The events industry has experienced a significant impact from virtual events in recent years. Yet, there is some discourse about the decrease in their popularity since the appearance of in-person settings.
This article explores whether virtual events are disappearing or simply changing compared to the past few years. We will also explore the factors contributing to the rise of virtual events, the challenges event planners face when hosting them, and upcoming virtual event trends.
So, let’s start with the trends first:
Virtual Event Trends in 2024
Despite some speculation about using virtual events less frequently, the industry is at an all-time high. The virtual events market size is expected to grow to USD 526.30 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 24.92% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
vFairs has seen this growth firsthand, hosting 700+ virtual events since 2022 and still leading with virtual event solutions in 2024. 700+ virtual events since 2022 and still leading with virtual event solutions in 2024.
Behind these numbers are significant changes happening every day in the industry. It can be challenging to keep up with the ever-changing virtual events settings, including virtual events technologies and trends.
To help with upcoming transformations in the industry, some foreseen trends in virtual events are mentioned below:
1. Prioritizing Sustainability
Interest in sustainability is growing in the events industry. The shift from physical to virtual and hybrid events has been favorable for the industry in terms of contributing to sustainability.
However, not all virtual event platforms provide an opportunity to reduce carbon footprint, so choosing the right event partner is crucial.
2. Increased Personalization
Improved personalization is another from the list of virtual event trends that can significantly change virtual events. Attendees may receive more personalized recommendations for event sessions and networking opportunities based on the data they provide.
3. Upswing in Analytics
Better use of analytics is also becoming one of the popular virtual event trends. Virtual events generate vast amounts of data, and event organizers are working toward optimizing this data more effectively for the future of virtual events.
With better access to analytics, event organizers can gain better insights into attendees’ behaviors, preferences, and engagement, leading to more data-driven decisions in virtual events.
4. Immersive Event Experience with VR/AR Tech
Virtual event technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, are changing the landscape of events. Virtual reality can create an immersive environment with realistic networking opportunities, while augmented reality can gamify the event experience and provide unique opportunities for engagement.
These technologies can also break down geographical barriers, allowing attendees to participate from anywhere in the world. Overall, virtual and augmented reality are likely to initiate more virtual event trends like virtual tourism in the coming years. with augmented reality. Instead of paying for directional signage and staff, increased reality virtual tours can help you provide your attendees with a unique event experience.
5. Leveraging AI
AI is a rapidly evolving tool that is being used in almost every stage of event planning—from event setup and promotion to email creation and segmentation. AI is making it easier for virtual event planners to host events efficiently and easily.
Event management platforms are keeping up with the high usage of AI in events by offering AI-powered event solutions. For instance, vFairs provides AI-powered event management features such as an AI reporting chatbot, AI-powered content management, email segmentation, and more. These features and tools help reduce time and effort, make data-driven event decisions, and achieve events’ goals.
While vFairs is one of the key event management platforms working towards incorporating AI-powered solutions for building better events, it is essential that event organizers also do the same. Once event organizers are fully educated about the benefits of using AI as an event management tool, we can expect a significant shift in the coming months of 2024.
6. Focus on Accessibility and Neurodiversity
One of the growing trends in the event industry is to host more accessible events. To have successful events in the future, it’s important to give power to attendees. Attendees should have the freedom to participate in the way they choose. This has been considered with virtual events, as attendees can participate from anywhere in the world and even from the comfort of their homes. However, accessibility is not limited to virtual events.
Instead, we’re seeing a trend of hosting more accessible virtual events. This involves event organizers partnering with event management software that provides solutions to help attendees with hearing disabilities, cognitive impairments, vision impairments, ADHD, and more to enjoy a great event experience.
Event management software, such as vFairs, is ahead of its time with its accessibility features. The platform enables organizers to reach the widest audience possible, adhering to W3C’s WCAG 2.1 at the AA level, ADA, and AODA compliance.
The platform allows attendees to personalize their event experience with personalized websites that offer accessibility profiles for those with disabilities. Attendees can adjust the text size, enjoy live captioning of webinars, and utilize many more accessibility features to personalize their event experience.
Keeping up With the Dynamic Virtual Event Audience
To hold virtual events that connect with changing audience dynamics and preferences, it’s essential to keep up with emerging trends such as virtual and hybrid events, artificial intelligence, sustainability activities, and personalized experiences.
By staying informed and adapting to these changes, you can provide the best event experience for your attendees.
- Know your audience’s preferences through surveys, feedback forms, analytics, social media, and CRM tools.
- Embrace innovation by choosing a virtual events platform that provides an immersive virtual events experience.
- Measure the impact of your event by leveraging the event reporting features provided by event platforms and use valuable insights to shape your future events.
Partnering with an events platform like vFairs with innovative tech solutions can help you provide attendees with everything they expect from your event and keep up with the biggest event industry trends. Check the video below to learn more:
Interested in event trends beyond virtual events? These trends will be shaping up the event industry in 2024.
