We've glimpsed the future of special events, and we can sum it up in one word: Focus.
After talking to scores of event planners, caterers, designers and partygoers, we predict 2001 will bring more than just trendy foods, hot DJs or innovative technology (although you should pay attention to those things, too). The most important shift in the special events industry will be toward more focused, strategic events.
With an uncertain economy, event planners--and the people who pay them--will want to get the most bang for their bucks. But that doesn't mean fewer events. It means better events. We won't see less decor; we'll see more events where the theme and message is echoed in every.phpect of the atmosphere and design. Cocktail parties that have no memorable message will be passe. But totally in: Events that send a strong message to their target audiences.
Although the dominant trend is toward focused events, the stylistic details have yet to be determined. So here's a sample of what some people across the industry predict for 2001. They don't always agree, of course. But their thoughts provide a glimpse of what the industry will be talking about in the coming months.
Types of Events
People are going back to theme parties because a theme defines the party. People go to so many parties they can't remember them anymore. Party throwers are being forced to make their events more memorable.
--Serena Bass, Serena Bass Inc.
There will be a shift away from formal sit-down dinners to big dancing cocktail parties.
--Avi Adler and David Stark, of Avi Adler
Photo by Jurgen Frank for German Elle Decoration
Cocktail-style parties will continue to dominate into the new year.
--Lizzie Grubman, Lizzie Grubman & Peggy Siegal Public Relations
Attendance at parties will be smaller, but planners will have a more potent, impactful group attending them. For benefits, less money will be spent on the party, and more money will go to the cause. I'd like to think one could raise just as much money (or more) for a non-profit without having to go hog-wild over expenses.
--Pamela Miller, director of special events, Big Apple Circus
More:
Event Trends for 2001 Part 2
Event Trends for 2001 Part 3
After talking to scores of event planners, caterers, designers and partygoers, we predict 2001 will bring more than just trendy foods, hot DJs or innovative technology (although you should pay attention to those things, too). The most important shift in the special events industry will be toward more focused, strategic events.
With an uncertain economy, event planners--and the people who pay them--will want to get the most bang for their bucks. But that doesn't mean fewer events. It means better events. We won't see less decor; we'll see more events where the theme and message is echoed in every.phpect of the atmosphere and design. Cocktail parties that have no memorable message will be passe. But totally in: Events that send a strong message to their target audiences.
Although the dominant trend is toward focused events, the stylistic details have yet to be determined. So here's a sample of what some people across the industry predict for 2001. They don't always agree, of course. But their thoughts provide a glimpse of what the industry will be talking about in the coming months.
Types of Events
People are going back to theme parties because a theme defines the party. People go to so many parties they can't remember them anymore. Party throwers are being forced to make their events more memorable.
--Serena Bass, Serena Bass Inc.
There will be a shift away from formal sit-down dinners to big dancing cocktail parties.
--Avi Adler and David Stark, of Avi Adler
Photo by Jurgen Frank for German Elle Decoration
Cocktail-style parties will continue to dominate into the new year.
--Lizzie Grubman, Lizzie Grubman & Peggy Siegal Public Relations
Attendance at parties will be smaller, but planners will have a more potent, impactful group attending them. For benefits, less money will be spent on the party, and more money will go to the cause. I'd like to think one could raise just as much money (or more) for a non-profit without having to go hog-wild over expenses.
--Pamela Miller, director of special events, Big Apple Circus
More:
Event Trends for 2001 Part 2
Event Trends for 2001 Part 3
