The 2022 Event Trends Report
At the end of 2021, Eventbrite ran a survey across the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand to learn how event organizers are feeling about the year ahead. Over 4,500 respondents answered their questions, revealing how the pandemic and its aftermath will influence their event planning going forward.
The 2022 report highlights seven main trends:
Event organisers are feeling optimistic about 2022
There is strength in diverse communities
Despite overall optimism - uncertainty persists
Safety remains a concern, but with differentiating strategies by country
Virtual events remain part of the plan
Maybe it is easy being green
Resilience and creativity reign
Facing Uncertainty with Strategic Planning
For event committees in Australia, “planning for next year” was even more of a concern than COVID safety worries, with nearly one-fourth of organizers citing this as their primary worry. This is likely tied to the wave of event cancellations that occurred during 2021 as the Omicron variant tore through the country. A complete overhaul of Strategic Planning on a macro level & Event Planning on a micro level has taken on a whole new fresh focus.
Learn More
Want some help is this area? Take a look at our DIY Tools, Module Learning, or give your event committee a guiding hand & register for the holistic Self Paced Event Management Training Program. Click here to find out more >>
Sustainable practices
It is exciting to learn that three quarters of Aussie event managers are now making sustainable practices a priority.
Sustainability is essential to the success of events into the future, as more and more event attendees are demanding sustainable practices and respect for the environment.
The top five ways event managers are tackling sustainability are
Using electronic ticketing instead of printed tickets
Switching to reusable or biodegradable items
Offering lower-emissions vegan and vegetarian meals, and supporting local producers
Encouraging (or enforcing) public transport/car pooling
Only working with venues that recycle
Learn More
In mid 2021 Linda recorded a series of Event Expert Chat’s. In this short recorded video below with Meegan Jones from Sustainable Events Alliance, they discussed whether the impacts of Covid have directly impacted regional event committees’ ability to be environmentally sustainable both now and in the future.
Click on the video below >>
Case study: Woodford Folk Festival
Woodford Folk Festival provides its food vendors with compostable cups, bowls, plates, straws, cutlery and napkins, including clear PLA containers that look like plastic but are actually biodegradable.
Providing these utensils to food vendors makes the cost of using them the same for everyone, and helps attendees learn about composting them as all utensils are composted on site along with food scraps. Wherever there is a rubbish bin, there is also a recycling bin and a compost bin, making recycling easy and feel-good too!
New Event Sustainability Module for rEvents Academy 2023
Stay tuned for the launch of our newest online training module in 2023 - Responsible & Sustainable Events - it covers sustainability, the environment, and community licence in great detail with lots of practical tips for your event’s transition. Be the first to hear when our new sustainable event module is live by signing up to our newsletter.
Becoming more Resilient & Creative
“Surveying audiences will be important as the pandemic response evolves in the coming year. What attendees wanted in the early days of a pandemic may differ from what they want now, while others might prefer that virtual events stick around long-term.”
The importance of an in depth and structured Post Event Review can no longer be ignored. Responses from surveys have to form a crucial part of your planning process, not just filed away and forgotten - they are key to becoming more resilient and creative.
Learn how
>> Have a listen to our podcast on how events can tackle the Post Event Review process here
>> Check out our range of Post Event Review Tools and Templates
>> Read some of our Blog articles on Post Event Review
Immersive Experiences & Diversity
Event attendees are wanting more interactive and immersive experiences, and compelling and extraordinary experiences – and the easiest way to attract attendees is to offer what they want!
How do you do this at your regional event? Perhaps you have roving entertainers engaging with attendees? Do you help people step out of their reality and into a new one? Or encourage human connection through face-to-face conversations or shared experiences?
58% of Australian event managers are focusing on increasing diversity, from gender-balanced entertainment line-ups to accessible venues. Like sustainability, hosting events that are inclusive is not a passing trend; nor should it be optional: events are all about building community.
The top five ways that event managers are increasing diversity at their events are
Proactively seeking out diverse talent, including up and coming talent
Offering diverse food options
Having a code of conduct that supports diversity
Having a dedicated space for nursing mothers
Offering scholarships (e.g. free entry) to attendees
Running your event more effectively
Need to finesse your event management skills to make running your event easier?
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Learn how our Regional Event Management Training Programs can take your event to the next level & help move your committee forward. Or contact us if you are chasing a more tailored program.