In person events are back and better than ever for the 2023 season. As we welcome the widespread return of private events, we have curated a list of the hottest private event trends we’re most excited to deliver to our clients in the upcoming year.
Grand Pacific Room, a dedicated private event space, located in downtown San Diego.
In Pursuit of a Premier Venue
The pursuit of premier venues is front and center on our list of private event trends for 2023. From intimate gatherings to grand soirées, event planners are eager to secure non-traditional venues that are sure to make a lasting impression on their guests.
In fact, a recent survey of more than 23,000 event industry professionals revealed that 92% of event organizers believe events are more likely to be booked outside of a hotel than they were five years ago.
Instead, event planners are looking into venues offering a more refined elegance and intimate setting such as trendy nightlife or restaurant venues.
Whether it's Rustic Root’s chic rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, Ballast Point Long Beach's terrace ocean views, Huntress’ iconic facade and sophisticated and contemporary environment, Lumi’s vibrant and energetic vibe, or Johnny WAHOO! Golf Bar’s sports-centered and entertaining atmosphere, the right location plays a significant role in elevating the private experience for all involved.
Finding ways to use sustainable or recycled items are a great way to keep your event green.
Attendees Are Seeking Sustainability
Watching how event trends have been evolving, it’s clear that sustainability has become an integral aspect of private event planning. More and more, guests expect the events they participate in to reflect a high level of environmental responsibility.
Savvy event planners are becoming even more mindful of the impact events can have on the environment, and making an earnest efforts to reduce their events carbon footprint.
Regardless of budget and event size, incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly practices is becoming a must for private events of all sizes.
The expert event planners RMD Events recommend opting for sustainable decorations as a good point of entry into sustainability for your private events.
Some examples include:
locally sourced greenery and flower arrangements
reducing waste by using biodegradable materials when possible
and sourcing locally-produced food to reduce transportation emissions
The incorporation of sustainable practices not only aligns with the growing consumer demand for conscious consumption, but also adds an interesting aspect to your private event that will make it stand out.
Personalized signage for a private event at Rustic Root in San Diego.
Personalized & Bespoke Events Will Be The Talk of the Town
Want to give your guests a truly unparalleled experience? If so, then personalization will be the defining private event trend for 2023 that will deliver your guests a truly bespoke experience.
The hottest events of the year will be those tailored to the individual preferences of guests and create a sense of exclusivity.
Event organizers are creating personalized experiences with custom menus, personalized gifts, and even interactive technology to create a more engaging experience for guests.
For example, a commercial real estate firm may create a custom drink menu including a drink called "The Skyline”.
Served in a glass with the firm's name etched onto it, The Skyline would be a visually stunning drink featuring an edible image of San Diego skyline---a nod to the company's focus on urban real estate---stenciled onto the surface. As a finishing touch, garnish the drink with a lime wedge or different color garnish to represent the colors of the firm's logo. Attendees will love the attention to detail and will happily share photos of the drink across social media.
Whether it's a custom cocktail menu or a personalized playlist, these small touches make guests feel special and valued.
Indoor golf simulators make a great event activity at Johnny WAHOO! Golf Bar.
Make Memorable Moments With Experiential Activations
Corporations have long been using experiential activations to give their customers an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience. Needless to say, we’re excited to see them trending in the private event industry as well.
In 2023, we expect to see event planners and hosts creating immersive and interactive experiences with the goal to engage guests in a memorable way and create a connection between them and the event.
Any event can be experiential and the immersive element of the experience can be customized to complement the venue, the brand, the event and its attendees.
When planning the experiential aspect of an event, consider hands-on activities, multi-sensory experiences, and other interactive elements that allow guests to actively participate and engage with the event in a meaningful way.
Some examples include:
Themed dining events from which you can choose any theme you desire---your favorite decade, a black tie affair, a murder mystery dinner, or a celebrity look alike contest. The sky's the limit. Just remember to extend the theme to different aspects of your event such as the dinning menu, the cocktail menu, and the decor.
Offer guests a photo booth activation with a custom backdrop and hashtag for your event and project the photos onto a wall throughout the duration of the event
Offer a “Mixology Masterclass". Create a list of three custom drinks for your event attendees to choose from. Then have a professional mixologist teach them the tricks of the trade and guide guests through the process of creating their own cocktails. Create a sense of excitement with upbeat music, ambient lighting, and a lively atmosphere and you have the perfect recipe for a unique experience that allows guests to explore their creativity and learn the art of mixology in a relaxed and fun environment.
A Farm-to-table dinner featuring an assortment of locally sourced food and beverages that are elegantly plated. Incorporate a range of textures, colors, flavors, and aromas to engage all of the guests’ senses.
Personalized and up-scale private event held at Lumi, San Diego’s rooftop sushi restaurant.
Private Event Trends in 2023: Embracing Unique and Memorable Experiences
There’s no denying that 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for private events. We expect to see a continued emphasis on event industry trends that put creating unique and memorable experiences for guests front and center with sustainability initiatives, premier venues, and immersive experiences leading the way.
As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for private events are endless and our industry experts continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you are looking to host a grand gala, an intimate gathering, or a corporate event, RMD Events offers a range of options to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Reach out to our Events Team for more info.