In 2022, we expect event trends to continue to change at a rapid pace.
The nature of live events and trends that make them successful have been on a bit of a rollercoaster the last two years. And while some trends (like virtual meetings) forced us to pivot from the face-to-face approach, 2022 looks to return our focus to the experiential trends that make such a powerful impact.
And since the new year is right around the corner and your event planning is certainly underway, now is an excellent time to examine the new trends that will make your next event unforgettable.
Virtual, Hybrid and Live Event Trends in 2022
Live events are back, and many attendees are enthusiastic about attending in person. Nevertheless, 2020 and 2021 brought a renewed focus on sustainability and wellness that we are now seeing highlighted in trending experiential event elements.
To that end, leave a positive impression on attendees by cutting plastic and offering biodegradable or washable utensils. Skip swag bags full of forgettable trinkets and move toward creating unforgettable wellness experiences. Mindfulness or meditation sessions, yoga breaks, and tech-free connection zones will resonate with attendees eagerly seeking to reconnect after missing the opportunity over the last year.
Hybrid events are a great way to expand reach and maximize the capacity of your event so that it achieves its full potential. Similarly, adding a virtual element to your event increases the opportunity for engagement day-of and also allows the content to live in perpetuity.
Online-only events became commonplace during the lockdowns, and they will continue to play a significant role in hosting shorter PR and branding-based events that reach a significant population.
Event Production Trends in 2022
Many attendees will be in person for their first event in a year or more in 2022, so a high production value will make an impression like never before.
Your stage is the centerpiece of your event, and creating a focal point that works well for hybrid events takes the in-person experience to virtual attendees.
Piece heavy sets give a unique backdrop to keynote presentations while tech-heavy stages let your content come to life for your attendees.
Event Lighting Trends in 2022
The right event lighting can set the entire mood of your experience and transform an event space into something more than the physical walls permit.
Clever use of lighting can immerse your attendees in your event and even tie into the theme. It can be used to make an area seem larger or smaller, depending on your goal. For instance, outdoor events and large spaces can be lit in a way as to provide the intimate feel of a smaller venue while providing the flexibility of a space large enough for social distancing.
Edison string lights remain wildly popular in outdoor event lighting while Illuminated decor and architectural lighting styles are popular for indoor spaces.
Event AV Trends in 2022
With an enhanced focus on sustainability and a desire for events that delight attendees, AV trends are going digital in 2022. Digital event hubs where attendees can download multimedia content also provides event planners with specific attendee data which enhances sponsor support and marketing analytics.
These days, state-of-the-art displays and audio design are expected, with 4k UHD capabilities for video displays, great sound and shareable media that can go “viral” amongst attendees.
Event Décor Trends in 2022
Thematic event décor with bold colors is one of the 2022 event trends you will see prominently in 2022 event design. Bold colors as themes or accents meet robust, larger-than-life decorations.
Attendees are ready to let loose and live big during on-site parties and receptions this year, and 2022 event décor trends reflect this enthusiasm for gathering.
Emerging Technologies Trends in 2022
Augmented reality was already making a name for itself over the last 5 years, but the pandemic gave this digital medium its due, and it’s still exploding with popularity.
Expect AR to be trending for the foreseeable future thanks to the need for touchless, immersive experiences. Events can engage attendees with augmented reality through apps, product demonstrations, or gamification custom to your experience.
Start 2022 with the Right Event Production Partner
Ensure your next big event meets these live and virtual event trends by partnering with a full-service event production partner.