When one thinks of autumn, images of the changing season with breathtaking colors capture the mind and smells of pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon invite us to continue that transition into cooler weather. In Colorado, the recent trend to go “leaf peeping” draws many to adventure into the high country to get a glimpse of mountain sides covered in rich golds, oranges, and reds. Much like the changing of the seasons, when change is inevitable and new trends emerge in nature, so too has the event industry changed through the pandemic with many trends looking to set the stage for years to come.
With the often quickly evolving and changing landscape of the pandemic, the event world has been redefined over the last year and a half, particularly with respect to the use of technology and the need for adaptability. As we enter into the fall season, some of the top new trends that John Tobey Events (JTE) anticipates will be here to stay include the following:
1. Hybrid Events: Inclusivity for in-person and virtual attendees
Using technology to create an inclusive event for both in-person and virtual attendees provides the ability to host larger events that enable one to reach wider geographical audiences. Some fun ways to engage on-line attendees with in-person attendees could include:

- Sending a pre-event care package.
From party favors to décor to food and drink, the possibilities are endless. - Developing custom backgrounds for the virtual event attendees.
Unique virtual background options can serve to set the mood/tone for your hybrid event. - Playing games before, during, and after the event.
By incorporating technology, interactive games can be used to bring in-person and virtual attendees together. Games can be used to get attendees excited for an event, engaged during an event, and to provide a wrap-up following an event. - Creating conversation opportunities.
Virtual breakout rooms are another avenue that provide guests a more casual setting to “catch-up” as well with family and friends. - Using video capabilities to transition virtual participants between live event spaces.
As on-site guests transition to different spaces during an event, videos and photo montages are a great way to include and entertain virtual guests during these physical transition times.
2. Micro Events: Intimate and Impactful
In looking to the future, micro events are on the rise and are anticipated to begin incorporating more virtual components to the event. The attendee experience is uniquely enhanced with the opportunity for a more meaningful and engaging interaction in these small group settings.
3. Event Safety Trends
Physical safety has been a priority for the event world and revolutionized by technology over the last few decades. This trend continues today as we see technology used for onsite rapid testing, pre-entry health screening and check-in apps on mobile phones, and smart badges.
4. Contactless Interactions
Contactless interactions are widely incorporated into events today including on-line registrations, payments, and ticketing. No touch systems are becoming more prevalent including in the food and beverage sectors. Have you experienced a no touch tea and coffee station yet?

In taking a moment to reflect on where the event industry has been and appreciating the new challenges presented to the industry with respect to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 showed how well connected the event industry is today. Resiliency of the industry has been made possible largely due to the united, adaptable, and flexible event professional community. Event and venue management tools continue to help provide technology-driven solutions and enhance attendee experiences. The enhancement of the virtual and hybrid event world saw significant increase in 2021 and will continue to accelerate as we look toward 2022. We invite you to continue the conversation with JTE on how virtual components and hybrid event models could be incorporated to take your vision for your next event and make it a reality.
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