WHY YOU NEED TO RETHINK YOUR EVENT STRATEGY: Key takeaways from yesterday's debate.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in a debate at Elements Stockholm together with Invajo, Arvid Axland and Cecilia Perlind where we explored event strategies and how to create true value for all attendees - to drive real impact beyond the moment.

Here are my key takeaways from the debate.

How to Create a Lasting Event Impact

1. Clear Purpose & Goals – Successful events can create tangible business value. You need a strategic partner, ensuring that events go beyond logistics like venue and catering.

2. Bringing the Right People Together – The most impactful events bring together diverse expertise, sparking cross-industry innovation and meaningful change.

3. Follow-up & Activation – Real results come from a clear post-event strategy, whether through follow-up meetings, pilot projects, or deeper collaborations.

4. Long-term Influence – When events are designed with these principles in mind, they lead to larger movements and ongoing innovation, rather than being one-off experiences.

Digitalization as an Emotional Driver

The evolution of events is increasingly powered by digitalization and smart technology. This means that you need to embrace digital tools to create more effective, engaging, and data-driven experiences. Key areas where digitalization enhances event impact include:

1. AI & Analytics – Understanding attendee behavior in real-time to optimize content and event flow.

2. Automation – Reducing manual work, allowing for a stronger focus on strategy and creativity.

3. Hybrid Solutions – Creating deeper engagement before, during, and after events. A great example is GreenDog – Naughty Society, an AI-generated fashion campaign showcasing how AI can reshape industries.

4. Clusters & Collaboration – Encouraging businesses to co-create and accelerate innovation within specific fields, such as AI and XR.

Three Key Drivers for the Future of the Event Industry

As the industry evolves, three critical areas will shape the future of events:

1. Networks – Strong ecosystems drive long-term business value by fostering relationships, not just momentary experiences.

2. Technology & Tools – Experimenting with AI and emerging technologies will enhance engagement and audience interaction.

3. Formats – Seamless integration of physical and digital elements will be key to adapting to new audience expectations. Hybrid is the key!

By focusing on these pillars, your event will be relevant, innovative, and valuable—both in the moment and in the long run. Making it a must have, not a nice to have.

Thank you for the great debate, Invajo , Arvid Axland and Cecilia Perlind. We need more conversations like this to move the needle and develop the future of events - together.

Need a strategic event partner? Let's talk!