PCMA’s Five Trends Shaping the Future of Events

Carrie Johnson, senior director of education, of PCMA, an organization of business events strategists based in Chicago, recently shared five emerging event trends, as detailed in The NonProfit Times. We’ve provided our own description, questions for reflection, and an idea for each trend. 

1. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – participants want to feel understood on a deeper emotional level, recognized as individuals, with experiences tailored to them. 

Think About: How can we better understand the needs of participants before they arrive? How can I personalize our experiences? 

Try This: Consider STARTING your planning with experience mapping or a design thinking activity, like this EMPATHY MAP  or this AX MAP.

2. ORCHESTRATED SERENDIPITY – creating an environment that welcomes and gives space for the unexpected and unplanned. 

Think About: When have I seen something wonderful happen during an event that was unplanned? 

Try This: Schedule opportunities for unscripted sharing from participants. This could be a response from an experience like Open Space or World Cafe.

3. MULIMODAL DESIGN – digital connectivity is shaping our expectations of space and interactivity. Events need to grow more adaptable, iterative and fluid. 

Think About: How do we engage all of the senses at an event? How do we help participants gain greater ownership of our spaces and sessions? 

Try This: Create spaces that have flexible furnishings that participants can move and adapt. Provide boards for sharing ideas, artwork and questions. These smart chairs are interesting. 

4. BIGGER THAN ONES SELF – events are becoming more than just sharing content, they must have a message. Organizations, especially nonprofits must actually embody their point of view. 

Think About: How might our organization embody our values and message in our next event? 

Try This: Consider infusing service and giving back opportunities in your event that directly reflect the values of your organization. Something like assembling water filters to provide safe drinking water to water-scarce areas. See the Winter 2020 Aspire Magazine for more ideas.

5. A CLEAR SENSE OF PLACE – the most memorable events authentically celebrate local surroundings. 

 Think About: How could we help your participants experience authentic local culture and environments? 

Try This: Meet with local non-profit leaders to help plan a multi-stop experience that involves local food, music and culture that is off-the-beaten (touristy) path. Also consider infusing some of these elements in your sessions. Click to read this article about the importance of adding local flavor to your event.

#wherefaithmeets #eventplanners #eventtrends2020 #eventtrends #PCMA