We spoke to some industry experts to find out what their favourite conference trend for 2017 has been, and why. Here’s what they had to say:
An ever-green trend?
“Trends in the business events industry are ever changing and in order to stand out and remain competitive we need to think outside of the norm. This does, however, cause certain trends to be short lived and the proverbial “flash in the pan”. One trend that is breaking out of this cycle is the need for event greening. This is a trend which is gaining more momentum and buy in, yet there appears to be a large gap between what event greening actually is and the current implementation and understanding of this concept by event professionals. This trend is much more complex than just recycling your name badges…
“We are seeing this as much more than a simple trend, and would rather describe the future of event greening in better terms of sustainability, and of the new norm for business events. Event greening needs to be given serious consideration and event professionals need to look at up-skilling their teams in order to not be caught out when this trend ticks over to the norm – as it will sooner than we may predict.” – Rudi van der Vyver – Chief Executive Officer of SAACI
The introduction and use of digital signs
“With being an avid hater of “pop-up banners”, I have watched with glee the immersion into our event world and retail outlets the arrival of digital signage. It’s most definitely a new trend coming through in 2017, which surely must and is taking events and conferences to a different level!
“What’s on offer? Display screens and panels allow for stunning graphics and real time updates. For sponsors and exhibition stands, there’s the ability to create dynamic visual posters that can be interactive, offer versatile options, and can be used as leaderboards. Some are even weatherproof and can be used outdoors – what a win for sporting events. All round an absolute win in my book.” – Clare Neall CMP – Managing Editor of Event Stuff
The ‘why’ of conferencing
“Time is money and companies are critically evaluating the value of events. It is no longer business as usual. The return on an event is more than a tangible return on investment, it is also an intangible return on experience. For this reason the ‘why’ of your conference has become about so much more than the theme and reason for the event. It speaks to the strategic purpose and its place in the bigger picture of your brand story.
“It is for this reason that USB has realigned their strategy to focus more on the strategic journey of the conference before, during and after the event. Conference budgets are under pressure and realigning spend to get the highest value from the content and outcomes of the conference is the key to getting the highest Return on Investment. When selecting the contributors to your content, having speakers, facilitators and MC’s who have the expertise and flexibility to speak to your audience is essential.” – Brooke Rabe – Marketing Manager of Unique Speaker Bureau
A planner trend with a long future
“With the call for planning standards at the Events Summit 2015 confirmed in 2016, The MICE Academy’s Professional Planner Standards (PPS) has taken off in a total vertical lift-off.
“The outcome is more planners are subscribing to the PPS, while event end-users seeking a professional planner will earmark PPS subscribers as a first choice. One example alone: with planners on constant site inspections, in asking the right questions of the venue, the industry has witnessed non-compliant venues being advised by city authorities to either shape-up or ship-out. This is an ongoing trend of improved standards.” – Helen Brewer – Joint Managing Director of MICE Academy
Independent and boutique hotels
The collection of independent and boutique hotels have grown considerably during the past few years and is a popular choice with corporate companies who requires a high standard, something unique and different, a more personalised experience, exclusive use and the flexibility that is not always possible for chain hotels. Independent and boutique hotels usually offers value for money and provides excellent service to ensure that corporate customers return again and again. Boutique hotels are often located in quiet residential areas which is more convenient and provides a different atmosphere compared to their city centre counterparts.
Carla Rossouw – PCO & Owner of Vespasian Consulting
