Conference trends and predictions for 2023

Live events have made a comeback! With an uptick in meetings and conferences around us, it is clear that people still value face-to-face interactions.  
The future of in-person events is vibrant as companies look ahead with optimism – preparing for the chance to engage, exchange stories, and build meaningful connections. Despite any economic turbulence that may arise – human connection remains invaluable! 

And what should we expect for conferences in 2023? Some traditional aspects may remain in place – thoughtful keynotes, networking opportunities, and engaging panel discussions – but other elements have started to evolve as technology makes it easier for organisations to think outside the box when hosting events.  

In this blog post, we will explore what the conferences of 2023 could be like and how companies can stay ahead of the game by utilising strategies to create one-of-a-kind experiences! 

Today more than ever before, content is fundamental when it comes to attracting attendees to conferences.  Therefore, planning a conference in 2023 will require exceptional and engaging content. 
Content can be the difference between an event attended by many and one with poor attendance. It sets the tone for the entire experience and should be carefully crafted to ensure it meets both your organisational goals and those of your attendees. When planning a conference, you should consider what topics to cover, who will present them, and how to structure the sessions and create engaging activities.  
Furthermore, investing time into crafting quality content for your conference can also help to foster a sense of community and connection between attendees. Content is the backbone of any meeting and should not be overlooked when planning an event.   
If you want to take your content one step further, consider offering pre- or post-conference activities such as webinars, virtual panels, or training sessions. This will help make your event more accessible to those who may not be able to attend the physical event due to geographic constraints or personal commitments. Additionally, it is a great way to draw attention and engage with a broader audience who could potentially become future attendees. 
Not to be forgotten, the quality of the speakers. To ensure your speakers provide a top-notch experience, it is important to choose experienced professionals with proven track records in public speaking or moderating.  In addition, it can be beneficial to have a variety of topics from different areas within your industry to provide attendees with an insightful journey into the latest developments.  Furthermore, using multimedia or interactive components such as live polls during talks can help increase engagement levels among participants. Finally, consider introducing panel discussions that allow smaller groups to engage with speakers on more specific topics.  

Attracting a captive audience is the key to success when planning a conference. And today, event planners are facing several challenges in getting people to register for their events. As much as people are eager to meet and connect in person, they are more attentive to evaluating whether attending a conference or event is worth the travel. 
And this is where event marketers come in. 
Event marketers play a critical role in driving registrations for events. They have the knowledge, tools, and resources to promote events on various channels and target potential attendees effectively. Therefore, by leveraging the power of digital marketing, they are able to reach more people and drive higher attendance numbers.  Marketers can use tactics like targeting specific audiences, creating informative content to generate interest in the event, and optimising campaigns for maximum visibility. They can also help to create an engaging experience by using interactive features such as live streaming and virtual reality experiences. 
Therefore, it is essential to work with an experienced and knowledgeable event marketer who deeply understands your target audience and can create efficient campaigns that drive registrations. 
Working with an event marketer is one of the most effective ways for event planners to promote their events, reach a larger audience, and drive higher registration numbers.
 

The meetings and events industry is increasingly aware of the need to be sustainable. Companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact while still providing guests with a memorable experience. 
Sustainability, in fact, has become an integral part of event planning, from venue selection and catering to transportation and waste management. 

Regarding conferences, taking sustainable practices into account during the planning process can effectively minimise the event’s carbon footprint while also reducing costs and increasing participant satisfaction. 

Sustainability practices can be implemented in multiple areas of a conference, such as reducing the environmental impact of travel and accommodation by encouraging delegates to stay for the duration of the event and use public transportation instead of flying or driving.  
The venue could also be chosen based on its sustainability credentials, such as higher efficiency in energy usage or providing locally sourced food options. Additionally, materials for registration, signage and promotional items should be made from recycled materials or distributed digitally. 

In terms of engaging conference attendees with sustainability initiatives, awareness needs to be raised through various channels such as pre-event emails, social media campaigns, and even session content during the event itself. Providing information about ways they can help support sustainable practices before arriving at the conference will help to ensure that everyone is on board. Furthermore, providing educational opportunities throughout the event for delegates to learn more about sustainability and how it is applied in their specific industry can significantly increase commitment and engagement with sustainable practices. 

Incorporating activities into the conference agenda, such as volunteering days or introducing eco-friendly activities like team building exercises, can also be beneficial in terms of raising awareness and getting people involved. 

In addition to its positive ecological impact, sustainability can also provide financial benefits for businesses by reducing costs associated with electricity, materials resources, transport, etc., as well as improving customer loyalty and increasing brand recognition. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and incorporating them into their events, businesses can create more value for customers and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. 

By planning ahead and considering sustainability in all areas of the conference, you can provide a great experience while also leaving a lasting positive impact on the world. 

When planning a conference, it is essential to carefully consider the agenda and any accompanying collateral programme.  While creating a comprehensive schedule that allows attendees to engage meaningfully with the content, you should also ensure ample opportunities for breaks and refreshments throughout the day. These moments of respite can be used as windows into health and wellness activities, such as guided meditation sessions or outdoor walks. In doing so, delegates will be able to leave feeling refreshed and re-energised – making for a truly memorable experience that fosters lasting connections between participants.  
Consider ways to make people feel unique and privileged when designing your programme, such as providing special access or behind-the-scenes tours. You may also want to organise special events like themed gala dinners or parties, which can help participants unwind after a long day of workshops and presentations. 
Furthermore, to ensure a successful event, you should strive to create an atmosphere that encourages socialisation and collaboration. This could include activities such as roundtable discussions or breakout sessions for attendees to share their insights and ideas. Providing time for socialising at the end of each session helps further foster those relationships, assisting delegates in building new networks which could prove invaluable in the future.  
Additionally, providing quality catering options is critical in making the conference experience memorable. Quality food can add to the feeling of hospitality, while exciting entertainment elements – such as live music – make connecting easier for people. 
Finally, it is important to be mindful of time and experiences that can foster strong connections between attendees while also creating lasting memories. So, by carefully balancing agendas with memorable activities, you can create an event that people won’t forget anytime soon
 

The marriage between technology and conferences has grown stronger ever since the concept of hybrid events became a reality. With hybrid events, the entire world can join in on a meeting, regardless of where they are located. This opens up many opportunities for organisations to reach larger audiences and give their attendees the ability to join from anywhere. 

However, there is still a place for traditional events and conferences. Companies can choose to stick with live events or combine the two together to create an even more compelling experience. Traditional events allow organisations to build relationships in person, network face-to-face and enable attendees to connect with people on a deeper level. On the other hand, technology provides businesses with many different tools to engage their audiences remotely, such as interactive polls, slideshows, and live streaming capabilities.  

Hybrid events bring together the best of both worlds: it combines the benefits of traditional conferences with those of digital technologies. It allows companies to reach a wide range of audiences without having them attend an event physically. At the same time, it allows for personal connections and meaningful conversations. 

Therefore, finding the right balance between technology and traditional conferences becomes fundamental to creating a successful event that meets all parties’ needs. 

 

If you are looking for support in planning an engaging and innovative conference, the Black Book team is ready to help. Contact us today!