Adam Parry is Co-Founder and Editor at Event Industry News, a UK-based publication serving as the event industry’s global online magazine. Adam has more than 10 years’ experience in the event industry and has a passion for event technology; in fact he’s co-created Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology.
I wanted to catch up with Adam to discuss the event industry, how it’s made a comeback after COVID, and chat about challenges faced by event organizers and best practices for successful events. We cover many topics germane to event organizers, including:
- Unexpected challenges faced by event organizers, including unanticipated health and safety concerns.
- Strategies for pricing and access control at events, including offering a paid option for non-VIP attendees.
- The importance of providing value to attendees and exhibitors at events, with reference to examples of successful events that have leveraged this strategy.
- Attendees’ hunger not just for the event experience, but for meaningful experiences and opportunities for giving back to local communities.
- How successful event organizers and exhibitors create content before, during, and after events to maximize reach and engagement.
- Why higher production quality is crucial for engagement, given that audiences now expect professional-level content in the post-pandemic era.
- How lines are blurring between conferences, summits, and trade shows.
- Venue selection strategies for event organizers.
- Strategies to regain intimacy at larger events, such as segmenting attendees or creating opportunities for one-on-one connections.
- The need for alternative networking options beyond alcohol-related social activities.
- The importance of communication and collaboration between show organizers and exhibiting companies to avoid competing events.
- The importance of accessibility in the events industry, given that a significant share of attendees may suffer from physical disabilities.
- How the event industry is beginning to seriously focus on the issue of environmental sustainability.
