5 Trends All Business Event Strategists Need To Look Out For In 2019
2019 is an exciting year for event planners. According to findings from The Future of Meetings & Events report we generated, as a partnership between Marriott and PCMA, we are seeing high-tech venues and creative event ideas being on the rise and event participants are demanding more fun, personalized and interactive event experience than ever. Want some tips on how to plan successful events this year that can “wow” your audience? Take notes of these five immersing trends:
01 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The idea of “One Size Fits All” in event planning does not work anymore; attendees are looking for seamless and personalized experiences pre- and post-events. So, instead of labeling your participants “Millennials” or “Managers”, you need to create events that tailor to their preferences as individuals.
How?
Start collecting attendee data so you know what topics they are interested in, or what food they enjoy. Over time, it will be easier to provide individualized experiences for attendees without having to invest in a lot of time and energy. You can try to insert some fun and personalized elements into your event with some creative F&B options, such as printing your guest’s face on the label of a beverage at the Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel.
02 ORCHESTRATED SERENDIPITY
Did you know that ONE face-to-face conversation is as effective as 34 emails? Outside of the constraints of schedules, agendas and conventional settings, a successful event must leave room for meaningful and personal conversations and human collisions to take place.
How?
Offer opportunities for some games during breaks! It will be a fun way to break some ice and get them talking and laughing. Look out for a fun venue like Sanya EDITION, which as bumper cars within the hotel!
03 MULTI-MODAL DESIGN
At events, participants are more likely to look for spaces that are designed for discrete needs, including wellness rooms, quiet workspaces, intimate settings, as well as loud and exciting spaces – each presented at the right time and the right calibration.
Turn the rooftop pool into a silent disco at W Hong Kong
How?
Choose a venue host that can accommodate the changing needs of the event throughout the day and can leverage all spaces of the hotel. Create meeting spaces in unexpected ways: take a spa room as a meditation room, a suite for space with music and rinks to encourage conversations, outdoor spaces to exercise your inner creativity and back to the house kitchen to experience where chaos meets art. Not only are our staff experienced in setting up events in some unconventional spaces, think poolside, garage or laundry room, but they can also help you mix and match ideas and venues for some novelty. Get inspired by creative venue ideas at W Hong Kong and turn the rooftop pool into a silent disco for your guests.
04 BIGGER THAN ONESELF
Research shows that 65% of consumers will not buy a brand if it stays silent on an issue that it has an obligation to address. When deciding whether or not to take part in an event, participants will look at your business’ value and how the event embodies the message that your business stands for, whether it’s on the topic of sustainability, corporate responsibility or quality of services. During the planning process, you need to identify the right moments and right channels for these messages to come to life.
How?
Be consistent with your message by designing down to the details of your events. For example, if your business supports sustainability, you can bring that message to life by eliminating paper and turning everything digital in your event or turning away from anything plastic by replacing plastic straws, plastic water bottles and utensils with more environmentally-friendly alternatives, such as glass or bamboo. Choose a venue host that sees F&B sustainability as a priority and support local communities by going local with the menu creatively: The Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel and The St. Regis Macao offer a special “Green Footprint” menus for MICE events.
05 CLEAR SENSE OF PLACE
Discovering “secret places” or hidden parts of the city that is only known to locals is fast becoming the #1 question tourist will ask. Event participants want to immerse in the local culture alongside their business events.
How?
Apart from providing local cuisines in your event, you can also surprise your participants with creative twists to the local culture. For instance, create a “One Night in Bangkok”- themed dinner at the poolside at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen Park, where fresh fruits and coconut drinks are served floating-market style, or invite a local band to play as after-hours entertainment.
We believe a great event deserves more rewards!
Enjoy three fabulous perks when you plan your next meeting or overnight soiree at Marriott Bonvoy™ participating hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific. Redeem your rewards now with our latest Meet & Be Rewarded promotion.
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