In 2023, anything and everything feels possible in the re-energized events industry. It finally feels like the 'comeback' era for events, and the team at Sense are pumped to get back in the game. So, to kick off the year we asked our team to weigh in on what they are anticipating and hoping to see in the industry this year.
We had a couple of topics repeated from our team; sustainability certainly trending within Sense Group, along with genuine connection and elevated guest experiences. The future is yet to be written, but we have some thoughts on what might come next in 2023!
Elevate Sydney 2023 taking place on Cahill Express Motorway. Photo credit: Destination NSW.
Jordana Johnson, Creative Director
What are your general predictions for the events industry in 2023?
I feel as though in 2023 events will pick up where they left off pre covid and then some. After being stuck at home for two years, people are craving live experiences and social interaction. It feels as though there is a deep appreciation now more than ever for live music, connections and in-person cultural experiences. In some ways I feel as though live events are somewhat recession proof, in that people are always willing to spend money on experiences that bring them joy. So whilst spending on consumer and retail goods might slow towards the end of 2023, my prediction is that the appetite for spending on live events and experiences won't slow as much.
What are you feeling most inspired by this year?
This year I'm feeling most inspired by the above idea and creating experiences that are giving audiences something truly memorable and something they can't get online shopping or at home.
What do you hope to see more of in 2023?
I hope to see more events in new spaces that haven't been used before. A challenge but always so exciting to see an event or experience in a brand new space. I hope to also see more events that collaborate directly with and hero visual artists, lighting artists, food artists/restaurants and music artists to create custom and one off experiences that can't be replicated.
What event have you attended recently that was a standout and why?
I attended a show called 'Overflow' recently at Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Incredible story and music sound design. A simple one woman show with amazing set design, lighting, even stage flooding elements that were so captivating and elevated the story to a whole new level. A really simple set design that had multiple and versatile abilities to change dramatically with lighting and sound to feel like a whole new environment and set.
Joshua Campbell, Associate Event Producer
What are your general predictions for the events industry in 2023?
I believe we’ll see more events that are sustainable, contain a hybrid format and feature branded artwork installations from artists to highlight a year of collaboration after so many years of being isolated from one another.
What are you feeling most inspired by this year?
I’m forever inspired by the internet. From subcultures to communities, the internet is honestly a plethora of inspiration that is exciting, educative and entertaining. I’ve learnt new tips and tricks, discovered what’s hot and what’s not, but more importantly been exposed to so many different influences across art, videography, music and design, to name a few.
What do you hope to see more of in 2023?
I’d love to see events that have been curated purposefully and with the guest experience at the forefront of planning. If there’s one thing the pandemic emphasised, it’s the importance of time. Guests are prioritising their time now more than ever, with a major focus on doing the things they love. So ideally, I’m hoping in 2023 we see more events that truly emphasise the guest experience, leaving the audience feeling inspired, elevated, and happy they spend their time attending.
What event have you attended recently that was a standout and why?
The 2022 edition of Beyond The Valley music festival comes to mind. Despite the shift to a new venue location, what really stood out to me was the stage design for their Dr. Dan’s stage and Dance Dome. With insane digital visuals that stretched across the stage to a multi-tier dance structure, they really outdid themselves with some innovative design that wowed me.
Samantha Coutu, Senior Event Producer
What are your general predictions for the events industry in 2023?
Less emphasis on digital, streamed or hybrid events with more focus on fun and non-traditional event venues.
What are you feeling most inspired by this year?
Events that are being created with sustainability in mind from the onset of planning.
What do you hope to see more of in 2023?
A focus on connections and fun! I’d love to see long conferences and long hours watching presentations, being a thing of the past. Instead, clear and concise messaging at events so attendees are offered more time to have fun and focus on networking, connecting and coming together in an authentic way.
What event have you attended recently that was a standout and why?
A birthday party camping in Peats Ridge. Good music, good food, good drinks and great company! Simple and effective always wins for me!
Diane Carson, Senior Event Producer
What are your general predictions for the events industry in 2023?
Increased focus on delivering climate conscious events. Considering sustainability from the onset of planning including showcasing Aust made products and supplies.
Hybrid is not going away, people want in person, but also the flexibility and ease of attendance via online channels.
Emphasis on data protection both in the physical form like merch. We're talking swag items such as webcam covers and RFID blockers. Additionally, how we collect and manage data onsite with guest list management and post event communication.
What are you feeling most inspired by this year?
The challenge of working on events with a sustainable lens and discovering new suppliers and products through the process. Also as the world continues to open back up, all the global events and activations that we have already begun to see pop up.
What do you hope to see more of in 2023?
I'd love to see three things: thoughtful spending of budgets, regional based events to avoid catering to the masses within capital cities, and innovative tools and practices to foster networking at events.
What event have you attended recently that was a standout and why?
With young twins it’s hard to get out to events these days, but I always love attending Vivd - it's a must for me every year. I love seeing the innovation year on year, and I’m always amazed by the calibre of art, culture and execution.
Written by Natalia Dasilva. Senior Event Producer and Client Lead at Sense Group. On a mission to pat every dog she sees.