The devastating effects of the pandemic are not hidden from anyone. Needless to say, the complete block on events and gatherings, with government imposed global lockdowns, the event industry (amongst many others) suffered a colossal blow. Having said that, it is also a known fact that necessity is the mother of invention; enter new age events.

Though it is difficult to predict the direction in which the industry operations will go in 2021, however, we do have some established trends from 2020 in line with the safety protocols and to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Here’s a look at the top trends for the events industry in 2021:

 

 

Micro-events

India is a land of festivals and celebrations, even if feted with extremely close, near and dear ones. With a lively spirit at heart, individuals did continue to rejoice in particularly close-knit gatherings keeping the covid norms in mind thereby introducing the trend of Micro-Events. Big occasions turned into miniature celebrations that picked up as the famous pattern for festivities, big or small. Small-scale weddings & occasions have picked up pace owing to the current ongoing scenario. These occasions incorporate a little visitor check that follows neighborhood and state limit limitations, social separating, cover wearing, catering or contactless foodservice, and consistence with COVID wellbeing rules.

 

 

Virtual and hybrid events

 

The dependence on virtual meetings and occasions expanded in 2020, as platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft teams, Google Meet etc., permitted individuals to work and have social time securely from the solace of home. While virtual occasions are staying put, they will keep on advancing over the course of the following year, particularly with the inclusion of hybrid events.  As the name suggests, Hybrid events are an amalgamation of guests who are present in 2 ways- physical & virtual, at the same event and at the same time. Extending the comfort to the attendees, may also increase the number of attendances, basis their convenience. Think pandemic weddings as a classic example; while closest relatives were physically present, all others were invited to join the occasion virtually, owing to the nation-wide restrictions. This trend is likely to catch on with other event formats as well.

 

Renewed emphasis on physical safety

 

Across every industry, the topic of safety will continue to be of prime importance through the next year, including the events’ sector. According to a survey, about 39% of event planners say they will require proof of COVID vaccination to attend an event they’re planning. Expect continued pre-screening requirements, socially distanced layouts, protective personal equipment, specialized cleaning crews, and advanced air-filtration systems at events in the coming year, along with basic of covid hygiene i.e. masks and sanitizers.

 

 

Looking Beyond Demographics

Simply put, grouping attendees by their reasoning and demeanor, instead of demographics, can help you keep your substance important and better objective your crowd. Playing on the advantage of digitization in events, these could help wrap up events more efficiently and efficaciously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expedited, frictionless registration using facial recognition

 

Facial recognition is a quickly creating field for itself and stating some examples here would only be the tip of the iceberg. Carriers are starting to utilize this for boarding, registrations, and more. As a participant registers on the web, they incorporate a photograph (from an assortment of sources including LinkedIn). Upon arriving at the occasion, cameras in the line perceive the registrant and print out the identification consequently. This paces the cycle (around 7 seconds for every individual) while expanding security (your face is your mark).