressing up the decor to match your theme! Whether you want to board a pirate’s ship or play in a Pacman paradise, you have options for the look and theme of your event. More demand for face-to-face interactions means you’ll need more and more event planning tips!
Get in the now with these popular trends growing in 2020! Need more tips on how to throw a great event? Call the Orlando event planning experts at Fun Planners today at 407-955-4949.
