Vision 2020 The Trend Report

At The Idea Hunter we are Trend-setters in corporate events; creating human connections and experiences,  and it is no wonder that on February 5th,  huntresses, Janice Cardinale and Hailey O’Bright, drew “ the largest number of attendees to a PD Day within the last year” according to Jennifer Pelletier, VP of Professional development.

Janice said, “The overarching trend is well, not so much specific, but rather a more conscious, thoughtful and humanitarian approach to life”.  This theme of consciousness was carried through the entire presentation leaving attendees with a lot to think about in the future.

Pantone 2020 is Classic Blue, because it feels reliable, tranquil, and calm. Color is a choice for the eye of the beholder. Many examples of the classic blue were shown against a multitude of neon and LED shades of green, orange, yellow and fuchsia.

Breaking Silos: A space, an environment, a culture, where we work, have meetings and celebrate special events with a vision for human connectivity. Sitting in a cubicle, a round table with chairs or banquet tables, does not enable creative conversation, comfort or inspiration. Changing our habits and opening our minds to the purpose and possibilities is what is needed today and tomorrow.

Creative Camp: Highlights, staging for speakers, meeting rooms of the future, where unconventional furniture breaks the borders of generational complacency and tradition.   Interior designers and event organizers are using modular furniture to encourage community seating plans, conversations and networking.

The Conscious Lounge

What is our responsibility as event professionals in 2020? We are looked upon to inspire and spark conversation about the future – along with our duty as global citizens to take an active role in shaping it. When you design a space, your focus must be on sustainability, something we strongly believe is no longer an optional part of the products designed or consumed. The lounge is designed to inspire you to be more conscious of your consumption habits and motivate change in our behaviours.

• Open spaces that reinforce, sustainability, collaboration and creativity;
• Re-usable, recycled or re-interpreted, furniture made from biodegradable materials;
• A leed certified space, venue, building or hotel to have your event;
• Installing kitchens that allow for health and wellness, family, gathering and community;
• An indoor garden or potted plants of any size to help filter the air; and
• A culture that fosters work life balance. 

We Love Flowers: Do you use floral centerpieces at your events?  Would you display them in single use plastics? Then please ask your florist to stop using green floral foam. Floral foam is made of carcinogenic materials that are harmful and it breaks down to microplastics. Support local florists who are farming ethically.  80% of florals used at events are imported from countries without regulations. “Just say no.”

Conscious Gifting: Young intrapreneurs have a different vision for sustainable gifting.  Soak Bath Co., started by a young woman from Manitoba, designs beautiful bars of soap that are hand crafted with zero waste. The label on each soak bar are made of biodegradable, plant able seed paper that grows wildflowers. Guests love a story!

Future-tainment: Is interactive, immersive, digital, authentic, inclusive and diverse.  It is not about a specific trend, it is having the ample opportunity for networking, personalizing the guest experience, through live polling, silent conferences, and custom schedules. Making meetings into festivals with live entertainment and keeping attendees engaged with multiple options before, during and after the meeting or event.

Evolving Cocktails: Where new ideas like freezing alcohol creates curiosity and engagement at the bar.9 out of 10 events are requesting non-alcoholic stations.  Don’t be the last to offer it.

Gamification: Where everyone can play a game digitally, with a host and a shared experience where everyone has a stake.

Healthy is Hot: Juice shots for tired, and travelled conference attendees. Centering wellness rather than breaking it out to a room.  We Walk, a new idea for counting steps at a conference to encourage more exercise and less transportation.  Rewards for endurance, power and strength.

Virtual Meeting Ideas: Show your internal and external attendees the love, by sending a healthy breakfast delivered to their door, or a gift card for a book on emotional intelligence, or a meditation class. If you want their attention, then you have to earn it. 

The huntresses had much more to share but if you want a trend report presented to your corporate team then contact them at info@theideahunter.ca 
 

About the Author:
Janice Cardinale is a Chief Idea Hunter and a passionate leader and changemaker in the event industry. She loves to hunt for new ideas, innovations and pure talent that creates shock value, while collaborating with young urban talent who she can mentor. She is the board chair for Seneca’s event design and management program and is a sought speaker and writer on trends.  She has volunteered for the chapter and recently joined one of the MPI International boards and continues to advocate for MPI and the Toronto chapter.