The Eastside Rooms predicts the events and meetings trends for 2023 and sees the year as The Great Evolution.
โThe last two years can probably be characterised in similarly sweeping terms; 2021, The Great Return; 2022, The Great Demand. For us at the Eastside Rooms 2023 could be defined as The Great Evolution. But it could also be seen as the acceleration of what we have termed Ethical Events, something weโve seen from our event organisers over the last 24 months, and which shows no sign of abating.
Events in 2023 are increasingly ethical forces for good
So, as things return to semi-normality, that’s with the current economic uncertainty, itโs reassuring to see so many event organisers looking to use their own events for good.
For us, one of the first signs of this movement is the increasing interest around accessibility. In our minds, over the last few years, this has taken a backseat. Equally worthy causes, from the pandemic, to diversity and inclusion, to sustainability, have all rightly been part of the main narratives around events creation. Accessibility dropped down in priority though. We predict it will come back up again in 2023 and it’s pleasing to see.
Green events and meetings remain important in 2023
Equally though, we donโt see it as replacing those other movements, but sit alongside them. โGreenโ meetings will remain important and continue to expand at the same rapid pace that has typified events in 2022. At the same time, accessibility has a natural partner in inclusion and the need to reach out to delegates, wherever they are, will be a continuous conversation in the industry, bringing with it hybrid and blended events, and those that reach out into communities to meet them in person or digitally. The three meet in a virtuous triangle to create this idea of Ethical Events, those that care about every delegate and make them feel truly welcome regardless of background.
We see this movement as fundamental to the future of events, not just in 2023. For so long that โWelcomeโ sign above most event venues has been skin deep. At The Eastside Rooms, weโve tried to make ours mean a whole lot more. From Changing Places size changing rooms, accessible entrance and exit ways, wider corridors, sensory support for guests, and even just having a multi-cultural staff happy to greet a multi-cultural delegation, remain top of mind in our business.
Ethical values and delivery are now expected by all events and meetings
Weโre not the first and we wonโt be the last. What we do expect is that these โUSPsโ will move from selling points to hygiene factors. There are no points for being inclusive, but you can lose them if youโre not. No pats on the back for being Carbon Neutral, but it will be a tough sell to a delegate organiser if venues or events lack a clear sustainability promise.
In 2023 weโre going to be held to account to the highest standards. That is a good thing. Itโs a move we welcome.
The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham is a new state-of-the-art conference and event space.
