Call it a pivot, a swivel, or even a great leap into the unknown, but the events industry has shown its agility in adapting to the extraordinary. The sector’s adjusted so well, in fact, that it’s changed the expectations and perceptions of both planners and attendees alike. Hybrid and virtual events—each that has its own benefits and opportunities—have become accepted tools within the industry, but there’s simply no denying it: in-person is back.
Embrace the Return to IRL Events
Late last winter—as the first green shoots of IRL events were once again coming to the fore—Eventsforce asked planners to take an objective look at both themselves and those they wanted to engage. Back then, we asked planners to consider that JOMO (the joy of missing out)—not FOMO—was the default mindset of those they were trying to reach.
And yet, the trends don’t lie. The months have rolled by and in every corner of the industry, in-person events are back. The joy of connecting face-to-face, the joy of a moment shared, and the joy of spontaneity have returned in force. For planners, the key is to capture this spark by ensuring that their event is truly worthy of inspiring that FOMO feeling.
Make it Unmissable
So how do you incite FOMO in a world where remote has become par for the course, and where many are hesitant to be lured from their home offices? First and foremost, start by acknowledging that times—both within the industry and beyond—have changed. This shift needs to be reflected in both event content and delivery; do not accept a stale rehash of what once worked because this time, it simply won’t.
This brings up a key point: tailor your efforts to offer up the exceptional, the unmissable, and even the unbelievable—the stuff your audience simply can’t get anywhere else. Consider both your content and methods of delivery and answer honestly: Will your event really get someone out of their slippers? And when it comes to marketing, play up these exceptional elements and lean hard on that FOMO feeling. Your job is simple: to make these kinds of in-person events irresistibly unmissable.
Resources for Joy
As an event technology company, Eventsforce understands both the challenges and opportunities present within the industry, especially now. But it also knows that—when it comes to maximizing the joy of IRL events, not all event tech partners are the same. With Eventsforce’s latest eBook, planners can learn how to make the most of their event tech purchase. And if you’re already thinking about sparking some joy with an event in 2023, we’d love to have your participation in our latest survey.
