Event Dispatch - April 2025

Hey there 👋

That was a crazy April, to put it mildly! As the events landscape shifts under economic pressures and evolving audience expectations, we as an industry must adapt and be nimble. From navigating new Trump tariffs to understanding Gen Z's quickly changing payment preferences, this month's newsletter brings you the all critical event industry news you need to know.

Inside this month’s edition, you'll get essential intel on how U.S. tariffs could affect event costs, discover why payment plans are key to unlocking Gen Z attendance, find valuable insights on who to follow for event wisdom on LinkedIn, and explore critical accessibility issues in ticketing. Plus, we share our top event industry podcast picks to keep you inspired and informed.

🧠 Event Industry Intel You Need To Know

How New U.S. Tariffs Are Reshaping Event Costs and Strategy

The billion-dollar question is buzzing through the event world: How will new U.S. tariffs impact your bottom line and planning? Insights from Event Marketer reveal significant shifts already underway as the industry grapples with rising costs and supply chain uncertainty following recent tariff announcements.

Key insights from the analysis:

• Material costs are surging for essentials like steel, aluminum, LEDs, electronics, and fabrics, hitting exhibit builds, installations, and decor hard

• Brands will likely absorb most increased costs, forcing tough conversations about budgets and potentially impacting event scope and scale

• Event pros are pivoting by sourcing locally, pre-buying goods, rethinking event formats (intimate vs. large-scale), and even re-evaluating live events vs. influencer marketing

This isn't just background noise. These tariffs are forcing real-time strategic adjustments across the board, from vendor selection to client budget allocation.

Want to dive deeper? The full Event Marketer article explores how specific tariffs are impacting materials, who foots the bill, and the pivots agencies are making.

💅 Unlock Gen Z Wallets: The Rise of Event Ticket Payment Plans

Soaring ticket prices meet Gen Z's desire for experiences, fueling a massive surge in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options for events like Coachella. Insights from USA TODAY and industry commentary reveal how payment flexibility is becoming non-negotiable for younger attendees facing high costs.

Key insights from the trend:

• Over 60% of Coachella attendees reportedly used payment plans, showcasing significant adoption

• Gen Z, often the core audience for events like Coachella where 40% are aged between 18 and 24, is already familiar and comfortable with BNPL models

• While additional fees apply (like Coachella’s $41 charge), BNPL options make it easier for experience-driven consumers to manage the full cost of tickets, travel, and lodging

This is about improving accessibility and aligning with how Gen Z manages their finances. Understanding and implementing BNPL is increasingly looking essential for retaining the next generation of event attendees.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the full USA TODAY article and LinkedIn discussion on how Gen Z’s approach to money is transforming the way event tickets are bought and sold.

💭 From the Founder's Desk: Cut Through the Noise: Top Event Voices to Follow on LinkedIn

Let’s be honest: LinkedIn can often feel like a flood of noise with an endless wave of surface-level posts, recycled trends, and industry jargon. But every now and then, someone shares something real. Something that reminds us why we do this work in the first place.

In one of my recent LinkedIn posts, I opened up about curating my feed more intentionally. Not to chase clout, but to listen to the voices that challenge me, ground me, and inspire me to think differently about events.

Whether you're building your own network or rethinking how you grow as an event professional, the people you surround yourself with, both online and offline shape how you show up.

Who are the voices that challenge you, teach you, or remind you why you love this industry? Join the conversation or tag them on the LinkedIn post. i'll be responding to comments all week!

🧑‍🦽 Wake-Up Call: Accessibility Failures Impacting Event Attendance

A stark new report from arts audience specialist Indigo Ltd reveals a critical disconnect in how venues cater to disabled attendees. The Access Culture report paints a concerning picture, finding that fewer than 1 in 10 disabled audience members feel their needs are adequately met during the crucial ticket booking process.

