Current trends in event management and how to stay ahead

Currently valued at $1.1 trillion, the global events industry is booming and expected to be worth a staggering $2.1 trillion by 2032. In response, event management is also evolving, especially in high-end hospitality, where luxury and excellence are the watchwords. Event managers are navigating a rapidly shifting terrain that demands innovation, flexibility and a forward-thinking approach.

To remain competitive and relevant, you need to understand the current trends in event management. This article explores these in more depth and offers insights into staying ahead in luxury-focused event management.

What is event management?

Whether it’s a wedding, conference, trade show, concert, festival or corporate meeting, each needs strategic planning and coordination. Event management involves coordinating every aspect of an event, from initial idea to post-event evaluation, to ensure its success. Event managers handle logistics, budgeting, vendor coordination, marketing and guest experience.

There are several types of event management jobs, each requiring different skills and responsibilities, for example:

• Event planners focus on conceptualizing and organizing events, including venue selection, scheduling and theme development
• Event coordinators oversee the execution of events, managing on-site logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Meeting planners specialize in organizing corporate meetings and conferences, handling aspects such as attendee registration, speaker coordination and audiovisual setups
• Wedding planners assist couples in planning and executing their wedding day, from choosing vendors to coordinating the ceremony and reception
• Festival organizers manage large-scale events, handling permits, security, entertainment booking and crowd management

Like all hospitality careers, event management is focused on creating memorable experiences. So it’s no surprise ambitious individuals aspiring to a career in event management are turning to hospitality degrees as their pathway into the industry.

The hybrid model in event management

Combining the personal engagement of physical events and the accessibility of virtual ones, hybrid events allow organizers to reach a broader audience, offering flexibility for those who cannot attend in person due to geographical or other constraints. Whether attending physically or virtually, every aspect is designed to engage and spur action.

In-person attendees relish VIP treatment, encouraging lead generation, while virtual participants explore the available content and make connections from home. These unique events offer novel avenues to captivate audiences, strengthen brand connections and gather invaluable data for future strategies. For hospitality professionals in event management, hybrid events expand attendee outreach, providing a convenient entry point for individuals to familiarize themselves with and develop an affinity for an organization.

To excel in hybrid event management, it is essential event professionals:

• Invest in technology: use robust platforms that seamlessly combine in-person and virtual components and integrate high-quality streaming, interactive tools and reliable connectivity
• Engage both audiences: design content and activities catering to physical and virtual attendees. Use interactive polls, Q&A sessions and networking opportunities to engage all participants
• Measure success differently: develop new metrics to evaluate hybrid events, focusing on attendance and engagement across all platforms

Technologies reshaping events

New tech is changing how events are planned, executed and experienced. As an event professional, you must stay up to date and consider integrating these advances into your events to create innovative and engaging experiences. Some of the most impactful technologies include:

• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): creates immersive experiences, from virtual tours and product demonstrations to interactive networking spaces. These technologies increase engagement and provide unique and unforgettable experiences
• Artificial intelligence (AI): streamlines event planning and delivery by automating scheduling, ticketing and customer service tasks. AI-driven analytics also offer insights into attendee behavior and preferences, enabling more personalized experiences

Blockchain: improves security and transparency in event management, particularly in ticketing. It helps prevent fraud and ensures authenticity, creating a safer environment for attendees

Engaging attendees like never before

As any hospitality professional knows, engagement is a key driver of success. Today’s attendees expect more than passive participation; they seek interactive and personalized experiences. By focusing on engagement and interactivity, event managers can not only increase attendee satisfaction but also improve retention. Some strategies to boost engagement include:

• Personalization: event planners and organizers increasingly use data analytics to understand attendee preferences and tailor experiences accordingly. Personalized agendas, content recommendations and targeted communications can significantly improve engagement
• Interactive elements: incorporate live polls, Q&A sessions and gamification to make sessions more immersive. These elements encourage active participation and keep attendees invested in the event
• Networking opportunities: encourage meaningful connections through structured connections. This can include matchmaking algorithms and virtual networking lounges

Sustainability and inclusivity in modern event management

Attendees are increasingly aware of environmental and social issues and expect events to reflect these values. As a result, sustainability and inclusivity are now essential components of modern event management. As an event manager, you’ll need to prioritize these principles while not compromising the quality of the event or guest experience.

Eco-friendly practices can be as simple as reducing waste, using sustainable materials and minimizing carbon footprints. Meanwhile, virtual and hybrid events inherently reduce travel-related emissions while also being accessible to a much broader audience. Events should, after all, be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability, socio-economic status or geographic location. This can be achieved by providing accessible venues, offering scholarships or discounts and incorporating various speakers and perspectives.

