Nothing beats face to face contact.
Events build relationships so they will flourish but they will be different.
How can new standards be created and set?
The pandemic has proven yet again that those with strong networks and relationships will continue to flourish in business despite any economic scenario. The desire to see great events restart is stronger than ever. However, few possess the vision for what will be needed as what constitutes a great event will have changed.
The Events Industry has undoubtedly been one of the most impacted sectors during the pandemic. The gap in live events has been filled with the growth of virtual events and conferencing. Improved innovation is expecting to see virtual events continue. However, there is little which matches face to face contact and the desire to interact. Event organisers believe that there will be now a fusion of live and virtual events which could see audience numbers triple in those who will attend great events.
There are those arguing that events will face the same challenges that traditional TV faced when it faced new streaming services emerge. However, this assumes that audiences and communities are content to interact via virtual means. Most are weary of virtual meetings and yearn for real live interaction but it will be different. Communities want to interact. It is true that many will not travel so many corporates will need to plan to host targeted regional events which serve local audiences.
People have changed and there is less appetite to just attend an event for the sake of networking. It needs today to have meaning. Costs are increasing and the experience will be the major differential.
The expected losers will be the many old style conferences and meetings which will struggle to be the same again and there are even question marks over many of the Industry dinners which used to attract numbers. People have changed and there is less appetite to just attend an event for the sake of networking. It needs today to have meaning. Costs are increasing and the experience will be the major differential.
However, success will all come down to the attendee experience. It needs to be interactive, engaging and with great services/welcomes. Too often events did not set the bar high enough in how it cared for attendees. Even now, many are discussing great technological advances but success will be determined far more by the experience. So the real question lies in how can new standards in the welcome given be set? How can attendees feel even more valued? How can innovation in service be created?
It will need fresh thinking combined with a real focus on the attendee’s journey. Live events= stronger relationships = stronger, sustainable business so it is worth greater planning and thought.
Introducing HEMP Events
HEMP is an alliance between EP and the renown events professional, Hattie Mauleverer, to work to support corporates in organising great events for all the above reasons. Already the new partnership has a growing number of clients wanting to host fresh events to engage their clients. Q4 and 2022 is already seeing strong advance bookings.
For further information, please contact lauran.bush@epmagazine.co.uk
Events and Catering Specialist