2023 Trends - Festival Style Events

Hello, hello. From our newsletter last week, we actually had a client request for a happy hour that wanted to add in the element of a tech comedy roast!! Stay tuned at SaaStr 👀

Festival-Style Events 🎉

Speaking of SaaStr…Gone are the days of mundane conferences in a Marriott Ballroom basement. Today's attendees demand more – Especially when you're traveling, every detail matters:

• What's the ROI of me attending?

• What's the total cost – conference ticket, travel, accommodation?

• Is it even worth it?

A festival-style conference not only grabs attention but also justifies the investment. With thoughtfully curated talks, networking sessions, and immersive experiences, attendees get more than their money's worth while having a blast. The stakes are higher than ever.

Last year, Zoomtopia brought the festival and whole concert experience to its backyard. It's a testament to the power of immersive event design – a space where innovation meets entertainment, and ideas flow like music.

Work travel now HAS to be worth it. A client's 3 day offsite comparison:

in 2022: 9-6 pm in a confined conference rooms & a happy hour at the end

in 2023: A full 3-day experience: Breakfast walks, activity-packed lunches, engaging conference sessions, group happy hours, late night ice cream runs, axe throwing – it's a whole new level.

Trends We're Seeing in Fall of 2023:

• Travel with Purpose: No unnecessary travel needed. Embrace remote work and consider the value of face-to-face interactions. “This meeting could have been an email” energy only.

• Shifting Alcohol Consumption: The rise of alcohol alternatives is changing the networking game. It's not just about the drinks; it's about the connections.

• Community-Centric Approach: Events aren't isolated occasions; they're touch points within a larger online community. A reset button for IRL connections.

• Breaks, Not Monologues: Lengthy speaker sessions are a thing of the past. Break up the content with engaging pauses and interactive activities.

• Diverse Speaker Panels: Say goodbye to "Manels." Many speaker submissions aren't allowing panels without at least 1 female speaker.

Intentional Networking. Leaving it to chance isn't the best strategy. Shape your networking with intent:

• Braindates: Facilitate topic-driven discussions with like-minded peers.

• Thematic 'Houses': Create spaces for specific communities – web3 enthusiasts, marketers, fintech innovators – you name it. Can use this for any small or large event.

Some More Conference Ideas for you:

• Coworking Booths: Embrace collaboration with coworking-style setups.

• Fitness Classes: Keep attendees active with yoga, massages, or even a mini soul cycle session.

• Smart Vending Machines: Recharge gadgets and stay hydrated – all in one spot.

• Content Creator Space: Cater to content creators with podcast setups and photo-friendly zones.

Low-Effort Conference Booth Ideas:

• Building legos

• A makeup touch-up station for quick refreshes

• Get professional headshots taken

• Custom cookies with your face on them

• Play Pictionary, trivia or any jumbo sized game

• An event mascot that adds personality

• Mini pantry stocked with event essentials

  

Embrace Novelty:

Predictable events? Not my style. The word "event" implies novelty, something extraordinary. Redesign event strategies every year, keeping the excitement alive and the experience fresh.

Here's to extraordinary experiences,

Afra Nehal
COO, Afterwork

P.S. Got your own unique event ideas? Share them with us – we're always up for some innovative inspiration! Let's chat!