The importance of health, wellness and security

Prioritizing attendees’ safety and wellbeing is the most important element of event management. If you aspire to be an event planner, you’ll need to incorporate innovative strategies and technologies into your processes, including:

• Risk assessment: thorough evaluations to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities at event spaces, ensuring proactive mitigation measures are in place
• Emergency response plans: comprehensive protocols for various scenarios, empowering staff to swiftly and effectively address emergencies without causing panic
• Crowd management: measures to regulate attendee flow and maintain safe distancing practices, creating a comfortable environment for all
• Health screening: procedures such as temperature checks and symptom assessments to identify and prevent the spread of illnesses among participants
• Hygiene standards: rigorous cleanliness standards, including frequent sanitization of high-touch surfaces and provision of hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue
• Communication: clear channels to disseminate important updates and instructions to attendees promptly, promoting transparency and trust

Data-driven decision making in event management

Maximizing insights from analytics and gathering information is essential to effective planning. Data is a powerful tool for event managers, providing knowledge that drives decision making and improves event outcomes to help you stay ahead of the competition. For example:

• Audience insights: use attendee data to gain a deeper understanding of preferences, behaviors and demographics to make informed decisions and deliver personalized experiences tailored to specific audiences
• Performance tracking: implement mechanisms to monitor event metrics, such as registration numbers, engagement levels and feedback, allowing for real-time adjustments and improvements
• Resource allocation: analyze historical data to optimize how you distribute resources, including budgets, venue selection and staffing requirements, maximizing efficiency and cost effectiveness
• Marketing strategies: use data-driven insights to refine promotion approaches, identifying the most effective channels, messaging and timing to reach and attract desired audiences
• Risk assessment: data analytics can assess potential issues and anticipate challenges, enabling proactive mitigation strategies to ensure seamless event execution
• Continuous improvement: focus on improving and refining by collecting and analyzing data from each event, identifying areas for improvement and innovation to drive future success

What skills and qualifications are required for event management?

As with any job, you need a versatile skillset and good qualifications to set yourself apart and stay ahead of the competition. Some of the essential aptitudes you’ll need for a career in event management include:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and time management skills
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure
• Negotiation skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Providing support to clients and attendees
• Inspiring and guiding team members
• Creative skills to generate innovative ideas
• Sales and marketing skills
• Ability to set and manage budgets to maximize value and minimize costs
• Proficiency with the latest digital tools for event promotion, registration and virtual experiences

You can develop these with a hospitality degree that teaches soft skills as part of the curriculum alongside opportunities to acquire hands-on professional experience through internships.

A hospitality degree offers a well-rounded education perfect for an event management career. Many programs, such as Glion’s bachelor’s in international hospitality business, offer a specialization in international event management during the final semester. Glion’s master’s in luxury management and guest experience and master’s in hospitality, entrepreneurship and innovation also include real-world event organization as part of the degree program.

Look for hospitality schools with faculty members who have practical experience and industry connections who can provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities. By choosing a hospitality school with a luxury focus and a track record of producing successful professionals, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and network needed to thrive in event management in the high-end hospitality sector.

The future is now: embracing generative AI and modern tech solutions

Staying ahead in event management requires a keen eye for the latest innovations. Event planners need a good understanding of the potential of cutting-edge technologies and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, for example:

• Automated personalization: sophisticated algorithms can analyze attendee preferences and behaviors, enabling personalized recommendations and experiences tailored to individual interests
• Predictive analytics: anticipate attendee needs and preferences, optimizing event planning processes and resource allocation for maximum impact.
• Immersive experiences: technologies such as virtual and augmented reality create captivating and interactive event experiences that captivate and engage attendees
• Real-time insights: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensor technology gather data on attendee interactions and engagement. This allows for instant feedback and actionable insights to improve events
• Intelligent automation: streamlines repetitive tasks and workflows, freeing up time and resources for strategic planning and creative innovation
• Seamless integration: various technologies and platforms can create a cohesive event experience for attendees, ensuring smooth navigation and interaction across multiple channels

Conclusion

Event management is constantly evolving and driven by technological advancements, shifting attendee expectations and a growing emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. To thrive in this exciting industry, event professionals must stay ahead of the curve, embracing innovative strategies and leveraging data-driven insights to create engaging and memorable experiences.

From hybrid events that blend physical and virtual elements to the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered tools and AR/VR, event management will experience exciting developments in the coming years. By honing essential skills, pursuing relevant qualifications and embracing modern tech solutions, aspiring event managers can position themselves for success in the ever-expanding global events industry. With a focus on creativity, adaptability and a commitment to excellence, the journey towards creating unforgettable events begins now.

To excel in event management, you need to build an excellent foundation. You can develop your skills, gain valuable experience and build a professional network by studying for the right type of degree.

Photo credits

Main Image: Getty Laura Noll