Here are 10 ways to find event trends for 2021 – and every year after! Follow these tips, and you’re bound to discover the coolest, latest trends before they go mainstream.
It’s vital to stay up-to-date as an event planner. You need to keep a pulse on the latest event trends to impress clients, create unforgettable events, and set yourself apart from competitors. So how do you find event trends? Better yet, how about 2021’s?
Related: The Top 5 Wedding Industry Trendsetters
1. Check out Google Trends
What better way to discover what’s popular than by learning what people are actively searching for on the internet? Google Trends is an incredible free resource that lets you see exactly what the world is looking for. If you know what keywords people are using to research events, you can piece together some insightful clues. Keep tabs on Google Trends, and you’ll quickly discover what trends are rising in popularity or falling out of style.
2. Get inspired by social media
Put your mindless scrolling on Instagram to work! Follow other event planners, influencers, venues, and vendors you love. Their posts are a true source of inspiration, plus it’s up-to-date. Social media is instant, sometimes even live, so the information is as fresh as possible. If any trend is about to break, it’s sure to pop up on social media first.
3. Subscribe to newsletters, magazines & blogs
Get 2021 event trends delivered to your inbox. Literally.
Do yourself a favor and subscribe to leading event planning websites, newsletters, magazines, and blogs. It’s tiresome to go to each website individually, but easy when they deliver their news right to you. Dedicate time each day or week to specifically browse these emails to stay informed with the event planning industry.
4. Expand your scope
Event industry publications are great, but you need to broaden your horizons to really discover the upcoming year’s best trends. Look beyond what is event-related and find publications that cater to your niche. What outlets, magazines, and influencers do your clients follow? Check out those sources regularly.
5. Take time to educate yourself
Another way to learn what’s next is to educate yourself. Thanks to the infinite internet, there is an endless supply of free resources. Take time to learn with online courses, webinars, podcasts, and tutorials. Educators should keep things up-to-date, revealing 2021 trends along the way.
6. Watch some videos
Take a break from Netflix and watch some event industry videos. Search Youtube for thousands of event-related videos and subscribe to your favorite channels for easy future access. Now that 2020 is almost over, Youtube will be busting with plans for 2021. Or, tune into EventPlannerTV for free episodes with industry experts.
7. Keep an eye on the competition
It’s not only smart for business, but it’s fantastic for trend seeking. Your competitor’s actions, social posts, websites, and blogs might give you clues to upcoming trends. As much research as you do to uncover 2021 event trends, they’re undoubtedly doing the same. Follow their lead and note what they’re doing. But on the other hand, learn from their mistakes! They might try a trend you want to avoid!
8. Find online forums & message boards
Put your expertise to good use and get involved in online communities. Monitor online forums and message boards related to event planning and other topics you love. It’s smart to see what people are talking about and what their opinions are on the matter.
9. Tap into your network
Never underestimate the power of your network! Your personal and professional connections help you stay in the know, therefore helping you determine 2021 trends. Ask your network questions and ask for their feedback. Learn what everyone’s interested in and talking about. These friendly conversations will help you learn!
Related: Finding Work-Life Balance As A Parent And Wedding Planner
10. Attend conferences
To stay up to date with what’s happening in the event industry, attend events! Conferences – in person or virtually – will inform you on current trends. Tune into keynote speakers, learn from thought leaders, and make sure to watch presentations. These educational sessions will talk about trends, what’s next, and what to expect. This year wasn’t exactly the best year for attending conferences, but we’re all hoping 2021 is better!
Amanda Larson, CED, is a Certified Event Designer, marketer, and content creator. With a degree in journalism and special events management, Amanda has worked in marketing and events for both international startups and Fortune500 companies. She specializes in digital branding, copywriting, and graphic design freelancing for clients globally.