Ask the Editors: What's the Coolest Event Idea You Spotted in 2020?

"In a year where event pros have really been pushing the boundaries and experimenting in the digital space, it's almost too difficult to choose just one over-the-top, innovative idea to deem the best! I've loved seeing event production companies move into the virtual world, creating their own customized online event experience so that the show can still go on, whether that be in 3D environments, virtual reality worlds, and beyond. But I think one of the absolute coolest ideas I've seen (and I'm sure I'm not alone!) is the drive-thru activation concept that's quickly gained popularity on the events scene, especially this holiday season. While many people across the country have been isolated, these safe, contact-less experiences brought much-needed joy—that's something worth getting excited about." –Ashton Pike, editor in chief

See more: Merry, Bright, and Socially Distanced: 32 Festive Ideas From This Year’s Most Creative Holiday Events

"As event organizers have been forced to trade in venues for virtual platforms this year, it's been cool to see how planners have ensured attendees still feel involved and immersed in the experience by sending gift packages straight to their homes. Sometimes it's the little touches that make all the difference!" –AP

See more: 10 Useful, Fun, or Just Plain Wacky Ideas for Virtual Event Deliveries

"While there's been an uptick in avatars roaming around virtual event platforms, the use of 'Animal Crossing' to host events—from conferences to fashion shows—definitely wins the cuteness award for 2020. And who doesn’t love creating their alter ego? Back in May, Berlin-based fashion organization Reference Festival hosted a virtual fashion show within the video game that included avatars dressed up in looks inspired by top designers. It even included hip-looking front row attendees." –Michele Laufik, senior contributing editor

Click here to see a video of the runway show.

“The arts provide escape and beauty, whether it is performance art, visual, or a merging of multiple mediums, and the 'Immersive van Gogh' exhibit in Toronto (pictured) was no exception. In an outside venue, attendees were surrounded with the swirling works of van Gogh in a massive digital spectacle. It was a truly innovative way to bring art to people in a safe and socially distant setting, giving guests a bit of beauty during a year where it's been harder to find it. Other notable events that brought art to people include Hyundai's drive-thru art museum; one exhibit featured the hashtag #ArtHeals. What could be more poignant? In the spirit of art, Encore Event Company and the Orlando Museum of Art's 'Don't Forget About Us' installation was an inventive merging of art and the specific impact the pandemic has had on the industry. Event pros' efforts to keep the arts and the event industries alive have been profound and visually fantastic.” –Katrina M. Randall, senior copy editor

See more: A Socially Distanced Starry Night: How This Art Exhibition Safely Opened During the Pandemic

"To interview American Film Market managing director Jonathan Wolf for a story on his virtual trade show last month, I took the 'elevator' to the ninth floor and grabbed an empty table in the corner. And I did it all from my couch. AFM managed to digitally recreate one of the most-missed aspects of live events, the serendipitous connections that lead to lasting friendships and business relationships. Participants could view profiles to see who was already ‘seated’ at a table, and decide to join a video call in progress. Or, guests could plan a private meeting by grabbing a table for two. It was so simple, effective, and so memorable.” –Claire Hoffman, executive editor

See more: How This Virtual Trade Show Created Spontaneous Networking Opportunities

"I loved the TV show Lovecraft Country, but I might have loved its drive-in celebration even more. To celebrate the finale of the original series, HBO and Giant Spoon built an immersive gathering that nodded to the show's 1950s time period and travel aspect. From their cars, guests tuned into a designated FM station that featured fictional ads and other custom content; there was even a fictional 'Lovecraft Country Safety Commission,' complete with logo and official seal, that reminded guests to wear masks when leaving their cars. The best part? Half the production materials were sourced from BIPOC-owned companies.” –CH

See more: Showstoppers: 27 Innovative Ideas From Recent TV and Film Events

"The adaptation to drive-thru events this year was one of the most creative I saw from event planners. Huluween's haunted path filled with film-inspired vignettes and ending at a drive-in movie was one of my favorites. Freeform's 31 Days of Halloween with its photo ops and over-the-top scenes also blew me away! It just shows the ingenuity of event pros when faced with a challenge. The Halloween pop-ups like the one from Outdoorsy.com (pictured) were equally imaginative and pure eye-candy." –Stephanie Davis-Smith, vice president of content and marketing

See more: Ready for Halloween? Here's How Event Organizers Are Hosting Safe, Creative Experiences This Year

“I love what CrowdSync Technology has been doing with PPE. Their LED face masks—what a fun way to level up a live event and, most importantly, keep guests safe! CrowdSync also released SafeBands, a color-coded system designed to monitor social distancing that indicates a guest's comfort level in regard to socializing with red, yellow, or green. Ultimately, it's technology like this that's allowing live events to take place, and I love to see the industry coming back to life! And since PPE is here to stay, post-event, the face masks also serve as stylish swag for attendees that they will surely use in the future.” –Shannon Thaler, editorial and social media intern

See more: How This Experience Agency is Getting Creative With PPE for Live Events

“HMR Designs’ ‘Hollywood at Home’ setup was *heart eyes!* In true 2020 fashion, the event design company constructed a movie screen and seating arrangement in an event host's backyard. While large-scale gatherings are on hold, this backyard movie affair is perfect for smaller, more intimate events.” –ST

See more: Planning a Small Event at Home? Try These Turnkey Solutions for Decor, Catering, and More

"It's been really interesting to see how meeting and event planners have figured out ways to create shared experiences even though everyone is apart. One approach I love for interactive online events like wine tastings and team-building classes is when planners send attendees the physical items they'll need in advance. Then everyone 'gathers' online for the actual event, where members of the group don't just share a virtual moment, but a tangible one, too." –Amy Gordon, contributing editor

See more: 10 New Food-Based Activities for Virtual Team Building