At IMEX Frankfurt, we had the opportunity to meet with event planners from various industries, including automotive, healthcare, legal, sports, agencies, and manufacturing. One consistent theme we heard was the need for a more uniform experience across events. From set and scenic to staging and lighting, event planners shared their frustrations when working with different vendors across multiple markets for the same event or event series. This inconsistency often results in added stress and the need for global event planners to repeat their vision, needs, and expectations.
Additionally, many companies are expanding their events beyond their core regions, reflecting a growing demand for global event experiences. This expansion requires a broader understanding of diverse markets and their unique requirements, including a skill set in working with international venues and managing global teams.
Innovation was a significant focus at IMEX, with event planners expressing a strong desire for new technology and creative ideas. From projection mapping, LED walls, and posters to audience engagement and scenic enhancements, planners are keen on incorporating cutting-edge solutions to keep their events fresh and engaging. The old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" rings true, as IMEX event planners prefer detailed renders to help visualize and communicate their event vision more effectively.
This year's notable trend was a shift towards sophisticated simplicity in exhibit booth design. Swag was reduced and replaced with sustainable features and creative touches. We also saw significantly fewer water bottles, printed signage, and more greenery, with activations featuring art and wellness experiences. Exhibits showcased more function and less excess, leveraging technology to share content (like Corporate Event Inc.'s LED Poster wall!).
At Pharma Forum, the exhibit floor focused heavily on venues and destinations. This highlighted the importance of site selection in the pharmaceutical and healthcare event experience. Our conversations with event planners focused on live formats and in-person attendance. They prioritized practical and efficient audiovisual solutions.
A common concern among pharmaceutical event planners is the high cost of hotel internet and in-house AV services, prompting them to seek alternatives to mitigate these expenses. We listened to planners' concerns surrounding AV exclusivity clauses in their venue contracts, hidden fees, service charges, and the unpredictable nature of rigging costs across the country. With your AV production company's support early on and before finalizing the venue contract, in-house AV struggles can be avoided.
Event planners have a full plate. From sourcing venues and suppliers and negotiating contracts to event execution and project oversight, this heavy workload can lead to burnout. This underscores the need for reliable support from planners' vendor network, including audiovisual and production.
Event planners seek ways to simplify their processes as they rely on their service providers for support. This makes reliability and trust in their partners crucial. Innovation remains a key focus at IMEX. Companies are continuously seeking fresh ideas and creative options to enhance their events. Staying ahead of the curve is essential.
Strong relationships with suppliers are paramount. Effective communication, understanding the brand and its needs, and delivering on expectations are critical components of successful events. Event planners expect their suppliers to know their brand and operate as an extension of their team.
IMEX and Pharma Forum attendees aim to impact their audiences significantly. They focus on crafting memorable experiences that resonate and leave a lasting impression. Reliable AV solutions are a universal need. Event planners at both conferences emphasize the importance of dependable AV services for smooth event execution. Building and maintaining solid relationships with suppliers and service providers is essential. Trust and effective collaboration are vital to achieving event goals. Event planners also prioritize innovation and introducing new ideas. They always look for the latest trends and technologies to enhance their events.
Our experiences at IMEX Frankfurt and Pharma Forum highlighted both the similarities and unique challenges faced by event planners in different industries. From the need for consistency and reliability to the drive for innovation and strong relationships, these insights provide a valuable roadmap for enhancing future events. By understanding and addressing these key themes, we can better support our clients in creating impactful and successful events.
