As 2019 starts to pick up pace, events are already in full swing. We know that the next 12 months are going to be big for event planners. Technology and changing consumer habits will encourage the industry to rethink the way they engage with their audience.
We’re excited about the possibilities for our customers, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the biggest event trends set to take 2019 by storm.
1. Automation
Technology is going to rule the roost in 2019, and it’s not limited to AR and VR. Payment automation will allow venues to sell tickets based on availability, demand and latest offers in real time. This will help to free up valuable time usually spent on sales. You can better target customers throughout the sales process.
2. Refund Protection
Companies like UK based ‘Booking Protect’ are taking the ticketing industry by storm. Their product is simple; they partner with venues and operators to sell refund protection ‘insurance’ at the point of the ticket sale.
Customers have the option to buy an extra bit of peace of mind while venues relinquish the workload of refunds. A win win.
3. On-demand staff
The emergence of recruitment companies such as ‘coople’ and ‘gigstr’ have helped streamline the process of hiring event staff. In 2019, we’ll see this trend continue to grow, with staff hired, and paid, through apps.
4. Data, Data and more Data
It’s not exactly a new phenomenon, but the use of data will help event planners hire suppliers, market their event and increase engagement.
It’ll also improve the way events run. Data collection points, for instance, can help track attendee movements, so you can manage queues and waiting times.
5. Insurance bought early
As different types of risk flood the events market, perception of insurance will change. Event insurance will go from an inconvenience to an essential. Websites like Insure-Our-Event.co.uk will allow customers to buy insurance with speed and ease. Event planners will have proper protection.
6. Sustainability
We mentioned changing customer habits at the beginning of this article, and one of the major shifts has been in environmental consideration. People won’t attend a conference or event that isn’t responsible in issues such as use of single use plastic and low energy heating systems.
7. Social Media
No longer will social media sell an event like it used to. As Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have become part of everyday life, the market on social is too saturated to think you can gain an audience with a couple of posts and tweets.
But, clever use of social will still gain a large following. Give the users valuable information in a fun and engaging way. YouTube videos that deliver information as well as sales still work brilliantly, as does visibility in Facebook groups.
So there you have it; seven trends that will dominate the market in 2019. If you have any others to add, please get in touch as we’d love to add them. For now, have a great year and have fun wowing your audiences.
