Design Trend #2: Unconventional Venues
The second design trend for 2020 that we’d like to talk a little bit more about brings us into the realm of designing experiences. It’s not exactly a new trend, but, one that has been gaining quite a bit of momentum over the past several years and shows no signs of slowing down.
There are a few critical factors that make conditions ripe for unconventional venues to continue trending upwards for years to come. In short, those conditions are:
Demand for Events is Growing (another trend we’ll be exploring later)
Traditional Venues are Getting More Expensive.
Generally, when we think about traditional venues hotels and meeting/convention centers are top of mind. What has been happening over the past several years is that, depending on your source for statistics (AMEX Global Meetings & Events Forecast is one resource), is that demand for in-person engagements has continued to increase by somewhere between 5-10% over the past several while the costs for hotel group rates have also continued to go up by around 3% as well. Depending on the size, needs, and budget of your organization, and with hotels no longer necessarily being the best option in town, those price increases have served to help accelerate the desire to find an unconventional spot to host events.
Here are just a few of the key ways that this trend is playing out:
“Think Local” Locales
People and businesses are “going local” with their money in general, and that same principle holds true for events. Attendees want to experience the local elements more than ever, and this includes everything from food and drink, to entertainment, to transportation, and beyond. Going all-in on local also consists of finding and choosing venues that are important to the local culture and economy of where you’re hosting your event. Focus your search on outdoor spaces, concert venues, historic buildings, food trucks, and restaurants, to name a few.
Partner with Venues That Are Making a Difference
Zhou B Art Center in Chicago
There are countless nonprofit and community-based organizations out there who rent out their available spaces to outside groups. Finding and partnering with a location that also benefits a cause not only reflects a little outside-the-box thinking in terms of the space itself, but it also demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that your dollars are doing a little bit of good as well.
Unique Spaces Reflect Unique Brands
Guardian Building in Detroit
Looking for the right venue should really begin with seeking and sourcing properties whose brands are consistent with your organization’s or your client’s. The more closely you can align the venue with the event brand and vision, the more memorable of an experience it will be.
Impressions (not the digital kind) are Critical
Peabody Library in Baltimore
Unique venues leave a long-lasting impression on clients and stakeholders and make for events that are equally memorable. We’ve all been in hotel ballrooms or conference spaces, some of which are lovely and perfectly suited for the needs of the day, but more often than not they don’t really add anything to the overall experience. In fact, they are more likely to detract. People will remember the time their company took over a local brewery or when they attended a fundraising gala in an airline hangar.
If you’re considering how to make your next event unforgettable, let us know. We love finding that perfect space; one that will reflect and leave your audience feeling connected, excited, and talking about your brand. And we know how to find it.