Forecasting Conference Trends in 2023

In-person conference events have been a staple of the professional world for decades, providing a platform for networking, learning, and sharing ideas.  However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this traditional model, forcing many organizations to pivot to virtual or even hybrid events.  As we move into 2023, it’s likely that in-person conference events will continue to be affected by the ongoing pandemic and accompanying changes to guest preferences and event precautions that come along with it.

Increased Safety Measures 

One major change we can expect to see in 2023 is the implementation of safety measures at in-person conference events.  These measures may include temperature checks at the entrance, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing guidelines.  Some conferences may also implement contact tracing and require attendees to provide proof of vaccination.  For example, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference with over 100,000 attendees in 2023 will require attendees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.  While these measures may create another layer of complexity when it comes to running a smooth conference, they will be necessary to ensure the health and safety of attendees. 

Kokomo OwlPass® lets event organizers better manage their safety protocols through tools like pre-event screening. With pre-event screening, event facilitators can collect the feedback they need in advance and help reduce in-person lines at registration. Facilitators can get early feedback on such things such as breakout, meeting and speaker preferences to help further manage attendance and any capacity constraints. Attendees who pass any pre-event screening questions can optionally be awarded a digital badge for optimal event sign in (and optional sign out). These Kokomo tools will help your next conference or event run even more seamlessly. 

Virtual Platforms 

Another change we may see in in-person conference events in 2023 is the integration of virtual elements.  Many organizations have learned the benefits of virtual or hybrid events during the pandemic, and it’s likely that some in-person events will incorporate elements of virtual events to increase accessibility and reach a wider audience.  This may include offering a live stream of the event, allowing attendees to participate remotely through a virtual platform, or providing a hybrid option where attendees can choose to participate in person or virtually.  For example, The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) an annual technology conference that typically attracts over 170,000 attendees, will provide a virtual and hybrid option to conferencegoers at their next conference planned for 2023.   

To find out which attendees are planning to attend your next conference or event in-person or virtually use Kokomo OwlPass® to send pre-event surveys to collect any feedback that will allow you to collect the information you need to make sure your event is a hit. 

Smaller Gatherings, More Intimate 

It’s also possible that in-person conference events in 2023 will be smaller in scale, at least initially.  Many organizations may be hesitant to host large events until it is deemed safe to do so and may opt for smaller, more intimate events to start.  This could result in a shift towards more targeted, specialized conferences rather than large, broad-based events.  For example, the International Conference on Machine Learning and Data Science (ICMLDS), which usually brings thousands of professional attendees for their annual event in 2023, is expecting a much smaller conference due to social distancing and some attendees’ apprehension. Smaller gatherings also allow for increased attendee participation and learning, a win for everyone involved. 

To find out attendee interest in the various types of available breakouts or which types of options to even provide, make sure to utilize the Kokomo OwlPass® screening tool. Ask attendees for their preferences to help better plan the types of activities available as well as to manage capacity.  

Experiential 

Gone are the days of conference and event attendees happily going through lengthy and sometimes clumsy registration processes or sitting through a prescribed set of event speakers and activities. Attendees are looking for a more personalized and fun experience at their events. They want to engage in a deeper level of learning by participating in things such as panel discussions and breakouts and not just listen to speaker after speaker. Attendees are tight on time and resources and if they commit to an event, they want to learn, help advance their career, and have a fun and memorable experience in the process. 

No matter the type or size of conference or event, Kokomo OwlPass® makes managing it more efficient for you and your guests.  Whether it be through our screening tools to collect pre-event feedback and information, our notification systems to send notifications to attendees or event organizers, or our incident management tool to help collect, track, and better respond to anything that comes up, Kokomo24/7® is here to help. Our software is unanimously loved by our users and has been used for small company-wide events all the way up to being the health and safety software for the 94th annual Academy Awards in 2022.

Ever since Kokomo24/7® was founded in 2018, we have been a leader in compliance and risk management solutions for all things health and safety. Kokomo proudly serves workplaces, communities, and schools with continuity software solutions including surveys, case management, accreditation and vaccine tracking, guest management, notifications, occupancy management, anonymous reporting, and emergency operations. Our mission is to deliver highly effective, easy-to-use, and trusted compliance and risk management solutions that bridge the gap between public safety and technology.

To learn more about Kokomo24/7® or to get a free 15-minute demo click the button below.