2022 is predicted to see a resurgence in consumer spending, travel, and live events as it seems like the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is behind us. While tours, festivals, and corporate events are being announced daily, the same entertainment and event companies that were laying off employees last year are now recruiting them back to work to meet the anticipated increase in demand this year.
Although the events industry has seen unprecedented lows in the last few years, this year is poised for a full rollback of live events and meetings. With many experts predicting event restrictions to be lifted in the next few months, let’s discuss what we can expect to see in 2022 when it comes to events, meetings, travel, and how this will all be affected by the new Covid variant.
1. There will be a pent-up demand for live meetings, events, and a return to normalcy.
Although Covid-19 protocols are among the top of the list of concerns for the events industry, a return to normalcy is becoming an important factor for both in-person and hybrid events this year. According to a PULSE survey, 80 percent said return on time, experience, and investment for attendees, exhibitors, and other participants are the most important factors when planning events in 2022.
And now that we’re all familiar with health and safety protocols after living through the pandemic, we can expect these protocols to make attendees, exhibitors, and staff ready to gear up for the long-awaited return of the meetings and events industry.
Some people haven’t been able to gather in person for almost three years, creating a pent-up need for networking. After all, the ability to connect face-to-face, share experiences, discuss coping strategies, and discuss future predictions is one of the most important facets of live events to a meeting professional. If you’re planning an upcoming event, make sure you provide plenty of social and networking opportunities for your attendees.
2. Upgrades in safety and health protocols will continue to be integrated into events.
After the U.S. officially opened its borders to vaccinated foreign travelers who can provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test, venues are seeing a surge in demand and implementation of new health and safety protocols. Many venues are opening their own on-site testing facilities to make it easier for travelers.
But safety measures aren’t just about spot cleaning and hand sanitizer stations. Event planners will need to prepare protocols for before and during events, any vaccination restrictions, possible registrant/attendee limitations, and what pre-emptive measures need to be put in place if government restrictions or other protocols change.
3. The Omicron variant won’t slow new event bookings.
According to a PULSE survey based on 615 event professional responses, new event bookings are more prevalent than ever. On top of that, over half of event planners surveyed plan to produce their next event before July 2022, indicating that the meetings industry will continue to surge for at least the next 7 months.
4. Event venues will be booked up quicker, event space availability could become sparse.
With interest in attending in-person events returning, we can expect event spaces to book up quickly. In fact, event planners are starting to become concerned about compression.
In the past few years, we would already be hearing about a multitude of canceled events – but this isn’t the case for 2022. The events that didn’t get canceled for 2022 are still on the books. On top of that, all of the 2020 and 2021 re-books are getting pushed forward now that the events industry is ready to host in-person events again.
Although the events industry has the greatest opportunity to thrive in states like Florida and Texas this year due to those states dropping Covid-related restrictions before most others, more and more areas are lifting restrictions and hitting better vaccination percentages across the country – meaning the events industry’s return is leveling off around the nation.
If you’re planning to host an event this year, it’s best to book your venue at least 8 months in advance.
5. Lingering supply chain issues will continue to affect the industry.
You’re probably aware by now that supply chains have been severely impacted by Covid-19. In 2021 global supply chains reached their breaking point, spawning price hikes, shortages, and maritime traffic jams. To confirm this, a survey by Statista conducted back in December found that nearly 72% of businesses were suffering detrimental effects related to the pandemic and supply chain.
Although many companies are shifting from managing risk and disruption to exploiting future growth, this will require digital technology innovations in order to build new supply chain capabilities — which is unlikely to happen in the short term.
Driven by necessity, many companies are increasing their overall investment in digital supply chain technologies. Although practices like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the internet of things are growing more prevalent in the global supply chain, they’re a long way off from becoming the standard.
6. Rising costs will vex event planners.
In fact, many meeting planners are reporting that rising costs are more concerning than government mandates and safety protocols — for the first time since the pandemic began. Planners report rising costs of equipment and lack of staffing are among the most difficult concerns for event planners in 2022.
7. Planners will have to continue to navigate around the supply chain.
Whether you’re trying to cut costs or navigate around the supply chain – technology rentals are a great opportunity for equipping your event or meeting with a large array of cutting-edge technologies.
And as the supply chain shortage isn’t expected to ease until the second half of 2022, technology rentals could be your only option if you’re looking to use the latest technology like computers, laptops, tablets, audio-visual equipment, sanitizing and PPE equipment, office equipment, internet rentals, smartphone rentals, and more at your event.
Now isn’t the time to gamble on a new shipment of equipment to arrive on time, especially if it’s coming from overseas. Not only are technology rentals your cheapest and quickest bet, but it’s also the most reliable right now due to the current state of the global supply chain. On top of that, with technology rentals you won’t have to worry about shipping delays, product installation, tech support, or even product recommendations – companies like Rentacomputer.com are experienced with renting technology during a pandemic and are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide the very best support.
Rentacomputer.com – A Trusted Rental Partner
Are you looking for a technology rental provider that you can trust? Rentacomputer.com has been in business for over 30 years – and we can back that up with positive reviews on Google, referrals from our accounting executives and certificates of insurance for events of all sizes, and educated employment of technicians.
When you rent from us, you not only get the best equipment but also top-of-the-line support from qualified tech travel agents with years of experience in the technology rental and event production field. Our agents coordinate all the logistics of delivery and installation and can have techs on call to troubleshoot and fix any problems that may arise with your rental technology. Get a quote for your event technology rental needs today.
Visit our PC & AV Rental Pricing Factors page to find out about our pricing estimates.
Are you thinking about renting a large number of laptops for a corporate event, training classes, user conference, or office shortage? Tech Travel Agent Tony Cipollone specializes in technology solutions including laptops, gaming PCs, workstations, and more for large events and in-office setups. Tony can answer any questions you have about computers and other necessary equipment, as well as the renting process. Contact Tony today at 1-800-736-8772 ext. 241 or fill out a fast, easy online quote form.
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