2022
event trends
We surveyed 2,028 UK employees to identify 5 key trends to help us navigate the world of events in 2022.
Introduction
Trend #1
Everyone, everywhere
Trend #2
Bring your whole(some) self to work
Trend #3
Do more with less
Trend #4
Sustainable events
Trend #5
Time to shake up your events road map
2022 is being touted as the return to in-person events – people are rightly excited to once again get together and events professionals are eager to plan bold and brave new events.
Just because it's a return, though, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be looking forward. Covid (and its many variants) put a strain on the entire events industry and catalysed a wealth of new and innovative approaches to how gatherings of people can go ahead. It would be shortsighted to discard all of these changes.
With this in mind, we wanted to bring you our take on where the events industry is headed in 2022, and how professional planners are rising to the contemporary challenges we all face. HeadBox surveyed 2000 UK employees to find out what matters most to them when it comes to events and collated the results for you to enjoy. So, without further ado, here are our top 5 event trends this year.
Andrew Needham
Founder and CEO
#1
Trend #1:
Everyone, everywhere
79%
of employees
enjoy spending time
with colleagues
14%
say virtual events have poor digital accessibility
It’s official – after the collective Zoom event burnout, the appetite for in-person experiences has surged; the good news is that they’re back on the menu for 2022.
With working from home now the norm for many of us, opportunities to see our teammates are reduced – which is no good for the 79% of employees who enjoy spending time with colleagues.
Considering this, it’s no surprise that the majority of UK employees prefer in-person work events over virtual, with the top three reasons for this being:
1
It’s nice to spend time with people in person
2
In-person meetings flow better and feel more natural
I feel more productive in-person
Top 10 reasons people like in-person meetings and events
1. It's nice to spend time with people in person (20%)
2. Meetings flow better and feel more natural in person (17%)
3. No technical issues (13%)
4. More productive in-person (13%)
5. Want to get out of the house (10%)
6. It's an opportunity to network with new people (10%)
7. I like the commute (5%)
8. Virtual events are not always accessible if you use assistive technology (5%)
9. I like the free food/drinks (5%)
Virtual events are not always accessible if you use assistive technology (5%)
10. I can bring my dog to the events (2%)
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
41% of Gen Z say they are more productive in-person but, 41% also have no time for time-wasting meetings.
would like networking events to be virtual
would like conferences to be virtual
would like client meetings to be virtual
3
Creative energy flows better during in-person meetings
It’s great to see in-person events are coming back by popular demand, but people still enjoy having virtual aspects for some events. It’s important for businesses to find a good balance between the two.
Grace Louisy, HeadBox Head of Account Management
However, in 2022 virtual and hybrid events are evolving.
The demand for certain events to have virtual aspects – networking, conferences and client meetings in particular – is much higher than that of more social events like the work Christmas party.
In fact…
Top reasons people are still keen for virtual events
1
Virtual meetings saves on travel time (15%)
2
41%
In-person meetings run on longer than virtual (11%)
50%
3
Reduces carbon footprint travelling to event (11%)
50%
Environmental responsibility and a healthy work-life balance are the driving factors behind the enduring popularity of post-pandemic virtual events.
Plus, virtual events can accommodate a wider cross-section of your team. Incorporating virtual aspects into your in-person events is a sure way to maximise attendance and consider everyone, everywhere.
Almost 1 in 10 people (9%) stated they prefer virtual events as some venues are not accessible for people who use mobility aids. However, even more respondents indicated that the accessibility of a poorly planned virtual event is too often, unfortunately, subpar.
Luckily, it is easier than ever to incorporate both virtual and in-person experiences into your M&E programme and make sure you cater for everyone – and HeadBox is here to help.
Event planners should be considering accessibility from start to finish. Today’s technologies can provide easy solutions to remote attendance. Choosing an accessible conferencing platform, using proper text colour-contrast and limiting slide animations are a few ways to ensure your next virtual meeting is as inclusive as possible.
