As we mark our 5 year anniversary of the creation Revent Consulting, I find myself reflecting on how far we've come. Five years ago, virtual events were a niche concept, reserved for only the large organizations and the most tech-savvy of individuals. Then came 2020—a year that reshaped how we gather, connect, and share knowledge. What was once a backup plan or novelty, quickly became a cornerstone of the events industry.
At Revent, we've had the privilege of navigating this exciting transformation, helping our corporate and nonprofit clients embrace the new opportunities that virtual and hybrid events present. But today is about more than celebrating the past; it’s about looking ahead to the future. What do the next five years hold for virtual and hybrid events? Let’s dive into some trends we’re already seeing, and what we think is on the horizon.
Personalized Experiences
One of the most exciting trends we see on the horizon is deeper attendee experience personalization. With the increasing abilities of AI and data analytics, events will be tailored to individual attendee preferences in ways we can only start to imagine. Picture an attendee experience where your agenda is curated specifically for you, where content recommendations and networking opportunities are based on your unique interests and behaviors, and where you can connect with customers, employees or vendors using AI for personal interactions that wouldn’t be possible with just video, audio and slide presentations.
Immersive Hybrid Events
Hybrid events have proven their value, combining the best of both in-person and virtual worlds. But what’s next? Think about heightened immersive experiences, with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) transforming how remote attendees engage. Picture exploring a virtual expo hall or attending a 3D keynote that feels just as interactive as being there, transforming your living room into a theater for live presentations, or private conversations and meetings with lifelike avatars no matter the location, truly blurring the line between in-person and virtual!
Sustainability at the Forefront
The event industry is far from a carbon-neutral industry, and as AI services mature it can add an even greater footprint to the amount of energy consumed, but sustainability has quickly become and will remain a top priority for event organizers! Creating more virtual/hybrid formats offers a path to reducing environmental impact. In the coming years, we’ll likely see a push towards “zero-waste” events, where every decision—from energy-efficient servers to digital-only swag—is made with the planet in mind.
Building Communities Year-Round
Virtual events have changed how we build and sustain communities. Instead of one-off experiences, we’re seeing year-round engagement through smaller virtual touchpoints like webinars and micro-events. The future will be about keeping that momentum going long after the main event ends to keep your community connected in preparation for the next large-scale fundraiser, Town Hall or conference!
Looking Forward
As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with gratitude for the clients, partners, and our incredible team at Revent who have helped us grow and evolve in this space. The future of virtual and hybrid events is bright, and I believe we’re just getting started.
At Revent, we’ll continue to push boundaries, experiment with new technologies, and prioritize meaningful, sustainable connections. Here’s to the next five years—and beyond!
— Julie Migliacci, Co-Founder of Revent Consulting