Nurturing Growth and Innovation for Your 2024 Events

As the financial year wraps up and the promise of fresh beginnings takes root, the events industry continues to blossom with innovation.

It's a dynamic landscape where attendee expectations are evolving rapidly, hybrid experiences are taking centre stage, and content is fueled by cutting-edge technology such as personalisation through artificial intelligence and heightened engagement through gamification and virtual reality.

Sustainability is no longer a nicety but a necessity. Thus, efforts are ramping up as companies set targets to reduce their carbon footprints and environmental impact. This shift in focus will benefit the environment, local communities, and business bottom lines as attendees continue seeking events that prioritise eco-friendly practices and social responsibility.

Strategy

Gone are the days of simply "surprising and delighting" attendees. In 2024, successful event strategies will prioritise personalisation and delivering authentic value. This means crafting sessions packed with actionable takeaways that directly address attendee pain points and cater to their interests. We recently asked some of the world's leading marketers and events professionals from Slack, HP and Lattice how to create a winning events strategy.

Content

DEI is transforming event content. From accessibility features to diverse speakers—the focus right now is all about inclusivity. Extending this commitment beyond content creation, initiatives like the Diversity Alliance's Safe Space Charter aim to tackle discrimination, and they are urging businesses to sign the pledge to create a safe space for all.

Creative

The ultimate creative quest right now is to create experiences that engage multiple senses, such as incorporating lighting, texture, music, and scent. A recent example is Google at this year's Salone del Mobile Milano , with their sensory take on colour and how it is a powerful aspect of Google’s latest hardware design.

Sustainability

Companies are taking sustainability more seriously and looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint—one of the most effective being food and beverage choices. There will be a growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and even "10-mile menus". Companies such as Jimmy Garcia Catering are paving the way forward with their ethos and innovation!

The Monthly Five

1: Seize the Opportunity -

Creativity and clever marketing shone bright with quick wit and creative campaigns for the recent eclipse. Read more.

2: What Makes an Effective Consumer Activation?

FX’s Kenya Hardaway shares her top tips for connecting with consumers, developing an event narrative, integrating technology, and more. Read more.

3: The Evolution of the Event Format -

C&IT explores the growing awareness of diverse audiences and other factors driving changes to event formats. Read more.

4: Stuck for CSR Ideas?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming instrumental for internal morale and overall brand awareness. Need help figuring out where to start? Skift has some ideas. Read more.

5: Do It for the Gram!

New data reveals London event visitors are eco-conscious, tech-savvy, and crave those ‘Instagrammable’ moments. Read more.

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That's it from your friends at emc3!

Keep your eyes open, and your inbox refreshed, because we’ll be sliding into your inbox every month with the latest news, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and actionable advice - catch you next time!