2020 was a year of forced change, uncertainties, and dismay as everything from weddings and birthday parties to product launch events and music festivals had to be cancelled, postponed, or moved online.
As the Coronavirus pandemic caused a global standstill across the industry, the event industry showed how resilient it, and how flexible, agile, and strong event professionals are.
Although it is difficult to predict what will happen with events in 2021, we do know some trends created in 2020 to enhance safety and prevent the spread of coronavirus will continue regardless.
Here is a look at the event trends we can expect to see in 2021 once current restrictions have eased:
1. Outdoor Events
As the risk of COVID-19 spreading is less significant outdoor, we believe there will be a rise in outdoor events as organisers make the transition from indoors to out.
Outdoor events instil audience confidence as they provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere, allowing audiences to social distance comfortably.
Temporary or "pop-up" event structures are a great addition to outdoor events and help with the overall event success. Temporary structures such as event shipping containers can provide the framework for a range of applications from ticket sales to catering, retail to micro stages while providing an open-air element aiding airflow.
2. Hybrid Events
Hybrid events are likely to become a key event trend of 2021. Adding a virtual element to a traditional live event structure, hybrid events include a small guest count and set-up that complies with current social distancing and safety guidelines, which is then, shared with a larger audience using digital platforms.
Hybrid events allow organisations to appeal to key audiences face-to-face and virtually without compromising on health and safety.
3. Venue Flexibility
In 2020, we saw a lot of last-minute changes and restrictions announced to events throughout the year. As such, venues must offer flexibility to accommodate any unforeseen changes while making attendees feel safe and comfortable.
Temporary event structures are a cost-effective way to create a fully customisable pop-up venue indoors or outdoors, that is completely flexible in design and location. Should a last-minute change occur to your event, the temporary structure is more adaptable to accommodate.
4. Creativity
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the world around us has changed. Event organisers will need to focus on reinventing how they connect and engage with their audiences.
We may never return to the way we used to hold events, but 2021 presents an opportunity to embrace creativity and look for new ways to make an impact. As a result, we may see events brought to life in a way we would never have previously imagined.
5. Health and Safety
COVID-19 will see a new dimension added to health and safety procedures. Attendee registration may include more questions about health and recent travel history, with additional health checks being implemented at venue entrances to prevent the risk of an outbreak.
Event organisations should implement strict procedures and think of ways to enforce them to avoid breaches. Attendees will expect to see health and safety protocols in place to protect themselves for the foreseeable future, and most likely, Post-COVID-19.
For more information, or to inquire about hiring a temporary and portable event structure in 2021, contact The Events Structure on 0161 821 1010.