An event planning guide for 2024
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A must-have guide for event planning in 2024
Following the success of business events during 2023, they’re set to continue being hugely popular in 2024!
And I couldn’t be happier.
People are embracing getting out, attending business events, networking, learning and having fun while doing so.
But gone are the days when stuffy boardrooms suffice for a business event.
People need excitement, they need to be entertained, and they need to feel your business event is worthy of their precious time.
Whether you’re planning a virtual event, a live event, or a hybrid of both, I’ve compiled a handy guide that will reveal the top event planning trends of 2024.
The key element for all event planning in 2024
When you start planning an event for 2024, think of ‘Edutainment’ – one of my favourite words.
People are thirsty for knowledge and use business events to upskill, learn new skills and discover new worlds they may not have known about before.
But the trick to enticing them to join you is to make your event entertaining.
That’s edutainment – a brilliantly crafted combination of education and entertainment.
It’s something I’ve encouraged my clients to do with their social media and blogs for many years. I’m rapt that the event planning world is seeing its value and encouraging it to create memorable events.
In 2024, there’s a strong focus on sustainability and the environment
Let me start by introducing you to the word that’s trending in the design world for 2024 – biophilic.
This trend is wildly popular and involves bringing the outdoors in with nature-inspired décor and lots of natural greenery.
Sustainability is also on everyone’s radar, with people conscious of reducing their impact on the environment.
To create events keeping these practices in mind:
Use recycled materials or those that can be recycled (e.g. paper, bottles, etc.)
Incorporate green practices where you can (e.g., energy-saving lighting, etc.)
Set up rooms with plants and greenery featuring heavily (to make people feel they’re sitting in an outdoor oasis)
Use live plants and flowers
Use AR/VR & technology to make your event in 2024 interactive
If you’re hosting a hybrid event (a mix of online and in-person), make your virtual attendees feel like they’re in the room with you by using AR/VR technology.
This technology allows people to immerse themselves in the event, giving them a clear view of the stage, the audience and your keynote speakers. You can also enable them to participate in any event simulations you may have.
To help your virtual attendees feel even more involved in your event, the use of VR allows them to speak with each other, giving them a virtual networking experience to enhance the event.
Live events can be levelled up with the use of tech-integrated designs. Using LED and interactive displays along with holographic elements is trending in 2024. These technologies are highly visual and designed to enhance the event experience.
Introduce mobile apps to your event planning in 2024
Mobile apps for event planning will become your secret weapon in 2024. These types of apps allow your attendees to personalise their event experience.
Featuring personalised schedules, real-time event updates, networking, live streaming and instant feedback from attendees, these apps enhance your attendee’s experience while keeping you in the loop of what they’re thinking.
The AI in the event planning apps will also note where your attendees move throughout the event and offer personalised content recommendations to make sure they’re receiving the information they need.
Attendees can also message each other through the app, and this allows them to virtually exchange business cards – which is brilliant for the sustainability theme of 2024.
Social media will continue to rule events in 2024
With social media being essential for event marketing and communication, it will continue to be a must-have element for any event planning in 2024.
Social media encourages real-time engagement, allowing event organisers to live stream sessions (perfect for hybrid events) and attendees to take part in interactive polls and share their experiences (don’t forget to create an event hashtag!).
Start your social media campaign before your event to create a buzz and build a community, then encourage it throughout your event and once it’s finished.
The top event themes that will feature in 2024
Here are the top 7 event planning themes that are trending for 2024:
Vintage and retro – featuring unique charm and nostalgia (from the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.), this theme takes your attendees on a trip down memory lane
Cultural fusion – combine elements from various cultures around the world to create a diverse event that showcases traditions, art and history
Enchantment realms – for an event that’s a bit more whimsical, create a fairytale theme to add a touch of fantasy and wonder to spark their imagination
Urban vibes – for a contemporary, modern vibe, set up your event in an industrial setting featuring exposed brick and metal and use lots of greenery to level up the space
Glamourous luxe – for high-end events, find opulent, elegant and luxurious venues that you decorate with high-end décor and lavish elements
Wellness & mindfulness – Create a calming space, using soft colourings and lots of plants, and incorporate event activities that encourage relaxation (e.g. a meditation session)
Futuristic – with our world changing rapidly and using more tech (e.g. AI), create events that feel like they’re set in the future by introducing cutting-edge technology and using sci-fi elements
Looking for a content marketing keynote speaker for your event in 2024?
If you’d like a hand with your event social media campaign, or you’re looking for a content marketing keynote speaker, please email me to connect.
As a social media manager with over 21 years of corporate marketing experience, I’m a warm and engaging presenter who gets audiences excited about social media. From keynote presentations to workshops, I personalise my presentation to suit your needs.
I’d love to chat with you about presenting at your next event and help you promote your event through social media.
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback to share with me, please feel free to pop them in the comments below.