As the weather starts to change and the sun moves closer to our side of the globe, new event trends are blooming! Companies are shaking off the past few years and reemerging from into a bright new future. With their return to engagement, live events are cropping up by the bushelful! And with the resurgence of in-person events comes new and exciting ways to gather. We’ve compiled a list of the 2023 Event Trends you can expect to see this year! And we’ll give you some ideas on how to integrate them into your next special event!
More in person meetings and surge in attendance
First thing first…in-person is here to stay! While we anticipate that that hybrid and virtual will never fully disappear, the people have spoken. They want to meet in person! According to a recent Cvent Planner Sourcing report, 70% of companies polled stated that they would be hosting in-person meetings. Many of those anticipated that they would have higher attendance and higher budgets. The drought of in-person meetings has taken a toll and guests are ready to be back face-to-face.
As you start to plan out your special events and magic moments, consider plucking a few of these hot 2023 Event Trends.
Color in 2023 Event Trends
2023 is all about an explosion of color. Color will be everywhere! Expect to see bright and bold color designs saturating your ballrooms, your table décor, and your marketing! Whether you stick with one shade or a rainbow, be prepared to see your events in full color!
- One for all: A hot 2023 event trend is a fully monochromatic design. Taking one hue and making it the powerhouse of your décor is a statement. From table linens to centerpieces to lighting, picking one color as your full event wash is a powerful move.
- Magnificent Magenta: Expect to also see an embracing of the Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta! Described as “a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.”, this shade is fiery and passionate.
- Table It:Most people think of flowers when they think of integrating color in a room. If live florals break the bank, invest in colorful linen rentals! Banquet tables tend to be the majority of your event space. Dress them with simple and bold linens to create a visual impact when guests walk into the room.
2023 Event Trends are Having a (Disco) Ball
Disco is having a glow up! Expect to see it in receptions and interactive events throughout the year. But don’t think simply seventies. Disco is being paired with other theme events to create a brand-new experience. Think things like:
- Desert Disco:Pair mirrored orbs with neon cactus and you’ll be on event trend for 2023. One part rustic, one part groovy equals one night of fun.
- Cirque du Disco: Put a Cirque character on a disco ball and watch magic come alive! Oversized disco balls make for wild and reflective surfaces for performers.
- Disco Costuming: Put your entertainment into the disco…literally! Mirrored, disco ball-inspired costuming is all the rage for event trends in 2023.
Old Hollywood Glamour Returns as a 2023 Event Trend
Fashion and event décor tend to go hand-in-glove. One sure fire way to predict a new event trend is to look at what is happening in the fashion world. Read any current fashion magazine or watch an awards show. Old Hollywood glamour is back in a big way! Find it in ballgowns…and ballrooms!
- Dramatic Draping: Old Hollywood loves a swag. Full ballroom draping is one way to make an impression. For a more cost-effective option, adding simple swaging as a stage backdrop or a perimeter room vignette creates drama without dollars.
- Golden Touch:Including touches of gold in centerpiece vessels, votives, linens, and lighting gilds your event.
- Feathers, Pearls, and Marquees, oh my! Elegant additions of plumes of feathers, strands of pearls, and vintage marquee bulbs set the retro tone in 2023.
Hot 2023 Event Trends in Entertainment and Engagement
Connectivity is key for 2023. Keystones for entertainment are going to capitalize on in-the-moment, shared experiences for the full group.
- Live Music: Going, going, gone is the moment for the silent disco. Instead of isolating guests in their own bubble, uniting the audience will be front and center. Live performers, singer/song writers, and bands will be returning to the stage.
- Interactive Entertainment: Strolling performers are returning live events. Part ambiance, part photo op, interactive entertainment is returning for 2023. Adding multiple costumed characters to receptions will add an organic layer of engagement and excitement for your guests.
- Photography: Specialty photography is going to be hot this year. Companies want to capture the moments of reconnection. Unique experiences like Polaroid stations act as both a photo op and a take-away. Brands are also investing in sophisticated headshot lounges to capture their new staff. No matter how you cut it, expect to be saying “cheese” at events in 2023!
- Teambuilding: Teambuilding is a huge event trend in 2023. Reinforcing brands, reuniting hybrid teams, and stepping toward a bright future is all tied into team building. Add a scavenger hunt or ice breaker trivia to your welcome receptions or meeting sessions.
What About 2023 Event Trends in Food-and-Beverage?
Décor isn’t the only thing trending in events. Expect 2023 event trends to infiltrate your food-and-beverage as well!
- Plant-Based: Expect to see more vegetarian and vegan option requests. A surge in plant-based and clean eating is requiring more venues and catering to meet the demand with their menus. Anticipate vegan sweet treats to be a huge hit!
- Mocktails: Offering an alternative to booze at the bar is on the rise. Signature mocktails and non-alcoholic offerings is inclusive…and is better on the budget!
- Local Fare and Sustainability: Farm to table is now getting more specific. Plan to see more proudly local offerings on your catering menus. Ethically sourced or low-impact items will be featured heavily on menus.
- Mushrooms: Mushroom fare is hot this year! From tarts to toast, these earthy treasures are ready to be the fun-guy at the party!
Exciting things on are on the horizon for event trends in 2023. Stay ahead of the curve and contact us today! We’ll help keep your events in vogue!
