2022 Event Trend Predictions

Now, we’re sure you’re sick of hearing how challenging the last few years have been for the events industry, but truth is, for a business that heavily relies on face-to-face experience, it’s not been easy adapting over the course of the pandemic.

However, things are FINALLY getting back on track. The return of live events will once again allow people to enjoy real human interaction and it’s these experiences that really drive event businesses forward.

With the return of live events, this may leave many of you wondering what are the event industry trends that we can expect to see after the Covid-19 Pandemic? Well, we have spoken to our Event Production & Design Team to find our their predictions for 2022…

1. Sustainbility

Chris Tarren of Tarren Production
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As we come out of the pandemic and the events sector starts to thrive again, focus is switching back to sustainability, both in making the industry more robust for future unknown events, but also climate change is back on the agenda. It is no secret that the events industry can be one of the most wasteful ones out there, building a multitude of temporary villages & exhibitions that when taken down produce skip after skip of waste.

It’s down to companies like ours to make simple changes but run them though all our events.

Over the past years we have implemented a host of changes companywide to work towards our own climate and sustainability goals, including our own solar array that produces over 60% of our energy needs. But moving forward we have now made further commitments to include:

Digital ticketing systems in order to reduce printed paper tickets, making a commitment to Can O Water & refillable crew water bottles rather than buying in copious amounts of plastic bottles, and now that catering features in our events again we are committing to local independent and ideally family run food traders. Our workshop now also recycles 90% of both its waste and sets that are no longer needed by clients.

 

ChrisProduction Director

2. Micro-Events

With all Covid-19 restrictions now phased out, people are craving real experiences, something micro events can offer by allowing organisers to create some truly personable and lasting memories. These micro events have an inbuilt benefit of exclusivity, this is a particular selling point for brands and creates a demand for product and business.

Making a statement is key when it comes to these events, expect to see innovate product and business promotions such as building projection mapping and interactive pop-up experiences, such as The Cotswold Distillery’s pop-up bar and gin infused smoke machine at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Cotswold Distillery Bar

3. Mindfulness and Wellness

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It’s no surprise that with the global events of the past two years that companies, events, retailers, theatres and festivals are looking for more ways to incorporate wellness and mindfulness into their events.

New research into this idea for events to reinforce positive emotions and memories associated with a brand/experience, shows a variety of new creative ways production designers can incorporate psychological tactics to create positive environments and experiences for visitors.

Elements such as colour and physical activity are important to consider when planning an event. Incorporating immersive and playful components can transport your audience and will inherently have a positive shift in emotion that will link back to your event. Consideration of colour is also a really important factor, as there is actual science behind how colours are coded into the human brain, they can influence behaviour, evoke emotions, and can change the way an audience perceives something. Sights and sounds are also something to think about when planning an event as they can be used to create a more stimulating audience experience.

 

AnyaScenic Designer

4. Augmented Reality

The use of AR has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years, and with both software and hardware constantly developing, the possibilities of AR are endless.

The great advantage of AR is that you can share the experience with your guests, customers, or colleagues, as it is overlaid on the real world, in real time. We predict that the use of Augmented Reality will become even more sort after, especially for attractions, museums, and theme parks, as well as in gaming and live events. AR can be exceptionally powerful in engaging audience and provides them with an amazing shareable experience.

Augmented Reality

5. Non-Traditional Venues

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The event industry, along with so many others, has had a hard time in recent years, largely due to the Global Pandemic that is Covid-19. Now that the events industry is finally coming back to life, there has been a marked difference in the choice of venue considerations from clients.

These days, in an ever-increasing competitive market, people are looking to branch out and give their clients memorable experiences. Non-traditional event spaces are ideal for this and are perfect for brands/businesses looking to make a statement. The possibilities are endless, and venue spaces can range from warehouses, rooftop spaces and aircraft hangers to boats, breweries, and museums.

Our production team have seen an increase in demand for more ‘on-trend’ and unique spaces, recently we have worked alongside popular clothing brand Superdry in producing and managing their Oxford Street instore influencer events, suppling sound, and lighting equipment as well as furniture, crew and draping.

In a digital world where we share our best moments on social media, the use of non-traditional event spaces is something that we will defiantly being seeing more of in 2022 as it creates a unique experience that is guaranteed to draw attention and stand out on the social feed.”  

 

SaraProject Manager
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