Here, Live Marketing uses 118 iPads to make a splash for Siemens.

"From a 118-iPad wall that transformed four disparate groupings into a single storytelling infographic, to interactive tablet tours combining audience response and audience interactivity, we’re building completely new ways to engage and tell stories with technology."

Luminous, with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, creates a serene setting. 

"Technology is revolutionizing the event marketplace, with a focus on delivering digital solutions alongside experiential ones for a longer lasting campaign and amplification for the brand and event key message, management says.

 "Immersive and interactive experiences are also a key trend that our clients ask for to deliver a much more emotive and powerful event," says the Luminous team. "Gone are the days of a simple themed gala or cocktail; now there is a reason behind every touchpoint of the guest's/client's journey, and the approach we take is much more strategic."

Luminous makes a splash for the resort Manila City of Dreams.

Surprise is the thing, says San Diego-based Pacific Event Productions.

"The element of surprise is trending for clients, management says: "Clients are looking for ways to bring out an unexpected element of surprise after guests have settled into the event. We have been crafting reveals on a large scale with headliner entertainment, down to smaller effects with lighting and rotating set changes."

Fun entertainment from Pacific Event Productions.

"The notion of the unexpected has been a favorable trend for us in 2015," management says. "The clients have been awed by the reaction of their guests."

From Moscow-based Podegiki, an event for Bayer in Madrid.

Two big trends: Multi-format events, which mix several formats into a single event, and the focus on ROI, management says.

From Podegiki, the "Effies" awards in Moscow.

"Clients want to know exactly how their expenses will be paid off," Podegiki management says. "They require the calculation of performance indicators and want them to be more predictable."

Audience members get connected at an event by Podegiki.

Detroit-based Pulse220 showcases Freudenberg's Dialog app.

Pulse220 produces the Fuel Leadership conference.

What's hot: Technology integration into every aspect of the event including before, during and after, with a special emphasis on the social media amplification opportunities that occur well after the event, they say.

Gatorade's Athlete of the Year Award, created by Pulse220.

Chicago-based Paulette Wolf Events and Entertainment has had a full slate of events this year including the groundbreaking of the 1060 project for the Chicago Cubs.

From Paulette Wolf, the NetApp launch event.

The big trend: Events as communities. "Events are no longer two- or three-day programs, but create a community that starts before the event begins and continues well beyond the event to create a broader footprint," management says. "Planners must think about a longer life cycle utilizing technology and social media."

From Los Angeles-based Sequoia Productions, the stunning 2015 Oscars Governors Ball, a longtime client.

For more images of the 2015 event, click here.

Also from Sequoia, the UCSF Medical Center Champions Gala.

Top trends for events now: Drones are the new big thing in events, they say; "However, personalized service and attention to detail are still the focus of our management style. Incorporating a social media component and bigger/better events for smaller budgets are still in vogue."

Another view of the UCSF Champions Gala.

From St. Louis-based Switch, the FedEx Innovation Challenge.

Also from Switch, NASCAR Champions Week.

Management notes increased focus on quality of engagement, measurement of reach online, social media interaction, and pre- and post-event communication.

From Switch, the Primerica North America Network of Independent Agents Convention.

An elegant ballroom from Chicago's Tamar Productions.

"Everyone wants to be high tech, but doesn’t want to spend the dollars," management says. "On the other hand, we’re seeing a lot of the old-fashioned decor coming into play."

From New York-based TBA Global, the Stratasys Sales Conference.

Also from TBA, the OnePlus 2 launch in Times Square.

"Today, it’s about the level of interaction and the level of engagement," management says. "Our clients are super-clear that their audience wants to be participants. They want to be active listeners. How do we bring a process to the table that is uncomplicated, but shifts the dynamic? The answer is neuromarketing, using three simple questions to put objective rather then subjective measurement in place. By integrating breakthroughs in data, neuro and behavioral sciences, we has been able to analyze millions of data points of individuals all around the world, to come up with a cluster approach about how to speak to an audience. We are creating predictive engagements, we can now know exactly why people like what they like and do what they do, and therefore we know how to influence their behavior."

A view inside from TBA and OnePlus2.

From big Germany agency Uniplan, the SCA Volvo Ocean Race.

From Uniplan, the Semper Opera Ball.

Four big trends from Uniplan: Measurement of ROI, identifying which event investments should grow and expand and which clients should discontinue or reconsider; establishing stronger relationships with clients; developing content marketing and events; and developing branded content and storytelling.

From Uniplan, the Volkswagen Up! launch event.

International event agency Vok Dams and its "Creator Space" work for BASF in New York.

"Live campaigns became state of the art," management says. "Strategic measures are moving events from the communicative periphery right into the overall center of the campaign. By optimally catering for the demands of different target groups, live communication now generates content for the overall campaigns."

Vok Dams creates the Duravit gala dinner.

A group photo for Duravit from Vok Dams.

From Vok Dams, the Lipton Iced Tea City Slide.

From Webb 360, a stunning stage for Discover.

Webb 360 and the Ex Awards.

The word from Webb: "Producing an event is a company’s second-largest expenditure, and it’s important that the attendees are engaged, entertained and educated, giving their full attention to what’s happening on the stage," management says. "Large screens help accomplish this."