Although events vary in terms of size and purpose, all event designs are constantly changing and evolving. Changes in design are done to ultimately increase attendee engagement.

As event planners, we work hard to keep on top of trends, this helps us to always create something new and exciting for the attendees’ experience.

Event design covers a wide area where planners can explore ideas from one event to the next to keep attendees engaged. We’ve put together a few top trends in event design for 2016.

Unique locations

For too long conferences have been held at hotels or typical conference centre locations. This seems to be changing as more unusual and eye catching places are attracting more visitors. Unusual venues are able to capture new interest and new ways to theme of the event.

It can become rather repetitive to attend events throughout the year and sit in dull conference rooms. Exploring unfamiliar venue locations is vital to keeping attendees attention spans focused.

Technology

Technology continues to transform events in a profound manner. It’s a planner’s job to design an event space that incorporates tech without giving up pleasing aesthetics.

The use of technology could include anything from touch screen monitors to tablets and mobile applications which provide information in a convenient way, allowing attendees to focus on learning and networking. Other ideas for a tech-savvy audience include pushing boundaries with the use of AV effects and lighting.

For open events, technology is also being used to increase numbers and seek honest feedback with post event questionnaires.

Food and beverages

The National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot 2016 Culinary forecast showed that when it comes to catering, non-traditional food with a slight homemade yet foreign touch will be extremely popular. They pinpointed providing new culinary experiences with ethnic/artisanal dishes as the vocal point for events this year. Dishes that are local to the venue from small local suppliers are particularly popular with audiences.

Other trends included locally sourced meat and seafood, locally grown produce and natural ingredients. The trend for quality over quantity is continuing.

Be creative!

It is important to think through the whole event style/theme during the planning process. The theme should run throughout the core and reach all areas of the event, from the furniture, entertainment to food and beverages. It’s now becoming the norm to go away from the norm, think of something different that will create a memorable and engaging event.

If you want to be remembered, you need to be distinctive.