Everything in events is about trends. "What's hot now?" is always the big question. In reality, it all depends on you. I've seen a revival of both the 70s and the 80s. Sometimes technology is hot and sometimes vintage and "old school" is in. If you're planning an event, don't be pulled in a direction you don't want to go just because it's perceived as the latest thing. Follow your own path. No one wants to see the same old thing everywhere they go, or get the same food, entertainment or gift bags. Being different and not following the crowd is the most trendy thing you can do!
With that said...it's still fun to see what people are talking about so here's a few trends that are peaking right now.
1. Flavored Popcorn
Chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, macadamia nut...whatever flavor you can devise, it can be sprinkled or poured over popcorn. It's very popular at events and also great for fundraisers.
Popcorn Palace was featured on Rachel Ray's
$40 a day in Chicago. They have spicy, sweet, candied or nutty flavors. If you'd prefer to make your own, check out the recipes at
CDKitchen, where you'll find Cajun, garlic and Parmesan and even a recipe for Cracker Jacks.
2. Pop Ups
Pop Ups have been big this year. These are stores or restaurants that appear for a few days or weeks and then disappear only to appear somewhere else later.
Ludo Bites of Los Angeles is one of the more famous pop up restaurants. Chef Lefevbre says "I thought to myself, Why can't I rent a restaurant the way I rent a house?," he remembers. "I don't have to do a major change, I don't have to invest in equipment, build out and renovate ... I'll just put some rooster signs in the window and start cooking." Renting a space for a short period makes sense to a lot of pop up purveyors. They're fun for customers as well if you don't mind not knowing where your new favorite restaurant or gym is from one day to the next.
The Noble Rot is a traveling wine saloon in NY city. Wines or cocktails are paired with small bites and usually there is some musical entertainment for atmosphere.
"Pop-Up Fit Club" a roving gym in Healdsburg, CA offers drop-in fitness classes organized through social-media. So if you want to add some spice to your next outing, get on the list and follow your favorite pop-up around town.
3. Video Booth
Photo booths gave us that retro carnival feeling but technology is here is stay. Now video booths are the new thing. Although they're being used mostly in public spaces for polling consumers, they can also be rented for weddings. Guests can record a message of up to one minute. Chicago based
Gazebo, supplies booths for both public and private use.
What will be next? Who knows? But at least we know creativity is not dead.
