Each year brings new ideas that tend to shape everything from the clothes we wear, the food we eat and even the places we visit.  There are always new interests on the horizon, and 2019 is no exception.  As the year continues to expand so do the trends.

Obviously, creativity, engagement, and organization will continue to be the focal point of running a successful event. However, the ability to integrate new tech, locate unusual venues, generate social buzz and offer unique, healthy F&B options are four of the top trends shaping the hospitality industry now.

Tech expands in the hospitality industry

AI on the Rise – Does it seem that each year unfolds faster than the year prior?  Part of the reason may be the rapid rate with which technology has evolved. With each passing year, technology becomes faster, stronger, smarter, almost sensing our actions before we do. To truly capitalize on the intelligence today’s technology offers, we must keep up with the fast-paced changes, Incorporating technology into events isn’t new but how guests interact with it, well, that’s the part that is changing. As 2019 continues to grow so will AI. Instead of attention-getting robots though,  AI tech will enhance attendee experience by solving problems.

Facial recognition technology will make checking into venues easier and quicker thus eliminating check-in lines. Real-time audio translation apps are becoming more robust and user-friendly thus closing the gap on language barriers. International guests can focus more on the message rather than straining to understand just what is being said.

The use of chatbots is also shaping the hospitality industry as they can be programmed to do just about everything from confirming appointments, to following up on leads, to answering attendee questions. Like it or not, chatbots seem to be gaining more traction and may be used to connect attendees with the event more effectively than ever before.

Get onboard with these hospitality industry trends

Venue Will Matter …a Lot! – Over the past few years, there’s been an increasing demand for venues that are creative, unique and representative of a destination. It appears that as the year moves forward, the desire for off-site venues will continue to grow. With an emphasis on creating interactive and memorable experiences the focus to choose a venue that reflects the destination’s vibe and lifestyle and possibly one with historical ties to the area could be on the rise. Venues such as private yachts, historical museums, art galleries or even theaters are just some of the locations worth considering.

The Social Buzz – Social media has become a huge part of our lives and is now a growing part of the meetings and event industry. The goal will be to design impactful experiences that tie into social media campaigns. Creating a social media frenzy will no longer be left to chance but will be engineered by using strategic event planning and marketing. Sharable moments will be identified, and hashtags will be mobilized ahead of time to generate buzz, build suspense or introduce contests.

The sharing of photos and videos by attendees and organizers alike can double the impact of an event, leave a lasting impression and, according to study out of Cornell University, actually help boost meeting recall.

Food and Beverage – Food and beverage options will continue to change as the trend towards healthy alternatives has been dictating for the past couple of years. Attendees at most events will be less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks and meals. Cocktails will continue to be replaced with lighter choices like juice bars, flavored water, mocktails, smoothies and most recently kombucha and natural tonic or elixir bars. Self-serving will become much more prevalent as there seems to be a growing desire for attendees to make food choices themselves or even concoct their own drinks.

While understanding current trends is important especially in a demanding industry, tapping into local resources to help incorporate these trends can enable meeting planners to deliver highly successful and engaging programs. When you’re ready to begin planning your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this Pacific paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships and resources that ease the planning process.

Written By: Visit Newport Beach Meetings