As 2019 comes to an end and we look forward to a new year, 365 days of event possibility arrives. Planning a new and successful events diary and strategy for 2020 requires factoring the latest industry trends and changes. So, what event trends and industry changes can we expect to see in 2020?
Here are five trends we expect to dominate the event industry in 2020:
1. Sustainability takes centre stage
This year, the UK's largest outdoor event Glastonbury Festival declared 2019 was their most eco-friendly year to date after banning single-use bottles for all 200,000 festival-goers, performers and staff. Dubbed the "green generation", research shows millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable, better quality goods and services.
Sustainability is taking centre stage in the event planning industry, quickly becoming a must for all events. While small efforts like recycling bins at an event help, customers want to see a holistic approach in reducing the event industry’s carbon footprint.
From the miles of travel to the kilowatts of power and amount of food wastage, each part of the event planning has an environmental impact that needs to be accessed.
2. Pop-up venues over conventional venues
Social Tables' 2020 report found 92% of event planners believe events are more likely to be booked outside than they were five years ago. Last year, the Global Meetings Forecast predicted a 4% increase in the use of non-traditional venues.
Temporary event structures are a cost-effective way to create a fully customisable pop-up venue and immersive experience that can be taken directly to the customer. As more brands discover the benefits of temporary event structures, the race is on to see who can create a more enticing and engaging pop-up brand experience in 2020.
3. Corporate events become festivals
This year, the line between corporate events and consumer festivals blurred. The Forbes’ 2019 Under 30 Summit treated 7,000 30-and-under entrepreneurs to a music festival with live performances of The Chainsmokers and 21 Savage as part of their yearly conference and networking event.
In 2020 we will move closer to complete festivalisation. Performances and entertainment boost the appeal and engagement of an event. Consequently, events are moving outside, helping to create the festival feeling.
4. Experiences continue to define events
The Social Tables' 2020 report found 80% of event planners reported that their jobs require more experience creation now than they did 2-5 years ago.
Experiences will continue to define events in 2020. With expectations rising, it's no longer good enough to host an event in a hotel room or conventional centre with little or no regard to the event experience.
Events in 2020 need to bear a creative experience that drives conversation, interaction and engagement. Everything from location and structure to the technology used should be used to deliver the event's message while engaging and awing the audience.
5. Safety and security remains top of mind
In 2019, extreme weather conditions forced the Boardmasters Festival to cancel the event hours before the gates opened at Watergate Bay. A string of other events cancelled for similar reasons.
Security is one of the factors that can heavily influence the venue and location choice. But today's definition of security has evolved and now encompasses a broader scope like natural disasters.
Whether sourcing the venue, structure or seating, safety and security should dictate the planning and outcome of the event. All event structures and equipment must be compliant to HSE health and safety standards. Event shipping containers are strong, secure and weatherproof, helping prevent any unseen disasters.
Now you're updated with the event trends of 2020, why not check out The Event Structure range of sustainable, weatherproof, secure temporary event structures and see how we can help make next year's events a success?