Trends, Themes, and Highlights of Today’s In-person Events and Conferences

In-person events and conferences are making a sweeping comeback. From business summits to trade conferences, product launches to technology seminars, workshops to networking events, and more, the world is finally leaving behind pandemic-induced controls and restrictions.

Offering more chances for networking and collaboration via face-to-face interactions, in-person events drive higher levels of engagement. By delivering many more options for interaction and entertainment, they pave the way for richer, more delightful experiences that stay for longer in the memory.

Even smaller in-person meetings and events are expected to surge in 2024 and beyond, with 78% anticipating an increase in the number of small and medium-sized meetings. Reports expect the global events industry market to reach a revenue of 2.1 trillion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% Growing event sponsorships combined with the pace of technological advancements are driving the growth of the events market.

As in-person events and conferences become the norm again, let’s look at the top trends, themes, and highlights shaping them.

Experience Centers Will Be in the Spotlight

As in-person conferences grow in size and number, experience centres will enable organizers to tell stories and share their vision in as experiential a way as possible. Interactive virtual environments enhanced with immersive audio-visual technology will enable organizers to demonstrate their products in all their glory, educate attendees on the latest features, and allow them to interact with the brand in a meaningful way. 

For example, featuring a rich mix of video walls, plasma screens, AV mixers, and theatre lighting, an auto manufacturer can enable visitors to immerse themselves in the various models, explore the different features, and enjoy a virtual driving experience via real-time simulation. 

Hybrid Events Will Be Commonplace

While in-person events continue to rise in popularity, hybrid events will grow just as much. Bridging the gap between in-person and virtual experiences, these events will blend the best of both worlds to create immersive, engaging, and inclusive experiences. They will be a prevalent option for participants who are unable or unwilling to travel to in-person events, organizations that have restricted budgets, or event locations with limited spaces.

For example, companies will be seen relying on the hybrid event format to cater to the different aspirations of in-person and virtual attendees. They can support face-to-face networking, expert interactions via video walls, and happy hour sessions for those physically present while offering live product demos to thousands of virtual participants.

Companies Will Seek to Build Meaningful Connections

Companies will also be seen building meaningful connections with people while increasing impact and inclusivity across in-person events and conferences. Using the latest AV infrastructure, event planners will seek to create inclusive environments and build event spaces that support diversity.

For example, event organizers can place interactive touch screens with bigger buttons, conversational AI technologies, and larger monitors to help disabled people get the information they need at any event.

AV Integration Will Transcend Spaces

The resurgence of in-person meetings has put audio-video integration in the spotlight. A complex mix of cutting-edge AV solutions will enable in-person event organizers to transcend spaces and connect people across multiple locations and devices and offer a rich and seamless event experience. From sound systems to digital signage, and communication tools to lighting control – advanced AV platforms are poised to enhance the auditory and visual aspects of in-person events, making them more exhilarating and engaging.

For example, an integrated AV solution can guide event attendees to the right room using digital signage, present captivating content via active LED displays, and fuel engagement via interactive displays.

Chatbots Will Become the Mainstay

As Artificial Intelligence seeps into the business world, chatbots will enable event attendees to fuel interaction and get answers to common questions. Providing automated conversations, these chatbots will offer immediate access to important event information, before, during, and after the event. This way, users can have their questions and concerns quickly addressed – without the hassle of finding, waiting for, and interacting with a human representative.

For example, an AI-powered event chatbot can streamline the check-in process for attendees. It can automate the process of f verifying attendees’ identities, scanning their passes, and directing them to the right site with a single click.

Intelligent Light Controllers Will be Much Sought-after

The right lighting can set the tone of in-person conferences and make them more impactful. Intelligent light controllers that can be adapted to the purpose of the event can enable a comfortable and soothing experience for attendees. From presentation mode to video conferencing mode, dimming mode to ‘on-off’ modes, such conditional settings can enhance comfort while optimizing energy consumption.

For example, at a trade show, organizers can install a sensor-based lighting system that lights up the digital display as soon as an attendee moves near it. They can also implement a touch panel or keypads for lighting control and enable users to set the lighting to their convenience.

Wrapping up

In-person events will be a key channel in 2024, with 86.4% of B2B marketers planning to maintain or increase the number of in-person events in the coming year. Companies across diverse industries are heavily investing in events to promote and raise awareness about their products, enhance reach and audience engagement, and foster greater brand visibility, customer engagement, and business growth opportunities. Looking to host your next event in person? We can help! Explore our range of modern AV solutions to captivate the interest of your audience and leave a positive impression for heightened brand loyalty.