Written by: Vickie Sullivan | December 08, 2022
The State of In-Person Events: What to Expect in 2023
The events industry continues to thrive despite ongoing challenges (COVID, international conflicts, and the economy).
In-person events look particularly strong for 2023, a Bizzabo survey finds. Of the 234 event organizers surveyed, 98% plan to host at least one in-person event, 85% plan to host three or more, and 35% plan to host 10 or more. However, the scene is going to be hyper-competitive, the survey found.
As Bizzabo highlights in an infographic published on MarketingProfs, the industry will have a combination of good and bad in the coming year.
In-Person Events: The Good and Bad News
First, the good news:
Over 70% respondents say their meeting budgets will increase in 2023. As for formats, tradeshows led the way in 2022, with industry conferences a very close second. Result: Expect high demand for in-person event speakers.
The top priority for planners is engagement (45%). Attendance is second (38%). This makes speaker selection critical. Those who offer buzzy experiences will have the inside track.
Now, the bad news:
Internal training was one of the least-popular types of events conducted in 2022 at 13%. Prediction: Virtual and peer-to-peer training will be popular options for the masses. Executives and higher-ups will get mentoring, coaching, and small group experiences. If your business model focuses on training, plan to pivot if you haven’t already.
There’s a big gap between planners’ and attendees’ priorities. The latter wants more networking and socializing and are VERY concerned about travel. Cost and time investment are closely aligned at 37% and 39%, respectively. Prediction: Attendance for events will be hand-to-hand combat. Speakers must have innovative ideas that they can pitch in with if hired.
Listen: 2 Things In-Person Events Speakers Must Change for 2023
The in-person events space is rarin’ to go, but there are big headwinds ahead. Speakers for these events must bring more than great storytelling and presentation skills. Lots of changes ahead.
Now Read This:
- Immersive Experiences Will Disrupt the Events Industry
- Profitable Positioning for Professional Speakers