What to expect in 2023 for venue finding

The event industry is continuously evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends is essential to ensure your event is successful.  

From sustainability and location to technology and last-minute bookings, we will explore the most exciting changes in the industry that will shape the way event venues are selected in 2023. Whether you are planning a corporate retreat, a conference, or an incentive trip, these trends can impact your event planning process.  

So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to discover what is new in the event venue finding landscape for 2023.
 

In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. It has become a crucial consideration for businesses and individuals alike. This is especially true for the event industry, which can significantly impact the environment and the community. As a result, as we mentioned in our previous blog, “Top 5 tips for choosing the right venue for your next event,” event professionals are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability and adopting green practices. Consequently, we can expect to see an increase in the demand for green venues that are environmentally friendly. 

Green venues are those that have taken measures to reduce their environmental impact, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and conserving water. In 2023, we can expect to see more event venues adopting sustainable practices to attract environmentally conscious clients. Some venues may also seek to obtain certification from organisations such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Key to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. 

But what are the advantages of selecting a green venue?  

One of the most significant advantages of selecting a green venue for your next event is the positive impact it can have not only on the environment but also on the community.  
Events can generate a significant amount of waste, contributing to pollution and harming the environment. Selecting a green venue can help reduce this impact by ensuring that the event’s waste is minimised and that any waste generated is disposed of responsibly. Additionally, choosing a sustainable venue can also have a positive impact on the local community. Green venues, in fact, often have a closer connection to the local society, supporting the local economy and promoting a sense of community spirit. By choosing a green venue, you can help to support local businesses and promote sustainable practices within the community. 

Another advantage of selecting a green venue is the impact it can have on your brand image. In today’s world, consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for businesses that share their values. By selecting a green venue for your event, you can show your commitment to sustainability and attract customers who share your values. 

Working with partners and suppliers that follow green practices is vital in today’s world. Indeed, every aspect of an event, from the venue to the catering and the lighting, can have an impact. Working with suppliers who share your values can reduce your event’s environmental impact. 

The line between work and leisure has become increasingly blurred in recent years. The trend towards bleisure travel – combining business with leisure – is gaining momentum, and event managers are taking notice. In 2023, we can expect to see event managers choosing venues in leisure destinations to create more bleisure events that allow attendees to relax, unwind and extend their stay to explore the area. 

The benefits of holding an event in a leisure destination are numerous. Firstly, it allows attendees to explore new locations and enjoy local attractions. This can enhance attendee satisfaction and engagement, as they are more likely to have a positive experience if they can relax and experience the territory in their downtime. 

Secondly, leisure destinations offer many options for attendees to extend their stay and turn their business trip into a mini-vacation. For example, an event held in a seaside town could allow attendees to enjoy the beach or take a boat trip, while an event held in a mountain resort could offer hiking or skiing opportunities. 

However, to ensure the success of a bleisure event, event managers need to consider several factors. Firstly, the location needs to be easily accessible, with good transport links to make it easy for attendees to get there. Secondly, the venue needs to have a range of activities and attractions in the local area to keep attendees engaged during their downtime. This could include cultural sites, natural landmarks, or leisure facilities such as spas and sports facilities. 

 

In the last couple of years, we have all witnessed how technology has rapidly transformed the event industry, and we can expect to see even more innovations in 2023.  
Event venues are becoming increasingly technological, with many adopting the latest advancements in virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create unique and immersive experiences for their guests. 
So, how can event venues use AI and VR? 
First, by using VR, venues can offer virtual tours to allow event organisers and attendees to preview the venue before the event or to experience an otherwise inaccessible location. Additionally, they can create immersive experiences that transport attendees to different worlds and environments. For example, a conference on space exploration could use VR to simulate a spaceship and allow attendees to explore the galaxy, making the event more interactive and engaging. 
On the other hand, AI is also becoming more prevalent in event venues. By using AI, venues can analyse data from previous events to optimize the layout, lighting, and audio for future events. They can also use AI to personalise the event experience for attendees. For example, an event or meeting with a vast agenda and many breakout rooms could use AI to recommend sessions based on attendees’ interests and job roles; or AI chatbots to answer attendees’ questions. 
Artificial intelligence can also be used to improve event logistics. By using AI to predict attendance and analyse traffic patterns, venues can optimize staffing and resource allocation, making the event more efficient and cost-effective. 
So, it is clear that technology is transforming how event venues operate and offer experiences to their guests. In 2023, we can expect more innovative uses of VR and AI, making events more engaging, personalised, and interactive. 

The events industry has always been a fast-paced and dynamic field. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of last-minute bookings, which can create challenges for event venues. And in 2023, we can expect to see even more last-minute bookings due to the high demand. Therefore, venues will need to pivot quickly and respond swiftly to these bookings to ensure a smooth event. 

In the past, event venues would typically receive bookings months, if not years, in advance. And in today’s fast-paced world, especially after the pandemic, this is no longer the case. Many event organisers are booking venues on a much shorter lead time, with some even booking events within a matter of weeks. As a result, event venues need to be flexible and responsive, able to adapt to changing circumstances at a moment’s notice. 

In addition, event venues that can pivot quickly and adapt to changes in client requirements can gain a competitive edge in the market. For example, if a client requests additional AV equipment or modifications to the seating arrangement, a venue that can respond quickly and make the necessary changes will create a positive impression and build trust with the client. 

Event venues that can accommodate last-minute bookings and pivot quickly can also benefit from increased revenue. In a highly competitive market, being able to offer flexible solutions can attract more clients and help venues to maximise their occupancy rates. 

However, accommodating last-minute bookings can also present challenges for event venues. Staff may need to work longer hours to prepare for events or be on call to handle last-minute requests, which can strain resources. Moreover, last-minute requests often come with tighter deadlines and can lead to higher pressure on staff to deliver a high-quality service. 

Therefore, it is essential to balance flexibility and capacity to ensure that staff and resources are not overstretched. Event venues that can achieve this balance will be best placed to succeed in an industry that demands speed, agility, and efficiency. 

 

To stay competitive and deliver exceptional event experiences for their clients, venue finders and event planners must stay up-to-date with the latest trends.  

So, if you are looking to book a distinctive and unforgettable venue for your next event, reach out to the Black Book team today!