2021 – What should we expect from events?

2021 doesn’t even feel like it has even started as we have entered into another ‘Lockdown’. So currently as we can’t hold events the way we are used to so event organisers are looking for new ways to keep us busy and entertained.

Event Trends for 2021

Virtual Events – have been happening from the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Whilst they started as a temporary fix for meetings and social communication they are now becoming an important tool for event planners. There are lots of different platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and many more that have become the new normal!

Whilst people only used these platforms for business and speaking to loved ones initially. Event professionals are now introducing virtual activities and entertainment. At Envisage Agency this year we have provided virtual presenters, Santa’s, magicians and comedians.

Hybrid Events – most people (including myself) had not heard of this term until half-way through 2020. It is a live event with both in-person and virtual attendees.

When exhibitions and conferences make a return, it is highly likely this is a way they will run some of them. They will have a lot of technology so they can do product launches, have speakers which can be experienced both in person and virtually. It is also a great way to attend overseas events without the cost of travel.

The great thing about Hybrid events is that you should be able to watch things on playback and not miss a thing!!

Event Technology for Virtual and Hybrid Events

We have been working with a number of clients both in the UK and overseas testing various platforms for virtual exhibitions and networking. These companies have been hiring large groups of people to test their platforms to make sure they can deal with large numbers of people logging on at the same time, making sure they can interact and so much more.

They are investing a lot of time and money as they are confident that virtual experiences will be here to stay even long after the pandemic.

In Person Events 2021

Social distancing is going to be a real focus when/if events re-open in 2021. Outdoor events in large venues such as festivals, country fairs and sporting events will find it much easier to adapt because of the space and ventilation. That said festivals where large crowds of people are all crammed in together could be a long way off but managed properly can still happen.

Outdoor events such as Drive-in Cinemas, Garden Centre Grottos and Country Parks have had great success in 2020 as they have been able to adapt and change their offering to meet the ever-changing ‘Tier Rules’. And a lot of the changes will no doubt stay.

If you are thinking of holding an event and not sure how to manage people and distancing speak to us about hiring stewards and event managers who can take care of this for you.