We recently spoke with Michel Wohlmuth, owner of Creatividad and a member of the MPI International Board of Directors, about important event trends he’s seeing that are having the greatest impact on today’s meetings and events.

Sustainability

We must not consider sustainability as a passing trend. Meeting planners can adopt sustainable practices like reducing waste and energy consumption and encouraging use of recyclable and biodegradable materials. These practices benefit the environment, improve the event’s brand image and attract a public that is increasingly aware of their impact on the planet. However, we expect them to take more drastic steps to reduce events’ environmental impact, like eliminating single-use plastics and adopting renewable energy sources. Furthermore, meeting planners must carefully consider the environmental impact of their event when selecting a destination, choosing those places with sustainable policies and practices.

Artificial intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in events has been a growing trend over the last several months if not weeks. We can currently identify the implementation of AI in several meetings as follows, but I’m sure that it’s just the beginning.

• Data analytics: AI can help meeting planners analyze vast amounts of participant data, including their preferences, interests and online behavior, allowing a more customized experience to meet participants’ needs.
• Virtual assistance: AI-based chatbots and virtual assistants answer participants’ questions before and during the events, thus freeing planners from having to answer basic questions, which allows them to concentrate on more critical tasks.
• Voice and facial recognition: AI can help recognize participants’ voices or faces for easier access to the event, reducing waiting times and improving their experience.
• Personalized recommendations: AI can help by recommending content, sessions and customized products to participants based on their preferences, history and behavior.

Collaboration

Collaboration is an effective tool for creating unique and exciting events. Meeting planners can collaborate with local businesses to offer authentic experiences related to the local culture, culinary samplings, guided city tours or artistic performances. Additionally, they can work with sponsors to provide exclusive benefits to participants, such as discounts on products and services related to the event. Another form of collaboration is involving participants in event creation, allowing them to contribute ideas and suggestions to personalize the experience. Collaboration can help to create more attractive and memorable events for the audience.

More inclusive events

Event planners increasingly look to create inclusive events to meet the needs and preferences of a diverse audience, which can include access to technologies and experiences for all. Inclusion can improve the experience for all participants and make for an even more successful and memorable event.

Personalized experiences

Increasingly, event participants seek unique experiences adapted to their preferences. To comply with these expectations, meeting planners can use technology to create personalized food and beverage options, offer recommendations for event-related activities and adapt experiences to participants’ specific needs. Personalizing the participant experience can significantly improve their connection to and involvement in the event.

Conclusion

By using innovative technologies, sustainable practices and creative collaborations, we can offer more personalized and attractive events for participants. Additionally, by including all participants in the experience, we can ensure that the event will have a lasting impact on the community and the world.