We asked the Make Events team what they think will shape the events industry this year!
Venues with a story
People are looking for more than just a conference room for events, they want a space with character and history that can reflect their brand, values and messaging. The venue’s story can be incorporated into the content and brought to life with the theming, enhancing the guest experience.
Manchester’s Royal Exchange has a rich history, originally being built in 1874, it was modified in 1921 and was tipped as ‘the largest room in the world’ as the centre of the cotton trade. After being bombed in the blitz the building remained unoccupied until the Royal Exchange Theatre opened in 1976 and has been entertaining the people of Manchester ever since. The main space, which is likened to a lunar space craft is England’s largest theatre in the round. It is a hub of storytelling and is also available to hire for events. We recently used their Exchange Suite for an exclusive dinner with MasterChef finalist, David Crichton.
If you’re in London, try the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It was renovated and re-opened 138 years after its original opening. Its rich paintwork and grand staircase (famously used as the location for the Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’ video), makes it an impressive setting for celebrations and conferences.
Creating Instagrammable Moments
Social engagement is important to brands and companies alike. The millennial generation especially are looking for wow moments throughout an event that makes them want to pick up their phone and share.
Every brand wants to be shouted about on social media, and what better way to do this than creating an engaging pop-up activation at an event.
Incorporate fun visuals and portray your brand in an entertaining way to serve as the perfect selfie backdrop. At Make Events we have achieved this by building structures such as our Live Prosecco Wall, Photo Booth Bathtub and Branded Balloon Swing.
Wellness
Although wellness is a bit of a buzzword that has been around for quite some time, it is around because your attendees are interested in incorporating it into their lives. As health and well being move to the forefront of people’s minds, it is something that needs to play a role in your event as well.
Make Events are well versed at integrating wellness into both our workplace and events and after producing Mel Wells’ Self Love Summit in July. Read our blog on How to Incorporate Wellness into your Employee Conference.
Making Meaningful Connections
In the digital world, it is difficult to create meaningful connections when we’re all drawn to our phones. Create an event that provokes thought and ignites creativity by engaging your delegates in intriguing activities and installations.
Refinery29 did just this with their 29rooms event. Through multi-sensory installations, performances, and workshops, they found a new way to elevate their online content in 29 spaces.
Piera Gelardi, Refinery29 co-founder and executive creative director said about the event: “We try to open people up through play and then expand their minds to new ideas and experiences that they might not otherwise be exposed to. Part of that is helping people to put away their phones and have a momentary break to be present.”
Read more about 29rooms here.
Creating Childlike Wonder and Nostalgia
Evoking emotion in your delegates by taking them back to simpler times will make an impression. Conjuring up happy memories in turn will transfer to the event itself and make it memorable, allowing it to live on after the day.
Do this by incorporating games, challenges or going all out and theme your event to Alice in Wonderland or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! See how we did this for The Hut Group’s summer party here!
Have any of these trends got you thinking? Take a look at our services and get in touch with us today!
Make Events are the go-to corporate events agency for the North’s household names. Whether you want to educate, motivate or celebrate, we will create the ultimate experience.
