TEN TRENDS FOR FUTURE EVENTS
1. Longer life expectancy
Elder workers – harder to surprise and motivate.
This will be a big challenge in the future.
2. Technology
A number of face-to-face meetings will turn into virtual and hybrid meetings.
New technology can be used to change perception of a destination/activity and so can be used for promotional purposes - e.g. virtual incentives.
3. Economy
There will be smaller budgets in western countries and more cross-cultural challenges.
4. Work & leisure time
Workers might appreciate events to meet colleagues and improve their education, combining work and leisure time.
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5. Ubiquity and malleability
Appearance (the way you look and the prestige of the event) will be important. Internet will transform the world into a global virtual square where people can meet.
6. Leisure time
More attention to keep updated, continue education, travel and take care of our health. Elements which might easily fit also into incentive programs.
7. Androgyny
Women will reach higher positions, men and women will have to solve their eternal cross cultural problems. A theme which might be interesting to integrate into Incentive programs.
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8. Ethics
Honesty & good reputation are more and more important and in a global community are more easily checked. Attention to the environment will be a "must" for future events.
9. Aesthetics
The way of presenting events and making them desirable & socially valuable will be extremely important. Technology development will also support this trend.
10. Culture
The overal standardization will prevail on local identities. Emerging countries will influence our culture. Events might contain educational values (traditions, local culture) coming from many to many rather than from outsider coachers/trainers. Just like in social networks, wikipedia or any web 2.0 interaction will be more and more important.
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