Key insights from the report:

• An alarming 91% of disabled visitors feel booking systems don't fully allow them to state their access needs, hindering essential communication

• Nearly three-quarters (71%) of disabled visitors struggle to find vital accessibility information about venues before attending

• Uncertainty breeds absence, with 38% missing out on cultural events entirely due to concerns about accessibility

These findings, based on feedback from over 20,000 UK respondents, highlight significant barriers preventing disabled individuals from fully participating in events. And it’s not just older demographics affected. Younger generations are presenting unexpected needs too.

With accessibility impacting nearly every stage of the visitor experience, the report makes one thing clear: there’s a lot more work to do if cultural venues want to truly welcome everyone.

Want to dive deeper? Here’s a full breakdown of the Access Culture report which explores how accessibility needs impact audience behaviour and perceptions across the events landscape

🎧 Deep Dive: Top Podcasts for Event Pros in 2025

Tired of scrolling endlessly for event planning wisdom? Tune in instead! We've sifted through the airwaves to find the absolute best podcasts packed with invaluable tips, strategies, and inspiration specifically curated to elevate your event game in the coming year.

Standout shows to add to your queue:

• EventUp: Hosted by Amanda Ma, dives into diversity, inclusion, and experiential marketing with top guests.

• Better Events: Logan Clements & Mary Davidson offer practical tips on strategy, budgets, and engagement with a friendly vibe.

• Events: demystified: Anca P. Trifan brilliantly blends AV/AI tech insights with essential wellness advice for event pros.

• GatherGeeks by BizBash: David Adler brings industry giants on for deep dives into creative ideas and strategies.

• Event Tech Podcast: Will Curran & Brandt Krueger break down the latest event technology trends and how to use them.

These curated podcasts are your secret weapon for navigating the ever-evolving events landscape. They tap into the minds of seasoned planners, tech innovators, marketing gurus, and hospitality experts who share their hard-earned wisdom and real-world experiences.

You'll gain practical, actionable insights you can apply immediately, covering everything from logistical hacks and budget mastery to cutting-edge tech, creative experience design, and effective marketing tactics.

Grab your headphones, tune into the top podcasts for event professionals, get inspired, and build the skills you need to succeed in 2025.

💵 Tariffs Poised to Hike US Event Prices: Are You Ready?

Rising tariffs are creating new challenges across the events industry, with potential impacts reaching far beyond just sourcing costs. Our recent LinkedIn poll, while based on a small sample, revealed a clear trend: event professionals are preparing for higher ticket prices and so should attendees.

Key insights from the discussion:

• 85% of respondents expect to pass increased costs directly to attendees through higher ticket prices.

• Attendee behavior could shift, with many prioritizing value over quality and reclassifying some event services as "luxuries."

• Broader changes may include reduced business travel, a return to DIY solutions, or even a resurgence of virtual components.

Tariffs aren’t just raising operational costs. They could reshape how attendees engage with events entirely.

Understanding these shifts is essential for refining pricing strategies, enhancing perceived value, and future-proofing your event model.

Dive deeper into the full conversation on LinkedIn and see how industry leaders are adapting their strategies.

🎉 Product News: A Smarter, More Powerful Checkout Experience

The new and improved Checkout Forms is now available with Eventcube! An upgraded, more flexible, and intuitive way to collect attendee data at ticket checkout.

Our team took everything you loved about our previous Custom Forms and transformed it into a streamlined, smarter solution.

Now, you have even more control over the data you collect while ensuring a smoother experience for attendees.

What’s New?

• Granular control – Customize questions based on event, category, or ticket type

• Conditional logic – Ask only the questions that matter, when they matter

• Versatile question types – Gather dietary requirements, email opt-ins, merchandise preferences, and more.

Log in now to explore Checkout Forms or visit eventcube.io to see how we power unforgettable events.

👋 Until Next Time!

That wraps up this edition of the Events Dispatch! It's clear the industry is navigating a fascinating period, from the macro-economic challenges of tariffs to the micro-strategies for reaching Gen Z attendees. Whether you're planning large-scale productions or intimate gatherings, staying informed and adaptable is key.

Have thoughts on any of these stories? I'd love to hear from you - drop me a comment on LinkedIn or check out our latest content on the Eventcube blog.

Here's to creating extraordinary experiences. 🥂

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