Event technology has undergone a major transformation – evolving to provide more flexible and customizable experiences for attendees.

Today, attendees are well-versed with virtual event formats, from conferences and webinars to fireside chats. To enhance any marketing or community-building initiative, organizations are now leveraging event tech to create enhanced experiences that deliver top-notch content with conveniences like speed and optionality.

When it comes to key trends, here are some things we expect to take center stage this year.
 

Enhanced Optionality for Your Experiences

As event planners look to blend elevated virtual technology with in-person experiences, optionality will be key. Organizations must learn how to cater to both virtual and in-person audiences while ensuring that both experiences are equally engaging and inviting.

In 2023 and beyond, flexibility will be key as audiences expect events to be convenient, accessible from any time zone, location or device and available on demand.
 

Prioritizing Inclusivity at Your Events

One of the key benefits of virtual events is that they bring enhanced inclusivity for attendees. Without the implications of cost, travel and schedule availability, this flexibility enables more people to attend via a format that suits their individual preferences.

Online events also enhance accessibility for participants with disabilities or differing needs, so it’s critical that organizations include format options that are guaranteed to grant attendees an equally interactive experience.
 

All Eyes on Sustainability

Both marketers and attendees are now exploring how their event plans can minimize impact on climate change. To prioritize carbon neutrality and the mass journey towards “net zero,” in-person events will become increasingly plastic and paper-free and will be held in environmentally responsible venues.

Further, these events will always offer a virtual option, reducing carbon footprints for those who might require extensive travel.
 

The Evolution of Digital Events

The demand for more engaging digital experiences isn’t going anywhere, and a new wave of digital event technology innovation is on the horizon.

Moving forward, vendors that are laser-focused on streamlining digital events will redefine the event experience. For example, anchoring digital events with a live MC will become the norm, as this provides a more interactive experience compared to the “choose your own adventure” methods of the recent past.
 

Maximizing Sponsorship Value

In 2023, event planners and organizations are increasingly focused on how to maximize value for their sponsors, beyond just email signups and social media interactions.

From the early planning stages, digital event experiences should be designed to integrate sponsors within an event’s core theme and goals, creating opportunities throughout every step of the way to ensure quantifiable results.
 

The Future is Limitless

As event technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of the event experience is limitless. With increased optionality, event planners and marketers can now create more personalized and interactive experiences that bolster community and reach every attendee–regardless of their location.

Moving forward, the events industry will continue to embrace innovation and emerging technologies to stand out amongst competing events—all while creating more accessible, sustainable and custom experiences for all.

Dan Lotzof is Chief Revenue Officer and Chief of Staff at Notified. Follow Dan on LinkedIn and learn more about Notified’s event solutions.