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Event Execution

Event Execution

Four Trends That Defined the Events Industry in 2024

20 Dec 2024 | Jessica F. Lillian | 4 minutes

Another amazing year of events has drawn to a close! As always, working alongside our clients as they plan and execute some of the world’s biggest conferences gives us a unique view into events industry trends.

The RainFocus blog shares these insights to help all event teams (whether or not they’re our clients!). We especially love asking our executives for their candid thoughts on the latest trends and challenges, and letting them tell the stories behind how the RainFocus team develops new features and processes based on client learnings. 

It’s no surprise that many of this year’s most popular blog posts reflect the trends that were top of mind for event leaders and their teams this year. As we gear up for 2025, let’s take a look back at what captured everyone’s attention this year:

One: Integrations make sharing even data even easier and more useful. 

    We all know that events provide a wealth of valuable zero-party and first-party data that can fuel marketing and sales campaigns. But that only matters if stakeholders can seamlessly access it, interpret it, and put it to work. Our groundbreaking new Salesforce integration (as well as some guidance on event data analysis for marketers, who also benefit from convenient integrations) are designed to help with just that.

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    Two: Everyone is still buzzing about generative AI, but a lot remains to be seen. 

      Naturally, no 2024 recap could make it very far without mentioning what has continued to arguably be the hottest topic — not only in events but also in the broader tech, business, and societal worlds. This year, we saw plenty of innovative applications of these tools. Teams gained efficiency, tried new things, and kept learning. Our ongoing series with RainFocus CTO Mike Bushman provided critical guidance on the myriad considerations related to security, privacy, the role of big tech companies, and overall best practices.

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      Three: Details make all the difference for a memorable on-site experience.

        From an enormous annual user conference to a local executive luncheon, an event must get all the “little” things right for its attendees. A streamlined check-in experience with badges that print without delay. A convenient app that makes navigating the venue a breeze. Adjustments to materials and signage that promote sustainability. Better swag. Elements that may seem inconsequential on their own all add up to a seamless event that attendees remember for the right reasons.

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        Four: Great event content and an efficient process for creating it have never been more important.

          Event attendees increasingly crave authenticity and fresh content that speaks to their needs. This year, we heard a lot about different learning styles, which are often yet another reason to think beyond just the traditional keynote and breakout session formats. Your event speakers — whether internal, external, or both — must rise to the challenge. Presenting the very best content also requires a convenient, collaborative process for selecting submissions from your call for papers and then partnering with the chosen speakers from start to finish. 

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          Ready to gear up for a successful 2025? Learn more about all these top events industry trends — and so much more — by joining us at RainFocus INSIGHT. Happy new year to everyone in events!

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