Like it or not, I predict that AI-driven technology will continue to be on the rise and will continue to be integrated into events in order to enhance personalization, content recommendations, real-time assistance, and immersive experiences for all attendees. 

For 2024, I predict that event professionals are going to invest more in the legal side of their business, from strengthening their contracts to auditing their classification of employees and independent contractors to starting a relationship with a business attorney before they actually need one. In 2023, we saw the issues our firm's clients were having with their clients, so going into the new year, event pros are going to want to be more proactive in preventing those situations from occurring in the first place. And the best way to do that is by having a solid client service agreement in place, implementing strong systems and processes that allow pros to better serve their clients, and placing a lot of emphasis on delivering the best experience possible to their clients.

Despite the post-pandemic resurgence of live events, I anticipate growth for in-person attendance. Face-to-face interaction remains strong; however, due to budget and time constraints, events may become more concise in duration.

I think we will continue to see an emphasis on events that foster personal connections, providing opportunities for deeper interpersonal engagement.

Hybrid options will still exist since some attendees prefer remote participation when physical presence isn't feasible.

Corporate and incentive travel are poised to surge as we confirm the irreplaceable value of in-person peer interactions; however, geopolitical issues will have an impact on travel destinations.

Turnaround times will remain shortened, leaving event planners with limited room for price negotiations with condensed planning windows.

2024 is going to continue to see couples planning weddings that fit their vision for their celebration, forgoing traditions, norms, and expectations that don't align with their priorities. We'll continue to see non-traditional wedding parties, or weddings without wedding parties altogether. Couples will continue to nix traditional elements like parent dances or dads walking daughters down the aisle if their family dynamics make that complicated. Cake cuttings, bouquet tosses, and garter tosses will also continue to dwindle in frequency as couples settle into planning an event that feels like an authentic reflection of them. 

We're seeing a steady hold on an abundance of entertainment at weddings. Long gone are the days of the simple question of "DJ vs band" as couples today plan for a band and a DJ in addition to other talent acts to surprise and delight guests. Arrival musicians that differ from the ceremony musicians but double as the cocktail hour talent are very popular at the moment. Big bands followed by a DJ for the late night and after party are also a standard request we see, as couples often have three to four talent acts booked for their big day. 

As a wedding planner and designer, I am always paying close attention to the trends and shifts in focus of the couples who are planning their weddings. In the last year or so, we have seen more of an intentional shift towards smaller scale weddings in terms of the event size, often ranging from 50-80 guests. We have also noticed a dramatic shift toward smaller wedding parties of only a Maid of Honor and Best Man, and in some cases, no wedding party members at all.  

We have noticed couples leaning away from the overly luxurious floral installations, but are leaning more toward intimate dinner party aesthetics, with understated florals and table lamps. The elevated client experience continues to remain a priority, and we've seen a shift toward thematic weddings, which I think is a trend that will continue as well.

As far as trends go, hybrid events, which combine in-person and virtual elements, are expected to continue to be popular in 2024. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are being used by event planners to create more engaging and interactive experiences for attendees. For example, VR can be used to give attendees a virtual tour of a venue or event, while AR can be used to overlay digital information onto the real world. Event planners are also using data and analytics to make better decisions about everything from event content to marketing and promotion. 

Despite the challenges, the events industry is expected to be successful in 2024. People are eager to get back in person and attend events, and event planners are finding new and innovative ways to meet the needs of their attendees.

As we step into 2024, the special event industry is poised for an exciting transformation. One of the most striking trends we anticipate is the continued dominance of bespoke requests for themes and experiences. Gone are the days of canned themes and generic mood boards; today's guests crave events tailored perfectly to their likes and interests. Pop culture is set to maintain its stronghold on event trends with the influence from the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically the ballroom and drag cultures. We foresee these cultures making waves in the realms of fashion, music, and entertainment, shaping event experiences that are both vibrant and inclusive. Successful event planners in 2024 will go a step further by incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and drawing inspiration from various cultures to create fully immersive and well-rounded experiences that are welcoming and inviting. These events will not only be brimming with rich cultural elements but also shine a spotlight on marginalized communities, empowering them to be visible and financially successful. This shift towards greater inclusivity and authenticity promises to make 2024 a dynamic and exciting year for the special event industry.

As we gear up for 2024, my positive prediction for the wedding industry is that authenticity will reign supreme! Don't get me wrong, a polished and stunning event will never go out of style, but more than ever, couples are on the hunt for service providers who bring genuine passion and individuality to the table. They don't just want a cookie-cutter celebration; they want their wedding to be a true reflection of their own unique love story. 

So what does this mean for us as wedding and event planners? It's time to get real. Drop the salesy jargon and connect on a human level. Showcase not just the picture-perfect weddings you've pulled off, but also the heart and soul you pour into your work. Couples appreciate when you share the challenges you've overcome to make a wedding day special—it proves you're invested, adaptable, and, most importantly, human. 

The bottom line is, if you're authentic in your approach and true to yourself, you'll not only resonate with today's couples but also create a memorable experience that's meaningful for everyone involved. Let's make 2024 the year of authentic celebrations!

With growing attention to ESG around the globe, we’re going to see talk turn into action. With scrutiny of greenwashing, and the fear of losing business by green hushing, the event industry must take active steps towards accountability, transparency, and commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability plans: narratives communicating climate commitments will become commonplace and required for some RFPs. All event stakeholders, from AV companies to caterers to décor companies, must have sustainability statements. Your contractors matter and impact your opportunities in maintaining clients.

Counting Carbon: Just as we have to keep within a financial budget with events, we're going to have to get used to budgeting carbon emissions, and water usage as well. One of the top changes we can make is to reduce food loss and waste by choosing lower carbon emitting menus, procure locally, reduce overproduction, and donate and compost where available. Next is to look for climate friendly venues in locations that have resources in place to make producing events sustainably part of the plan, so we can focus on what we do best.

One of the foremost fundraising event trends is the continued rise of virtual and hybrid fundraising events. The success of online fundraisers has demonstrated their efficacy, and organizations have embraced these formats to reach broader audiences, reduce costs, and improve accessibility. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning play a pivotal role in identifying donor preferences and tailoring fundraising strategies accordingly. Nonprofits that leverage technology and data to personalize their fundraising approaches while maintaining transparency and accountability in their financial stewardship will be the ones to excel. 

Additionally, sustainability and social responsibility will be central themes in the fundraising landscape of 2024. Donors are becoming increasingly conscientious about the environmental impact of events, and organizations will be under pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices and transparent reporting. People are looking to feel engaged and inspired; they are more selective about where they spend not just their dollars, but also their time. Donors want to give to organizations that align with their personal values and provide a sense of community and togetherness. In essence, the ability to harness the evolving landscape and blend tradition with innovation will be the key to success in the ever-changing world of fundraising events in 2024.

Luxury clients' events (my expertise) will remain strong to support revenue overall in the USA, with even more limited editions and special collections to purchase at the event only. I also predict the 2024 Olympics in Paris will have a halo effect for the event industry in the USA. Finally, The Sphere in Las Vegas will boost the entertainment industry and Las Vegas as a destination!

Attendees have increasingly high expectations for the audio/visual and event production aspects of meetings and events. They want experiences that are engaging, interactive, and memorable. This can be challenging to achieve, especially for large events.

Event organizers are increasingly using data and analytics to measure the success of their events. This is putting pressure on all suppliers in the events industry to collect and track data that can be used to measure the effectiveness of their work, while being mindful of data privacy laws and the risk collecting such data presents.