Tech Event Trends for 2023

In-person events are back – but things have changed! How can you stay ahead of the curve as you plan your next tech event?

Let’s look at some key trends to consider to ensure it’s a success.

1. Run ‘experience-first’ events to reconnect people

According to the 2023 AMEX Global Event Trends Forecast, there’s ‘booming optimism and focus on in-person meetings and events’. Furthermore, it’s evident that people want to reconnect in a way that’s hard to replicate online, which is putting an emphasis on ‘experience-first events’. In this environment, people want to feel safe post-Covid while enjoying greater accessibility and inclusion. 

So 2023 is a year to really focus on innovation, using technology to bring people together and create memorable experiences.  An effective solution is to make your event hybrid. This allows you to harness the benefits of both in-person and online events, reaching a wider audience, and producing evergreen content to keep them engaged beyond your event.

2. Make engagement a key measure of success

Technology can work wonders in creating an experience-first event. But at any moment your audience can get pulled away by incoming calls, email, social media and more! So in a world full of distractions, audience engagement is key. In fact, 49% of marketers say it’s the ‘single biggest contributing factor to event success’, according to Marcletic.

So organisers are turning to experiential marketing, which engages your audience in an aligned brand and event experience from start to finish. For example:

• Using custom domain names and branded event ticketing pages, communications and platforms to facilitate ease-of-use.
• Employing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to engage people with information, products and experiences at the event – in presentations, group discussions, sales pitches, tours, and even connecting with other events within your event!
• Employing gamification to make networking more fun, create leads for your exhibitors, and encourage people to talk about your event on social media. Gaming corners, sponsor raffles and photo scavenger hunts are just a few ways to engage your audience in a positive brand experience.

3. Don’t get left behind on sustainability

As public awareness of climate issues continues to grow, sustainability is now a prerequisite. But where to begin? Start by allowing it to inform your decision-making, such as:

• The type of event you run, such as a hybrid event that can support business and sustainability aims in a localised venue whilst being broadcast to a global audience.
• The products you use at in-person events, such as disposable versus reusable exhibition stands.
• The partnerships you build with suppliers and venues committed to sustainability.
• The eco-friendly solutions available to you, such as event platforms that offer e-ticketing.

Although it comes with challenges, making your events sustainable is achievable. 

Bringing it all together

Leading with an ‘experience-first’ event, harnessing technology to increase engagement, and incorporating sustainable practices, are three trends to consider and make your tech event a success in 2023.

If you need help at any stage of the process, Fresh Productions is ready to bring creativity, expertise and cost-effective solutions to help you stay ahead of the curve.

You can book a call now to discuss how you can provide a seamless experience that engages people in your brand through a sustainable, cutting-edge event.