Sheridan Roberts, HeadBox Head of Events
#2
Trend #2:
Bring your whole(some) self to work
Top 10 team bonding activities ranked by UK employees
1. Restaurant/private dining
2. Quizzes
3. Night out in a bar/club
4. Bowling
5. Escape room
6. Group sports bar events
7. A group walk or cycle
8. A weekend city break away
9. Picnic
10. Something relaxing
40%
of Gen Z want healthy food options
The way we work is changing, and this also goes for the work socials.
The stats don’t lie – a whopping 79% of UK employees would like their work parties to change. The top reasons cited included wanting different experiences, going to new and different venues and having more choice in the social events offered.
Although the classic work pub trip is still a popular choice, when it comes to their favourite team bonding events, UK employees want to see more variety from their companies – in the form of quizzes, bowling, escape rooms, and even axe throwing!
The most requested activity by far, though, is a team restaurant outing. At HeadBox, we know private dining is a massive hit with companies, and it’s no surprise why. Sharing a meal with your coworkers is a great way to relax, unwind and catch up with team members you might not have seen for a while. You can check out our favourite private dining spots here.
Maximising inclusivity is hot on the agenda for 2022. This is truly the year to create events that cater to everyone. When organising a team event, it’s key to consider your workforce. With 30% of parents stating they struggle with childcare for out-of-hours work events, striking a balance between daytime and evening activities is key. Why not shake it up and make the main event a daytime affair, with an option to continue into the evening for those who would like to? This way, you make sure you’re not excluding anyone with other commitments who would like to attend a team event.
30%
of parents struggle with childcare for out of hours work events
We’ve seen that employees are still keen for a work night out, but it may surprise event planners that less than a quarter voted that they are interested in alcohol at events. With the growth of the low- and no-alcohol drinks industry, we are spoilt for choice for tipples that won’t leave your attendees with a sore head the next day. Making sure you have options to cater for those who prefer to avoid or limit alcohol will also help draw in more attendees.
Healthy, plant-based meals continue to grow in popularity in 2022. One in 5 employees are keen to see a healthy meal option at meetings and events, which grows to almost a quarter of Millennials and 40% of Gen-Z. Plant-based is also the new way of life – a third of the younger workforce want to see a vegan spread. Accommodating these preferences will mean a lot to your attendees, and again, makes sure everyone is catered for.
Less than a quarter of survey participants are interested in alcohol at events
#3
Trend #3:
Do more, with less
A smaller budget does not have to mean fewer meetings and events.
A convenient location for the work event was a top priority
There’s no denying that the pandemic took a toll on lots of companies’ event budgets. A smaller budget does not have to mean fewer meetings and events. This is where smarter planning comes in - at HeadBox we have a few tips for 2022 that will help you do more with less.
Deft data
Cut costs with thorough data management. It might not be the sexiest of headlines, but having a great events database is a sure-fire way to keep tabs on your annual spending. Our events team has seen real benefits from providing management with year-on-year comparisons – knowing the ins and outs of your events programme is the first crucial step in finessing your finances.
Know your local
Booking local venues is not only a great way to save on travel costs and help the environment, but it’ll also make it easier for everyone to attend.
Long commutes rarely make the list of enjoyable experiences. The UK’s employees seem to agree - our research shows that having a convenient location for the work event was a top priority. Choosing a local venue is a great way to bolster accessibility for all the attendees. On top of this, cutting down on travel costs will allow you to do more with less. So put away the atlas and get to know your surroundings next time you’re planning a work outing.
Feasting, frugally
Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean rumbling stomachs. Cost-effective meals like buffets are always cheaper than opting for a three-course meal. The classic buffet is always a firm favourite with 41% voting for it as their preferred food option. Locally sourced is having a renaissance across all ages, as well. With 40% of Gen Z and 37% of Boomers both preferring to keep their meals close to home – this is good news for the budget as eating local cuts down on costs.
41%
voted for a classic buffet as their preferred food option
