The Rise of Micro Events

Over the last few years the events industry has changed quite drastically - having to adapt to the restrictions put in place due to Covid-19. And with these changes emerged new opportunities, with one of the many developments being a new type of event… micro events.

What is a Micro Event?

A micro event is similar to a traditional event but is smaller in size and number of attendees. The premise of a micro event is to have fewer attendees so your opportunity to make meaningful connections is greater. When there is a larger number of attendees it can be difficult to chat and connect with people outside of the circle of people you arrived with. 

Micro events can be stand-alone  or can be smaller events within a larger gathering. Having events within an event can often be in the form of workshops or different networking opportunities.

Micro events can also be formed as part of a hybrid event, as half your audience can attend online and half in person. 

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Sometimes a very specific, targeted approach is better than a large scale broad offering. With your micro event idea, pick a niche and/or a target audience and think about how you can connect with your audience best to achieve your event goals. 

Sometimes there is more emphasis on the experience shared than on the size of the event.

Why Are Micro Events So Popular?

Micro events rose in popularity in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions limiting the number of guests that could attend events. Small micro events were often the only events that were allowed to go ahead so that social distancing measures could be followed.

Micro events being held meant that some normality could be achieved while ensuring everyone’s safety.

Micro events offer a bit more of a personal touch. People attending these micro events may find they are networking more efficiently and making stronger connections than they would have done at larger events.

Due to this, micro events were a rising trend in the events industry in 2021 and will most likely continue to be popular in 2022.

The Benefits of Micro Events

Holding smaller and more intimate events, such as micro events comes with an array of benefits. 

These benefits should be considered when it comes to deciding which type of event to host and your micro event ideas.

Build Lasting Connections

When you throw a large event with hundreds or sometimes thousands of attendees, you will often lose the opportunity to make meaningful connections.

Micro events give more of an opportunity to connect with other attendees in a more meaningful one-on-one way - perfect for networking.

Easier to Organise

The simple beauty of micro events is that they are much easier and quicker to organise.

This means micro events can easily be replicated again and again depending on the event’s popularity and previous turnout(s).

The Cost

With a smaller amount of attendees, comes  smaller costs. This is of course, due to the size of space needed, the catering numbers and lower staff requirements to name a few.

Efficient Safety

Now more than ever safety must be a priority at events. 

Having a smaller number of attendees can make it easier to enforce and monitor any social distancing or mask-wearing policies that would have previously needed to be in place. 

Smaller crowds are generally easier to monitor.

Easier to Make Sustainable

Micro events are usually easier to make more sustainable because there are fewer attendees and the event is smaller.

Making an event sustainable at a large event can be a costly investment, so holding several smaller events could be the way for allowing your programme to be sustainable. This would make it easier and somewhat cheaper to manage when the events are split into smaller events.

What Are the Biggest Struggles with Micro Events?

Despite the array of benefits that come with hosting micro events, they also come with some drawbacks.

How effective a micro event will be is dependent on individual goals and what is wanted to be achieved by hosting the event.

Keeping Your Smaller Audience Engaged

With a smaller number of attendees comes increased pressure to keep them engaged and entertained. 

Having attendees leave when there is only a small number of them to begin with will be more detrimental to the overall event than if it was a larger event with thousands of attendees.

Your micro event ideas need to be engaging and relevant for a smaller audience.

A Smaller Amount of Business Opportunities

If the purpose of the event is to sell a service or product, then having fewer attendees at your event might not be as beneficial as there will be fewer people to pitch to.

It is essential to have a thorough picture of your attendees to plan your approach.

How Do You Plan a Micro Event?

You may be thinking that planning a successful micro event is easier said than done.

Here are a few quick pointers on the process of organising a micro event:

• Keep the plan simple and don’t bite off more than you can chew

• Know who the target audience is going to be

• Get the relevant people to share their expertise and help out

• Promote the event where possible

• Plan ahead and try and have a backup plan for anything that could wrong

If you’re unsure of how to get started, Make Venues have a guide specifically on how to plan an event (with a checklist) which you may find helpful.

Interested in Hosting a Micro Event?

Make Venues is an award-winning venue group with venues across Westminster, Leamington Spa and Bristol, all of which are able to accommodate events both big and small, including micro events.