Webinar Tomorrow: Association Event Trends for 2021

Introduction

Overview of the webinar

The webinar « Association Event Trends for 2021 » was presented by Rich Vallaster, Director of Client Relations at Personify and known as the « Tradeshow Wonk ». The session aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the latest data on member preferences and how to effectively engage them through events in 2021.

Rich Vallaster shared key findings and insights that are crucial for associations looking to navigate the evolving landscape of event planning. The webinar covered various aspects, including the rise of virtual and hybrid events, the success of virtual engagements, and the importance of adapting to new event formats.

Importance of the topic

The topic of event trends is particularly significant given the unprecedented changes brought about by the global pandemic. Associations have had to rethink their event strategies to continue engaging their members effectively. Understanding these trends helps organizations stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of their members.

With members' preferences for event participation now almost equally split between in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats, it is essential for associations to adapt and innovate. The insights shared in this webinar are invaluable for anyone involved in event planning and member engagement.

Objectives of the webinar

The primary objective of the webinar was to share key findings on what members want from events and how associations can best engage them. Rich Vallaster aimed to provide actionable insights that organizations can implement to enhance their event strategies in 2021.

Another goal was to highlight the importance of events in meeting the needs of association members. With 91% of respondents stating that events are valuable for member engagement, the webinar emphasized the need for associations to prioritize their event planning efforts.

Main Speakers

Rich Vallaster, CEM, DES

Rich Vallaster, the Director of Client Relations at Personify, is a seasoned expert in the field of event planning and member engagement. Known as the « Tradeshow Wonk », Rich brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making him a highly respected figure in the industry.

His expertise in virtual and hybrid events, coupled with his deep understanding of member preferences, makes him an ideal presenter for this webinar. Rich's insights are based on extensive data and real-world experience, providing valuable guidance for associations looking to enhance their event strategies.

First Last

[First Last] is another key speaker who contributed to the webinar. With a strong background in event management and member engagement, [First Last] provided additional perspectives and insights that complemented Rich Vallaster's presentation.

Their combined expertise offered a comprehensive overview of the current trends and best practices in the industry, making the webinar a must-attend for anyone involved in association event planning.

Expertise and background of the speakers

Both Rich Vallaster and [First Last] have extensive experience in the field of event planning and member engagement. Rich's role at Personify and his reputation as the « Tradeshow Wonk » underscore his deep understanding of the industry. [First Last]'s background in event management further enriched the webinar's content.

Their combined expertise provided attendees with a well-rounded perspective on the latest trends and strategies for 2021. Their insights are backed by data and real-world experience, making their recommendations highly actionable for associations looking to improve their event planning efforts.

Key Trends for 2021

Virtual and Hybrid Events

The demand for virtual engagement remains strong, with members' preferences for event participation almost equally split between in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. This trend highlights the need for associations to offer flexible event options to cater to diverse member preferences.

Virtual events have proven to be highly successful, with members ranking them as the number one activity for making meaningful connections with their association. This underscores the importance of investing in high-quality virtual event platforms and experiences.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in the evolution of event planning. From virtual event platforms to advanced networking tools, technology is enabling associations to create more engaging and interactive experiences for their members.

Associations need to stay abreast of the latest technological trends and incorporate them into their event strategies. This includes leveraging digital networks, which more than half of members consider essential for engagement and connection.

Attendee Engagement Strategies

Effective attendee engagement strategies are critical for the success of any event. The webinar highlighted several key strategies, including the importance of offering diverse event formats and leveraging technology to enhance engagement.

Associations should focus on creating personalized and interactive experiences for their members. This can be achieved through a combination of virtual, in-person, and hybrid events, as well as by utilizing advanced networking tools and platforms.