9 Exciting Event Trends To Watch

No matter the size of the event, the goal is always to provide a great and memorable guest experience. Event planners and event hosts alike always want to provide something exciting - whether it’s a surprise and delight to highlight one aspect of the event or if the idea is to infuse all aspects of the event with a unique flavor, color palette, or theme. The common challenge is always to create a new and different experience to introduce to guests to keep them excited and engaged. So whether you’re a foodie, all about design, or are interested in the next big thing, pay attention to this compilation of the top nine event trends.

1. Interactive Food ExperiencesThere is always something delicious and elegant with traditional catering, yet the days of simply being served a chicken picatta or fish are in the rearview mirror. It can be so simple to integrate food as the experience. Food trucks, food carts, and live action stations are all great opportunities where event attendees can actively engage with their food. Other interactive food experiences, such as DIY taco bars, make-your-own pizza stations, and live cooking demonstrations add an extra element of excitement and entertainment to the event.

2. Customization and PersonalizationOne look does not fit all, especially when it comes to creating the right touches for an event. Event organizers are embracing customization and personalization, typically with creative ways and places where their logo can be placed. We have all seen a cupcake or cookie with a company logo, but what about a drink topper or a custom design in your latte? Better yet - consider putting attendees’ faces on their own cookie or drink topper. It is definitely an impressive wow factor that attendees are sure to love and enjoy.

3. SustainabilityAs the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of food production and other areas that can contribute to waste, sustainability has taken center stage at live events. From eco-friendly packaging to zero-waste initiatives, event planners and clients can make conscious choices to minimize their environmental footprint. Efforts to reduce waste can come in simple solutions. Consider eliminating single-use plastic bottles. The Food Truck Hub offers water provided in 100% recyclable aluminum cans. Another way to drive recycling and remove nonbiodegradable products is to feature recycled napkins and palm leaf and bamboo leaf plates and containers. Not only are these products more elegant and stylish, but they also are better for the environment.

4. Nonalcoholic & Low Sugar BeveragesNot everyone wants to imbibe alcohol at events, and event hosts and planners are taking note. Nonalcoholic beverage options are expanding beyond basic sodas and juices to include sophisticated mocktails, artisanal sodas, and naturally-infused drinks that offer no sugar and no added sugar options. Attendees can enjoy refreshing beverages that are just as flavorful as their alcoholic counterparts.

5. Specialized DietsDietary restrictions are no longer an afterthought but a primary consideration at live events - and aren’t so much restrictions but rather, culinary opportunities. Gluten-free, vegan, and other specialized diet options are becoming increasingly prevalent, ensuring that all attendees can enjoy delicious food without compromise. Menu items can range from gluten-free pastries to plant-based entrees. Don’t just expect steamed vegetables - there's something for everyone at the modern event table!

6. Local & Minority VendorsSupporting local and minority small businesses is always important, and live events are the perfect platform to showcase the culinary talents of these small business heroes who are excited to share their passions. With The Food Truck Hub, our vendor partners are locally owned small businesses. The majority of these teams are also woman-owned and minority-owned. When event hosts consider their options in any market, sourcing from popular, local flavors that reflects the event’s cuisines and supports the local economy is always a winning combination.

7. International FlavorsBarbecue and tacos will forever remain favorite cuisines at food truck events. Some event planners and hosts are creating buzzworthy events by offering such cuisines as Filipino, Venezuelan, Mediterranean, and Asian delights, to name a few. Enable guests to indulge in a mix of international flavors by creating events that become a melting pot of global culinary adventures.

8. Engaging ExperiencesGuests always enjoy popular lawn games like Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Cornhole, and Ladder Toss. What if guests were offered other opportunities to engage with each other and participate in an activity? You may think it’s novel, but we are doing it! Create t-shirts together, enjoy a build-your-own beauty bar featuring a custom lip gloss or fragrance, or be a part of a team effort to create a mural or art installation. Since every guest may not want to be as active, magicians, comedians, fortune tellers, and other entertainers can provide the right mix to entertain and engage guests.

9. Good CausesNow more than ever, event hosts and event planners are asking about positive impact opportunities at events. These opportunities are not just for nonprofit organizations. The Food Truck Hub partners with an organization to rescue unserved food and redistribute it to individuals and families in need. Other concepts gaining popularity include build-a-bag efforts to stuff backpacks with commonly needed items. Whatever the effort, rally around a goal and build a community experience around it.

It is clear that events are no longer just about just the food or the bar. They are a blend of interactive food experiences, entertainment, guest engagement opportunities, personalization, and a canvas to customize just about any theme or experience to deliver that memorable experience. With The Food Truck Hub, it’s possible to plan it all with our one-stop-shop approach to streamline event services and experiences.