Applying Consumer Trends to Your Next Event

A few months ago, my coworker joked that I should have been born in the ’70s—apparently, my love for bright colored tops and bell bottoms gives that away. So, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not exactly a trend setter or expert. Instead, I rely on people who live and breathe trends to keep me in the know.

Earlier this week, our Director of Merchandising, Nicki Staats , educated our whole community on Consumer Behavior Purchasing Trends. Her presentation inspired me to think about how these trends could be carried over to events!?

If you are anything like me, you’re always trying to stay one step ahead of what attendees are? expecting. We’re all consumers, right? So why not give attendees exactly what they’re looking for? Let’s take a look at the key trends Nicki highlighted and talk about how you can incorporate them into your next event!

1. Color Trends

Remember when the color pink was everywhere after the Barbie movie came out? Well, color trends are still a big deal. Every year, big names like Pantone, WGSN, Benjamin Moore, and HGTV reveal their “Color of the Year.” These aren’t just random picks – they reflect cultural shifts and influence design across lots of industries. So, why not incorporate a few of them into your event?

Here are a few ideas.

• Branding: Add a splash of trending colors into your event logo, website, and social media graphics.?
• Signage and Décor: Use these colors in your wayfinding signs, stage backdrops, and info boards.?
• Merch: Offer swag in the Colors of the Year. Think tote bags, t-shirts, or even cool tech accessories.?
• Apparel: If you included one of the trending colors in your event logo, outfit your staff in apparel to match

2. Value-Driven & Budget-Conscious Experiences

Is it in the budget? I’d be rich if I got a dollar for every time this question came up when planning an event, so let’s get real for a second – we all know event budgets are tight these days. We all want to impress our attendees and create a wow factor, and most times that means getting creative about how you use your event budget. The good news is, being budget-conscious is actually on-trend!?

Try these ideas to create high-value experiences without going over budget:

• 2-in-1 Swag: Who doesn’t love a 2-in-1 deal? Offer items like a bottle opener keychain or a lanyard that doubles as a phone holder. Useful and memorable!
• QR Codes: Use QR codes on event giveaways. It’s an easy way to offer extra content or exclusive deals from sponsors without additional physical items.
• Accessorize: Instead of pricey branded jackets, how about cool socks or caps? Most people love a good accessory! They’re budget-friendly but still highly visible.
• DIY Stations: Set up areas where attendees can customize their own swag. It’s interactive, fun, and often more meaningful than pre-made items.

Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but how creative you get with the dollars you have.?

3. Sustainability & Ethical Consumption

Here’s a trend that’s not going anywhere: sustainability. We all want to do our part for the planet. So, how can we make our events more eco-friendly?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Eco Swag: Offer items like notebooks made from recycled materials, reusable tote bags, or even seeded paper that can be planted after the event.?
• Water bottles: Hand out nice water bottles at the event for people to use vs. providing bottled water at your event.
• Apparel made with Sustainable Materials: Partner with brands that use eco-friendly materials. Think apparel made from organic cotton or recycled plastics..
• Go Digital: Ditch the printed agendas and go digital. Use an event app.
• Recycle: Set up clearly marked recycling cans.?

4. Technological Integration

Technology is changing the way we do events, making everything from check-ins to networking smoother and more engaging. But it’s not about using tech, it’s about using it to make the event experience better.

Here are some ways to incorporate more tech into your event:

• Tap and Go: Use NFC-enabled badges for quick check-ins and easy info sharing.
• Light It Up: Create Instagram-worthy moments with light-up displays or LED backdrops. It’s great for brand visibility and attendee photos.
• Smart Swag: Offer tech-integrated giveaways that will be useful during the event and long after.
• Virtual Reality Stations: Set up VR booths for product demos or virtual tours. It’s a great way to showcase things that can’t be physically present.
• Interactive Polling: Use live polling during sessions to get instant feedback and keep attendees engaged.

The goal is to use technology at your event to bring people together, not to replace human interaction.?I personally love using the Whova app - lots of opportunity for attendees to interact with each other.

How will you incorporate these trends into your next event?

Whether you’re planning a conference, a festival, or a networking event, understanding and incorporating consumer trends into your next event will help you create an experience that’s fresh, engaging and of course, on trend!?What trends are you seeing out there?