Explore the top four engagement trends emerging in July/August below, then head over to the full report for more cultural moments, speaker recommendations, entertainment trends, and talent recommendations. ‍

Neuro Inclusion

As we push to become a more inclusive and accessible society, the next big focus is on neuro-inclusion, which is beginning to influence every sector from social media, to design, and technology, pushing to innovate and accommodate experiences and content that consider the different ways that people think, experience senses, process, and communicate.

Event planners can create more welcoming and engaging experiences for all with these actionable steps:

• Partner with trained professionals like the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which offers certification programs for staff to create inclusive experiences for neurodivergent individuals. 
• Select venues with certifications like Certified Autism Center (CAC) or Autism Certificate (AC) to ensure a baseline level of staff training. To find these places, check out Autism Travel. 
• Select certified destinations like Visit Mesa, which recently became the first Autism Certified City in the U.S. To accomplish this, at least 80% of guest-facing staff must complete training and certification; Mesa has over 60 certified businesses and 5,000 certified individuals. 
• Ask about and make accommodations by incorporating questions about accessibility needs during registration. Be prepared to adjust agendas and environments based on the feedback, which may highlight the need for:some text
  • More R&R time and autonomy
  • Quiet spaces
  • Conversation cards or pre-seeded topics to ease networking 
  • Neuro-inclusive colors, lights, and sounds
  • Accessible content
• Communicate clearly and consistently with agendas, know-before-you-gos, event policies, venue maps, and dress code expectations. Utilize simple signage and wayfinding throughout the event space and offer assistive technologies like speech-to-text and closed captioning for presentations.

Summer Fun

A new study found that younger generations are looking to have a fun summer regardless of their financial stability, with 38% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials reporting that, regardless of their financial situation, summer travel is their priority. Many young consumers — 27% of Gen Z and 28% of millennials — even say they’re willing to take on debt to maximize their fun.

Event pros can leverage this desire for summer fun to spark engagement. Here are our recommendations:

• Select a vacation-worthy destination that attendees view as a summer getaway. Enhance the experience by incorporating local elements or offering curated off-site activities that showcase the destination. 
• Prioritize fun as a core value proposition alongside the usual networking and learning opportunities. Because if your event is fun, it’s worth the cost!
• Embrace joy, play, and “kidulting” with elements that spark a sense of childlike wonder. Giant swings, slides, or game areas are always a hit. Offer nostalgic F&B like popsicles or organize athletic activities like pickleball or group fitness. ‍
• Never underestimate the power of FOMO. Create a vibrant experience that attendees will document on social so that when the folks at home see the fun they’re missing, they’ll be more likely to register for the next event.

Alone Together

In an attempt to recharge and slow down in everyday life but also enjoy the company of others, a rising trend among Gen Z is Reading With Strangers events — where people can gather to read in silence and socialize afterward if they want, giving a safe space for people to meet peers, or simply engage in a shared activity in a low-pressure environment. 

Planners can tap into this desire for connection with a low-pressure twist. This trend indicates a broader desire for “parallel play,” a less overwhelming alternative to large group activities. Some ideas to bring it to life:

• Provide plenty of co-working and quiet spaces to cater to this preference. Provide comfy seating, puzzles, crafts, and stream keynotes so no one misses out on any content. 
• Design silent disco-style breakouts by hosting them all in one large space. Set the room up like a lounge or cafe, and let attendees grab a headset and tune into the track that interests them most. 
• Build a Mural of Ideas where attendees can silently read or write on sticky notes to contribute their thoughts and ideas. This will create a shared space for reflection and spark conversation throughout the event.

Paris Olympics

While the last Olympics was clunky with reschedules and COVID regulations, the fervor, and love are back for the 2024 Olympics, with athletes, users, and significant online personalities posting BTS content and rooting for their favorite athletes online. With the excitement on social media brewing, major platforms like TikTok and Snap are sending 27 content creators to cover the Olympics, bringing a new way to watch and engage this summer. 

Event leaders can leverage the Olympic buzz to boost engagement. Here are some ideas:

• Broadcast the summer games live at your venue to foster a shared experience among attendees.
• Fuel friendly competition among international audiences by providing flags or badges for attendees to show off their team spirit.
• Book Olympic athletes (current or retired) as speakers to inspire and motivate your audience
• Incorporate Olympic-themed gamification, allowing attendees to earn medals for actively engaging with content.
• ‍Take it to the next step with a “field day” featuring mini-games modeled after popular Olympic events (have your sponsors provide water bottles and headbands!).

Want More?

Head over to the full report to explore more engagement and entertainment trends and listen to and learn about emerging talent.