Top 5 Global Conference Trends in 2023

Hi, I'm James Castrission! 

If we haven’t met, I’m a world-record-breaking adventurer and the owner of MyAdventure Group, which invites corporate teams to side-step their comfort zone on life-changing outdoor adventures. I’m also privileged to travel the world and meet thousands of people as a professional speaker. 

Getting up on stage is always a thrill and I am so excited to be back in front of audiences IN-PERSON after COVID. And there is no denying that events still matter; a recent report shared that the global virtual events market size was valued at $77.98 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2% from 2020 to 2027. 

As you know, nothing compares to the energy of a room filled with delegates at a well-curated event. However, I have noticed that the best conferences these days have responded to the needs and expectations of a post-pandemic world in very cool and clever ways.  

After two years of sitting at home, people are expecting a LOT more from events these days. I’ve created this guide to give you an idea of what I have been impressed by and which trends are emerging in the live events world. 

Have a read and then get in touch—I’d love to know your thoughts and ideas about making your next event something special.

TREND #1

REAL CONNECTIONS

Audiences and organisations are seeking a genuine sense of togetherness.

Pre-COVID, people were happy to show up to events and listen, theatre-style. A conference was a chance to decompress and not talk to people. 

Now, because so many people spend so much time at home, the desire at a conference is to connect, talk, and interact. As shared by SpeakerHub, in-person events should become more meaningful. They need to emphasise the experience and connection people get through that event more than the information, otherwise, people will stay at home on their couches.

You don’t want an event where people would rather stand outside and catch up with colleagues and friends than watch the speaker. Give people the opportunity to chat with their peers, share their ideas, and have spontaneous conversations as part of the presentations.

Conference Trend: Give delegates multiple opportunities to converse and interact. They’ll come away with a lot more memorable moments and stronger bonds with their peers. 

How To: Ask your speaker to give delegates time to talk amongst themselves at different times during the presentation. 

Trend #2

THE AUDIENCE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

During COVID, the risk of live events was leaving people feeling like they were just watching TV. 

To minimise this, organisers leveraged breakout rooms, polls, and live chat. These often shaped and changed the direction of the presentation. 

Audiences became used to this. During COVID, They enjoyed having the choice between actively contributing or sitting back to watch quietly as the day unfolded. 

In a live setting, offering worksheets and facilitating smaller discussion groups will maintain the audience’s sense of being in control. 

Conference Trend: Give the audience some control so they can guide outcomes and discussion topics. 

How To: Ask your speaker to interact with the audience by asking questions or allowing them to fill out polls. There are some clever tools that let you do this. Even a Twitter hashtag can be a fun way to see what people think during the presentation. 

Trend #3 

INTERACTIVE, EXPERIENCE-BASED LEARNING

Pandemic or no pandemic, the conference industry has to evolve like anything. 

Sitting still and listening for eight hours is a lot. New conferences delight audiences by incorporating interactive elements and activities that ‘show’ as well as tell. 

It’s easy to let words wash over you when you’re in an audience. When the presenter gets everyone to sit up and get involved throughout the presentation, the experience is memorable and the lessons stick. 

One industry insider shared with hopin.com, “Putting a bunch of people in a room to listen to a keynote that could have been a podcast or that you heard about on a webcast sometime over the last two years when you were in your room––it has to be more than that.”

An interactive session also gives delegates the chance to stand out, impress others, or notice colleagues who may have previously flown under the radar. 

Conference Trend: The speaker shouldn’t be the only person in the room who has a voice. 

How To: Find speakers who teach as well as talk, and who understand the value of interactive learning. They can break people into groups for activities. 

Trend #4 

HYBRID IS HERE TO STAY

In-person events are back but flexibility reigns. 

Conferences will generally have 90% of the delegates show up in person. However, likely, there will still be 10 per cent who dial in to watch from home or work. According to 2021 research from EventMB, 71% of event planners said they will employ a digital strategy even after live events return.

The visuals and audio technology must do your event justice. It is not enough to simply switch on a webcam during the day. Virtual delivery still needs to be nailed so the delegates who are participating remotely feel included. 

If you can, ensure that the presenters take the time to acknowledge online viewers and find a way to include them.

Conference Trend: Have virtual worksheets ready to share with online participants and make sure some of the questions at the end of the session come from virtual delegates. 

How To: Create a virtual delivery strategy and process. Remind your speakers that there are people tuning in from home.

Trend #5 

RAZZLE DAZZLE ‘EM

It’s so good to be back at in-person events and to see people together again. 

After so long at home, some folk are out of practice. To get people used to coming out again, there has to be a bit of a wow factor. 

Conferences have the opportunity to now think of themselves as curated shows with stagecraft and some theatrical touches that delight the audience. 

There are many ways to do this and bring an element of showmanship (and I don’t mean juggling or pulling rabbits out of hats). The goal is to have people so excited by what they have seen that they can’t help but tell their friends/colleagues/family.

Conference Trend: Add some drama through video, props, sound effects, and lighting so the stories being told onstage are more memorable. 

How To: Look for speakers who have a multimedia strategy for their presentation and take things further than the basic ‘speaking and slides’ formula.

HOW WILL YOU DELIGHT YOUR AUDIENCE?

Tapping into new conference trends creates talking points and will ensure your post-pandemic events are a hit. 

If you’re looking for a presenter with the right combination of showmanship, storytelling, and interactive content, then I’d love to tell you more about my ‘choose your own adventure’ presentation, Uncharted Ice. This immersive experience takes delegates on a journey to the South Pole, where they nominate leaders and make tough decisions as a team. 

As a presenter, it is incredible to see people’s faces light up as teams high-five each other for ‘surviving’ their expedition.  

Want to talk about events? Book a free call with me today. 

Let’s talk about how you can bring your next conference or off-site up a notch. Book your call by visiting our website or emailing info@myadventuregroup.com.au.