The industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, so we’ve compiled a quick list for you to stay up-to-date with key event trends that you should incorporate, and the outdated that you should ditch.
The Hot list
Rare breed gin
Gin is the spirit du jour but it’s not just any old bathtub blend. The cool kids are drinking artisan gins from Australian distilleries like Four Pillars (Yarra Valley, Vic) and Archie Rose (Rosebery, NSW).
Childcare at conferences
You want to stop the brain drain caused by childcare pressures on working parents? Easy: provide childcare at conferences.
Robotics
It’s everywhere from agriculture to customer service. Ask yourself: Can a robot do my job? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to upskill and replace yourself.
Escape Rooms
Say hello to the new team building. Increasingly difficult and sophisticated escape rooms like The Cipher Room in Newtown, NSW, are popping up around the country.
Co-dining spaces
With a view to fostering collaboration and facilitating synchronicity, smart hoteliers are creating spaces where delegates from all of their in-house conferences and events share breaks and eat lunch together.
The Not List
Hard sell marketing copy
If you aren’t telling a story, educating people, or providing helpful information with your marketing copy, you may want to rethink things. BUY BUY BUY doesn’t cut it anymore.
Lack of accessibility
If you don’t have a change table that can take the weight of an adult, don’t have lifts or ramps, don’t have a disabled toilet and still have old fashioned signage that uses words rather than symbols, it’s time to update your space.
Lack of diversity in speaker line-ups
If your speaker panel is all middle-aged white males, you are failing (unless it’s a conference for, and about, middle aged white males).
Churn and burn staffing mentality
Think you can replace your staff with the next willing victim? Think again. Not only does word get out, there’s an increasing number of people starting their own businesses. Do you want an ex-employee to be your new competitor?
AV fail
Surely we’re beyond this! If your microphones don’t work or your speakers squawk, please invest in training your staff and upgrading your equipment.
