2021 Event Trends (So Far)
A lot has changed since March of 2020 in the events and hospitality industries. Many in-person business meetings, conferences, conventions and private events have been cancelled, rescheduled or converted to a virtual or hybrid event model due to COVID-19. As for the live entertainment industry, COVID-19 brought live concerts to a screeching halt in 2020. As an entertainment agency that has worked with both industries for over 35+ years, we are already seeing live and virtual event trends for meetings and events only two weeks into 2021.
When we meet with a new prospective client, one of their first questions is “what exactly do you do?” In a nutshell, our booking agency specializes in event entertainment booking and concert production. We work with corporations and private buyers internationally to book and produce the best event entertainment (whether live or virtual) for their event. Our clients range from corporate event meeting planners to destination management companies and private buyers, and we have some of the best relationships with national talent agencies, Artists and Artist management companies worldwide. You can read more about what we do on our Services page, but we are proud to say that after 35+ years we proudly create entertainment exclusive experiences for live and virtual events that cannot be bought anywhere else… or at a better price point.
Many people underestimate the value a live or virtual concert, celebrity emcee, comedian or keynote speaker can add to a virtual or hybrid event. Not only do these experiences increase attendee engagement and leave guests with an unforgettable memory, but they also strengthen your brand and increase the perceived value of your event. Most importantly, it’s fun. I think after 2020 one thing we an all agree on is that we could use a lot more fun.
See, in March of 2020 we were at one of our biggest shows of the year, The Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament Jam Session benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are proud supporters of St. Jude and it is one of our favorite events to be part of. While we were loading in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Artists and special guests such as Alice Cooper and Mike Mills of R.E.M. for a multi-act nonstop concert, we had no idea that when the night is over the landscape of entertainment and live events would dramatically shift over the next few weeks.
I hate to use the “p” word, but there is no other word to use than pivot - which is exactly what we did. We quickly went to work to create custom virtual event entertainment experiences, a customized virtual event platform, and a team of virtual event experts. We saw Artists shift their performance structure from live to virtual very quickly and were able to work with our partners, clients, and agencies to create unique virtual entertainment experiences for virtual events. We are very proud of this change and are continuing to book premiere virtual event entertainment experiences for our clients in 2021. However, when will live shows come back and what can we expect the landscape of meetings, events and concerts to look like in 2021?
Of course It’s hard to say at this time as much is dependent on the trajectory of COVID-19. But one thing is certain, we are all eager to get back together. Live music fans everywhere long for the days when they can attend a concert, and event professionals look forward to bringing back full-scale live meetings. Two weeks into 2021, we are already seeing live and virtual event trends for 2021. Here is what we have seen so far.
Virtual and Hybrid Events are not going anywhere. This one may seem obvious, but as more virtual and hybrid events replace live events, meeting planners and event planning companies everywhere continue the search for “best virtual event ideas” and “interactive virtual event activities.” Creative and interactive virtual event and meeting content is more important now than ever to keep attendees engaged. Some trending ways to accomplish this goal are booking virtual comedians, headline entertainers, keynote speakers, and custom experiences such as You Be The Star featuring critically acclaimed house band SIxwire.
More Groups are booking live events for Fall of 2021. So far in January our booking agents have seen an increase in requests for entertainment booking for live shows in Fall of 2021. Surprisingly, now is a great time to book or hire a headliner or celebrity act for a 2021 fall event. Not only have pricing models been updated but availabilities are easier to lock down. Talk to one of our entertainment producers to see entertainment options that would be a good fit for your corporate or private event.
Virtual Event Platforms for Conferences and Events are improving. After almost one year of meeting virtually, many of us are experiencing “zoom fatigue” and want a better way to experience virtual events. As our clients come to us with questions about choosing the best virtual event platform for their event, we continue to recommend virtual event applications and platforms that offer the best production value such as KRG Live, a virtual event platform created specifically to combat the woes of traditional virtual event experiences.
Are you planning your 2021 event, conference or corporate meeting? Let us know how we can help you engage your attendees with the best event entertainment or virtual event needs by Contacting Us or sending an email to info@kegglobal.com