What’s Hot and What is NOT? Are you an event planner? If so, you will want to read this!

Event Planning Trends by Rashmi:

It’s already July and half the year is over. But it is never too late to catch up on the new event planning trends of the year. So far it has been a great year filled with good news, interesting events, outstanding philanthropy and exciting developments in event technology.  What will it bring?  What will be popular? What will be some of the newest trends in event planning in the year 2011?

Here are some of the projected trends of 2011 for the event industry:

Out With The Speakers – What if events had no speakers and no keynotes and instead were just giant forums for discussion and learning?  Social media is making everything interactive, speakers and panels are not.

Better Swag – Anyone can get a generic pen or sticker from a conference, but some believe customized swag and goodies might be a hot ticket item this year.  Personalized goody bags in 2011?

Go Mobile – Everything, from event advertisements, websites, backchannels, programs, everything will go mobile.  From your phone, you’ll be able to access every detail of the event you’re planning, or attending.  Have you checked out the software:  www.zoho.com?

Social Analytics – Now, you can know everything about everyone who is coming to this event.  From their likes & dislikes, interests to other events they have participated in; soon event planners will be able to know more and more about the people that are attending their events and how to target them.

Event Technology– More than any other time, specialized and customized event technology will take center stage for not only event planners, but also those attending the events.  The ability to vote, bid, ask questions and use text messaging during events will be huge. Feedback will be instant!