How can you identify emerging trends in event planning niches?

“Be judicious about whose advice you take, because not everyone with an opinion is an authority. Research sources, their credentials, what they’re doing now that makes them relevant and authoritative. Not only do they have a finger on the pulse of what’s happening now, but can they see around corners and spot what’s next before everyone else?

Following industry experts is also great to create a potential guest speaker list for your events. Additionally, by joining the circles of these experts, event planners can come across many other valuable insights that can foster insightful conversations. This can be used to bring a unique theme during your event as well.

As far As event planning, the first thing you need to build a strong kitchen to ensure great food will be served. Next you nerd to have a strong person in the front of the house to ensure excellent service. Then you need to have an articulate person to book the event. Someone that people think is an expert. If you can develop these three things you can guarantee a great event.

Its advised that you shadow, mix and match those you see who have finger on the pulse of market or decor or just the ability to bring the best creatives/ guestlist alive. There are so many dimensions to experience creation and planning that we can always learn new things from observation on social media and engaging in person as much as we can My pinterest, linkedin and instagram reflects my aspiration to excel in event planning of course

Yes , ways of involving yourself in a niche that's just right for you.. a leap of Faith is all it takes. Be confident in your abilities and Command the Stage when presented the Opportunity. Be Blessed 🙏😇 Chez, Tre' out.

To stay on top you need to listen to the inquiries. When you look at what is being asked of your facility you will know what the new direction is. Then there is what you know of your customers and what your business goals are. Have a voice in your community. Become part of your neighbours network.

Industry events are GREAT for hearing about trends...but unfortunately you'll rarely experience them being executed. Use these events to expand your network and connect and get to know the people who are out there moving the needle on trends. Then they will not only be on your radar, you can potentially even brainstorm or iterate with them. This industry is full of amazing people who want to see everyone win! Get out and meet them!

If you’re not investing in attendance and active engagement at industry events, you may need to reevaluate your commitment to this field of endeavor. IEs are invaluable to informing your expertise about where event planning has been, is, and is likely headed. And the human connections you make can be equally priceless. Strategic collaborations with others in the space can mean the difference between a good event and a great one.

I love attending bridal shows to get ideas for my clients to see what new items are trending in rentals, design and everything wedding, as well as networking events to see what and where others in the wedding industry are gaining their inspiration from!

Be intrepid. Visionaries and pioneers unafraid of taking a calculated risk are the ones who take an industry to the next level. How can you thrive by playing it safe in such a creative field?

With my wedding design, I love to think outside of the box! When it comes to color, pattern, and texture, there is so much room to be creative! Adding in unexpected elements to the cocktail hour or reception design with rental pieces like chairs and other furniture, makes it more fun and memorable.

This is essential. Social media has its faults, but it’s foolish to not leverage these real-time platforms as tools for learning and growth, and even as keys to innovation. Great event planners are always in search of fresh inspiration and ideas, and there’s no shortage of either on most social media platforms, including TikTok. You just have to take the time to look with a discerning eye and an open mind.

Depending on what niche you are in, following the right social media channel can also make a big difference, since the audience distribution and approach to trends highly differ. With that being said, for B2B events, LinkedIn is also another great "social media platform", event planners should be paying keen attention to.

Here’s where the creatives who are also active, lifelong learners have an edge. To be creative is to be curious. If you immerse yourself in event planning with a hunger for information and growth, you’ll find that being on the cutting edge as a thought leader and trendsetter will be your norm.

Staying informed about what you hope to cover in your event is paramount. If you are not involved in learning as much as you can on the subjects you want to have present at your event, you maybe left in the dust. At my annual conference, we pride ourselves in knowing the next big thing in our space. Being on the cutting edge of the topics you cover always helps bring people to your event.

While everything above is helpful there are some things that will never go out of style. Sustainability - this sages you money, reduces waste, and leaves an impression on your attendees. Wellness - very few people complain about time to take care of emails, opportunities to workout, or healthy foods. Creativity - maybe you can be a trend setter instead of a follower?

Listening to the community at large is always paramount. Listen to your clients, yes, but also listen to the guests. Listen to your community. You will find what the pain points are that can be minimized or eliminated. You will learn what things impressed people, caused them to comment, share, purchase and why they did. As noted before, be curious! Always learning, especially as technology advances so rapidly. But as you explore emerging tech and trends try to avoid the shiny newness and stay focused on the friction you can remove and the pain you can ease. Of course, one should also prioritize making the CTA simple and frictionless.

Listen to your clients. This might sound counter intuitive. Clients hire you because they need an event planning expert, right? Not necessarily. I’ve found that many clients are really looking for credible event planners to execute on their vision. We have a lot to learn from clients, they’re often very sure of what they want & quite aware of emerging trends. Sure, we need to stay on our games, use all our senses to take in trade events, from event design to registration to planning platforms. All the advice given so far is great. But, don’t forget, informed clients are often a wealth of information. They’ve often done their own research on what they want. If you listen carefully, they will identify new trends they want you to replicate.