2010 is in full swing, and many in the event industry have found themselves wondering what the year ahead will hold. BizBash published an online article recently titled, “57 Predictions for 2010: Event Pros on Budgets, Social Media, Catering, Décor Trends, and More.”
More of a collection of quotes, 57 people in the event industry gave their opinion and predictions of what will unfold in 2010. These industry professionals cover everything from budgeting to catering to social media.
The overall consensus for 2010… ?
On Budgets…
Most everyone was on the same page when it came to this topic; 2010 is a “back-to-the-basics” year. Though the country is beginning to emerge from the recession, the prediction is that the event industry will continue to work on tight budgets and continue to give the client “more bang for their buck” as Jonathon Margolis, president and CEO for The Michael Alan Group, put it.
On Social Media…
Tweet. Tweet. Tweet. It is all about Twitter. Of the 6 professionals quoted in this section of the article, 5 of them specifically referred to Twitter as a major player in the event world for 2010. My favorite of these blurbs was given by Ben Hindman, National Events Manager for Thrillist in New York. Hindman said, “there are new types of VIP’s in 2010. With the growth of new media, celebrity attendance will be just as coveted as the attendance of an entrepreneur with 100,000 Twitter followers.”
“Twitter launches average Joe to star status!” …That’s a whole topic in itself, stay tuned.
On the Tone of Events…
Interactive experiences and themed events seem to be in the forecast from this group.
On How the Industry Works…
“2010: the year we start talking about what goals our events accomplished, instead of what they looked like,” Howard Givner, CEO, North America for Global Events Group. I like this, Howard. After all, accomplishing goals is what drives our clients; we should all be on the same page.
On Reaching the Right Audience…
One of our own, Hunter Haas, is quoted in this section. As a Business Development Manager here at EA, Hunter says, “Pick up and move! Pop-ups, mobile tours, and events on the go will help you take your message to the streets and bring your buyers to your brand.” You heard him, let’s hit the road!
Technology, Catering, Style & Décor and Social Responsibility are also covered in this article. If you’d like to read more, check it out at here.
What will come of these predictions? Check back in 2011…