In response to LinkedIn’s #BigIdeas2024 campaign, Centrifuge Media’s team of experts collaborated to gather their predictions in the events industry for 2024. Insights range from immersive media, and onsite well-being initiatives, to the strategic use of marketing long before the event. These predictions aim to ignite ideas for those who are starting to plan an event or who are already working to build custom experiences. Dive into the predictions, and let us know which one sparks further conversation with your team!

IMMERSIVE MEDIA INCOMING

Keegan Girouard – Account Manager

Immersive media is poised for an explosive boom in 2024 due to several converging factors that are set to revolutionize the entertainment, education, and business landscapes. Technological advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are reaching new heights, making these experiences more accessible, affordable, and engaging for a broader audience. Additionally, the pandemic-driven shift towards remote work and virtual social interactions has accelerated the acceptance and adoption of immersive technologies as viable alternatives to physical presence, driving demand across various sectors. The gaming industry continues to push boundaries, leveraging immersive media to create lifelike and captivating experiences that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Moreover, businesses are recognizing the potential of immersive technologies for training, simulations, and product demonstrations, leading to increased investment and innovation. As content creators, developers, and businesses continue to harness the potential of immersive media, 2024 is primed to witness a surge in its popularity and widespread integration into daily life, reshaping how we learn, entertain ourselves, and conduct business activities.

EXPERIENTIAL 3D CONTENT

Suzanne Tudman – 3D Event Designer

When thinking about big idea predictions for this year, I’m seeing a movement to rethink the way we experience 3D content. Look at the large-scale, 3D illusion effects you see on the digital screens/billboards in places like Japan and NYC, or the immersive shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2023. This “next level” effect makes the content seemingly jump off the screen to better capture the attention of viewers. This will be scaled down on a smaller scale, so it can be integrated into high-impact general sessions and experiential trainings to give attendees a closer look at the MOA or patient journey. The possibilities are endless!

RECHARGE TO RETAIN

Casey Carpenter – Senior Event Coordinator

With long days full of presentations and learning, attendees often feel mentally and physically exhausted. Presentations tend to run long, breaks are cut short, and people are not at their best to absorb information. As we continue to see the rise of human-centric event planning, think about creating a separate space for relaxation and informal connections. Bring in plants, unique furniture, music, scents, and more in order to give people a quick mental refresh. Attendees will be more likely to engage with subsequent session content, and this is also a way to show that their well-being is important to the company.

INVESTING IN A MARKETING STRATEGY

Kristen Wolfe – Communications Strategist

Meetings, events, and creating a memorable experience are crucial investments in your team. Yet, a marketing strategy specific to the event is often overlooked during the planning process.

Investing in a Marketing Strategy is a must for 2024.

1. Planting marketing seeds well before the event to build anticipation is crucial to have the experience in your audience’s minds well before they arrive. Use a digital campaign to efficiently communicate with your audience, and incorporate unique print content for high-end events.
2. Communicating “The Why” early to your guests creates clear messaging and allows the attendees to connect to the theme and purpose of the event. Share a video from members of your leadership team, so attendees hear the strategic vision directly from those at the top.
3. Sharing the itinerary ahead of the event empowers attendees to personalize their time away from home and sets expectations, allowing them to plan and utilize their time effectively. Send a PDF or take it to the next level with an event app. Communicating to your guests about the balance between work and relaxation time sets a positive expectation for their upcoming trip and ignites a positive culture.
4. When flying your employees to an interesting city far from home and marketing it as a perk, tease event initiatives that are planned for the guests to embrace and celebrate the local community. For example, share what you have planned for the philanthropic event that supports the local community and welcome your guests with a curated gift basket featuring items sourced from local businesses. These initiatives will allow your guests to immerse themselves in the location.

These points may seem obvious, yet with creative approaches and more time dedicated to addressing them, the potential to enhance attendee success is vast!

VALUE IN FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS & EVENTS FOR 2024

Amy Schaller – Office Manager

Building memorable relationships, authentic face-to-face connections, and creating meaningful attendee engagement are many aspects of the meetings and events industry that have been limited in recent years due to the global pandemic, budget cuts, and limited vendor sources. However, we’re continuing to see a genuine desire and push in 2024 to connect once again with people, co-workers, and clients onsite. People experience content differently and create a sense of community and belonging when they are together.

“According to AMEX Global Business Travel, 77% of respondents say attendee numbers have already returned to 2019 levels or are expected to in the coming year. While 81% of meetings and events are looking to be in-person only, with only 18% hybrid.“

Sources:

AMEX Global Business Travel https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/the-atlas/meetings-events-forecast-na-2024/

Virtual On https://virtualongroup.com/interactive-augmented-reality-experience/