Halloween’s Growing Influence on the Event Planning Scene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Halloween is no longer just for kids—it’s becoming a major player in the event industry, offering businesses a unique opportunity to engage clients and boost employee morale.

As the holiday’s popularity grows, event planners can capitalize on its appeal by crafting immersive, themed experiences that stand out. From creative virtual activities to in-person events, Halloween provides the perfect backdrop for fostering connections, sparking creativity and delivering memorable experiences. 

A Growing Trend

Halloween has transcended its roots as a mere holiday and evolved into a cultural phenomenon, offering significant engagement opportunities for businesses and event planners alike. According to a report from the Statista Research Department, approximately 70% of Americans are expected to celebrate Halloween this year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) also reported a record-breaking surge in consumer spending, reaching an unprecedented $12.2 billion, up from $10.6 billion last year.

Companies like the Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a leader in the haunted attraction industry, is keeping up with the trends by incorporating cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling and interactive experiences in their Halloween-themed events. Thirteenth Floor has succeeded in creating attractions that draw large crowds while maintaining the nostalgic appeal of traditional Halloween themes.

Its CEO, Chris Stafford, notes that Halloween as a theme is timeless. The company stays relevant by blending new trends with the classic scares everyone loves. Stafford believes some traditional elements are essential such as the classic chainsaw scare, which might seem overused, but it’s one of the most memorable features when creating a Halloween event. 

Virtual Team-Building, Halloween Style

With many teams continuing to work remotely, Halloween offers a fun opportunity to lift spirits with a virtual gathering. However, attendees are now expecting more than the usual video calls. TeamBonding offers a virtual pumpkin carving class, perfect for remote employees. 

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Participants receive a toolkit with a scraper scoop, four carving tools and two pumpkin light packs while a sculptor guides them through the creative process as everyone carves their pumpkin. The event can be customized to include company messages or themes, and for a competitive twist, prizes can be introduced. 

Another engaging virtual event for a business is through a virtual mystery game. Corporate Event Interactive offers several Halloween-themed options, including iMystery: Manor House Murder, where virtual groups work together to solve a fictional crime. Using Zoom and a downloadable app, teams navigate an interactive map, complete tasks and uncover evidence. The experience can even incorporate image recognition and augmented reality to enhance the investigation and catch the culprit.

For a more historical experience, there’s iMystery: Murder on the Train, which takes participants to a 1920s train set. Both activities can be customized, accommodate anywhere from 3 to 300 participants, and last between 60-90 minutes. 

Día de los Muertos Celebrations

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), originally from the Aztec, Toltec and Mayan cultures in Mexico, has become a global tradition, often linked to Halloween. However, it’s much more than a festive occasion—it’s a profound celebration of life and death.

For event planners, crafting Día de los Muertos-themed events requires cultural sensitivity. Consider setting up communal altars in your event spaces, encouraging employees and clients to honor their loved ones. Go beyond the visuals by incorporating authentic Mexican elements, such as traditional foods and meaningful decor, ensuring that the event respects and celebrates the holiday’s true essence, rather than commercializing it.

Take Advantage of this Spooky Season

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These efforts highlight a broader movement within the event industry, where companies are embracing creativity and innovation to attract audiences. With Halloween’s growing popularity, businesses have an opportunity to connect with their customers in festive and engaging ways. Halloween events also offer a great way to engage clients and boost employee morale. Whether it’s a virtual pumpkin carving contest or a spooky escape room, these themed activities foster team spirit and provide a break from routine.

Event planners should strike a balance between fresh ideas and classic themes, ensuring that their Halloween events feel innovative yet familiar, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.

 

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