A while ago, we waved goodbye to corona measures with a big smile. How nice it is to pick up old routines again. And yet not everything is the same: after all, the past two years have left their mark.
For example, we find that the benefits of working from home (occasionally) are great and that getting together has taken on a different meaning. At Jaarbeurs, too, we notice a difference with pre- and post-corona.
Niek Krebbers, Sales Manager Acquisition and Third Party Concepts, talks about the developments, shifts and trends he notices.
We notice among many organisers and potential visitors that they are still very cautious and wait-and-see, so decisions are made only at the very last moment. Everyone takes into account rapidly changing circumstances. As soon as the date approaches, registrations and last-minute changes skyrocket. This causes many mark-ups or extensions to be requested only at the last minute.
"More and more events are being organised and recorded at the last minute"
Of course, we fully understand that. At Jaarbeurs, we don't do anything other than move quickly. We are used to responding flexibly to changes or last-minute requests. We take this into account by planning ahead where possible. Our partners and suppliers also know how to deal with this and think along with you.
Suddenly need more square metres? A totally different catering or last-minute decor changes? We arrange it!
We have been able to organise, facilitate and host many events just after the easing. Still, most event organisers have only started planning since the country reopened. This also means that there are certain periods in autumn where there is a lot of enthusiasm and also your visitors already have a full schedule.
At Jaarbeurs, we are flexible and can arrange and convert a lot, but we still recommend securing a date well in advance. That way you have first choice and you can also send a save the date to your participants well in advance to ensure that people keep this day free in their diaries for you.
"Avoid choice stress for your target audience. Organise your event in an alternative period."
Another tip? Also consider whether a different date might be an option for you. Look at your main purpose and message first and then decide what the actual requirements are for your chosen day, date or period.
Are there any alternatives that would actually be just as suitable for your event? What exactly is your message, when do you want to convey it and is it really necessary to do it on that one day?
People used to organise a business event often on Tuesdays or Thursdays, as these were the busiest days. Meanwhile, people have started thinking, working and living differently because of the pandemic. So maybe there is no need to necessarily hold the event on that day at all. Step off the beaten track and choose another day in the week or even another month.
We are happy to think along with you about possible alternatives. How you can be interesting for that particular period or day, for example. Because we would love to see you come!
In recent years, we did recognise that live events hold a special place in our hearts. The urge to meet 'in real life' was never greater than during the lockdown. It showed us that the convenience of an online event simply does not take over the experience of an on-site event.
We therefore believe in the power of live meetings and really looking each other in the eye!
At the same time, we have seen new, future-proof opportunities and possibilities emerge in the world of online and hybrid events. Indeed, we are becoming more experienced and innovating at a rapid pace. Our livestream studio is a great example of this.
We now know that an online event is also a very good option. In fact, depending on your objective, it might even work better than a live event. For example, when you want to reach as many people as possible with your message and you don't necessarily need a whole day. With a fun, short, online event, you can sell endless tickets and participation is low-threshold.
"Online & hybrid events are here to stay."
Perhaps precisely because of the return of live events, we also really see a future in hybrid events. With a hybrid event, you combine all the advantages of both the on-site experience and the convenience of an online event. Visitors can choose how they want to experience the event: live on location or sustainable remotely. This makes people more flexible in their choice or more likely to participate.
A hybrid event also means a shift in the event business model. Besides selling tickets for the live event, hybrid allows you to market a whole new product. Like the option to watch in real time or on-demand. This also provides new opportunities for reaching a (new) target audience. By switching to a hybrid event, many new opportunities and possibilities come your way.
Two worlds open up for you here: touch your guests live and create valuable encounters. And at the same time increase your reach online and be able to extend and prolong your communication journey with valuable content.
Of course, we are mostly extremely happy that all sorts of things are being organised live again and organisers are already planning vigorously. But, we should not forget what we have learned and experienced in the past two years. We must try to hold on to the opportunities and innovations that grew out of the pandemic.
So stay calm and stick to your objective. It is then up to you to decide which date and format works best for you.
Following this information, would you like to spar with us on how to make your events a success this year? We'd love to help you out!
Wondering what smart choices you can make as an organiser of a (hybrid) conference, trade fair, meeting or other business event? And how do you get the most out of them? Read the views, tips and tools of our own experts. Download our latest white paper on organising events in (and beyond) 2022 here.
