How to prepare for the future of events

Author:  Basilmin (Event Planer)

Short Description

In this age of constant digital innovations and disruption with the future of events, the value of digital elements across the board has become evident. With continuous learning and development, digital activities have become ingrained in the fabric of humanity. However, it is vital, especially, in the age of information that brands and organisations lead […]

In this age of constant digital innovations and disruption with the future of events, the value of digital elements across the board has become evident. With continuous learning and development, digital activities have become ingrained in the fabric of humanity.

However, it is vital, especially, in the age of information that brands and organisations lead with a value over volume, to ensure that the communication going out to your audience is not only tailored to their needs but is also enticing

How to prepare for the future of events

As the world continues to advance technologically, as digitalisation and disruption blaze the way forward for the next decade. It is critical for brands to adapt strategies around these areas now that will lead the way later.

Thriving brands are able to shift their thinking from static to dynamic. They are deliberately designed and intentionally built. Above all they create environments that enrich the lives of the audiences they wish to engage with.

By acting now and swiftly brands will be able to grow and retain their audiences, ensuring the future of their brand.

Hybrid events

As the economy slowly begins to gear up for the new normal with regards to the way events and conferences are run. Brands must rethink experiences beyond the traditional forms of mass gathering (Cook & Shepherdly, 2016).

As Jameson Hlongwane, Deputy MD of the VWV Group states: “Recalibrate and remind yourselves that experiential is a tactic, not a channel”. As event planners, it is up to us to find new and creative ways to engage with the audience on behalf of our clients through the future of events.

As the world and South Africa move from curated one on one experiences to interactive broadcasting and socially intensified strategies.

Hybrid the future of events that consolidate physical and digital experiences will be more relevant than ever.

The benefits of hybrid events

Hybrid events hold a number of advantages over the more traditional events. The largest and most apparent being the number of people or impressive reach that hybrid events provide (Nilsson,2020).

This is a result of the fact that event planners as well as the audiences are no longer confined to physical or geographic limitations, meaning an endless number of people are then able to attend.

This of cause from an organisational point of view is massive as hybrid events give a great return on investment (ROI), as they are cost-effective (Nilsson,2020). Hybrid events bring exponentially more eyeballs, attention and prospective customers to your events.

One way to think about this is instead of having several similar events you can either host one big event and host that nationwide or a series of different events that people can all attend and stream.

However, it is vital to know what hybrid the future of events are not, a true hybrid event will create the same experience for those streaming than it would for those who physically attend.

This is done through participation; those online are also able to participate in Q&A sessions as well as interact with the speaker whilst also engaging with fellow attendees.

The impact of hybrid events on South Africa

It goes without saying that the current pandemic has impacted our industry as a whole and the future of events, but also shown us that it is essential to remain relevant to the times. Technological advancements play a larger and more cohesive role not only in the present but in the long term future.

Fryatt et al. (2012b) as well as Morell (2010) both highlighted the importance that these events can have especially for the African continent.

They go on to draw attention to the possibility of using hybrid events as a way to reach an audience in different languages and repurposing the content to ensure that everyone is able to take part especially if they are not able to travel to the location.

To date we have seen that hybrid the future of events have been able to take away limitations such as travel restrictions or country borders. Further ensuring that brands are still able to reach their audience and stay connected.

Moving forward brands will need to utilise collaborations and harnessing the collective experience we’ve all shared as a result of the pandemic. It is vital that we all start thinking about the future of events and the circular economy and how work translates into day-to-day planning at the micro-level. Lastly brands and event managers will need to continue taking the necessary action needed in the face of overwhelming consequences through the future of events.

References

Cook, P. & Shepherdly, M. 2016. Remotely Engaging: How to reach new audiences by breaking out of the conference centre. 1 ed. s.l.: Amazon Fulfilment.
Fryatt, J. et al. 2012b. How to Guide: The Strategic Value of Virtual Meetings and Events, 2012: Meeting Professionals International.
Fryatt, J. et al. 2012c. Hybrid Meetings and Events, s.l.: MPI Foundation
Morell, K. 2010. How to use hybrid meetings to drive attendee engagement, s.l.: Meetings Today.
Nilsson, L. 2020. Hybrid Events: Breaking the Borders. Master´s thesis. LAB University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Business and Hospitality Management. [Cited 29.6.2020]. Available at: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020061618890

Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Twitter

The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.

Similar to How to prepare for the future of events

WS Logo 512

You don’t just suddenly wake up one day, and digitally transform To Make AI Work. You don’t suddenly wake up with the know-how, where you solve your problems with artificial intelligence. It’s a journey that you have to progress through! Video Transcript Brett St Clair Welcome to teraflow.ai. And I’m really excited about the question, […]

  • Author: Brett st Clair
Laurie Maddalena

During my tenure as a vice president of human resources for a credit union in Maryland, I worked with how to manage a high performing employee and with two human resources generalists on my team. Both were good at their jobs; they each had completed training and certifications in HR. Yet one was exceptional—she had […]

  • Author: Laurie Maddalena
WS Logo 512

Can you imagine Say No To Revenue? It doesn’t sound right, does it? Ironically enough, that’s exactly what might be necessary to set you and your business up to achieve success. Anyone that knows chicken, has at least heard of Chick-fil-A and their famous chicken sandwiches served across locations in 48 states in the US. […]

  • Author: Sterling Hawkins
WS Logo 512

Regular Mindfulness Practice, Meditation and Benefits Forget about the incense making you feel all balmy… I want to share with you some of the scientific evidence of the benefits of Regular Mindfulness Practice (*) Results from fMRI scans after 8 weeks of Regular Mindfulness Practices training… Intervention studies have been carried out that specifically look […]

  • Author: Christoph Spiessen

How to: Stay approachable, are you as a manager? Here are 5 tips Many people think they are approachable, but only a few really are. We are aware of our positive thoughts and hope that they are visible to everyone. We believe we are approachable when, in truth, many of us come off as remote […]

  • Author: Lizette Volkwyn
WS Logo 512

Siphiwe Moyo’s new book, called “Your Next Move” hits the shelves this week. Career Strategies to Survive and Thrive During Covid-19 and Beyond. As we all think about our responses to COVID-19, we have to try both offence and defence career strategies to survive. In other words, you need to try and hold on to […]

  • Author: Siphiwe Moyo
Tiffany Shlain

I’ve often wished there were a remote control for real life that let you fast forward through the unpleasant parts and pause on the good stuff just so that Everything You Need to Enjoy One Tech-Free Day a Week. There’s not, but there is a practice that will put you back in control of your […]

  • Author: Tiffany Shlain
Zipho Sikhakhane - The power of servant leadership - wisdom all around us

The global market economy is facing a tough time, with billions of dollars lost this week alone — and the local market is following suit with wisdom all around us The outlook is negative and some economies are preparing for another crisis. This does not provide an inspiring environment for someone looking to start or […]

  • Author: Zipho Sikhakhane

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME