Looking back on 2020 and 2021, here is my list of 8 trends we will see in sports and events.

Virtual sets combined with augmented reality and virtual reality will see growth as we move further away from physical and real into wild, imaginary and unlimited spaces that tech can create.

Consumers are spoilt for choice now. They will look for events that provide experiential and immersive content while comfortably ensconced in their lazy boy recliners.

Experiencing a live game or an event from home. Events will be integrated with market where live bids, shopping and live interactions will be possible.

Podcasts will see exponential growth primarily because these can be managed as remote productions from home.

Phygital – leveraging the digital space to build better interaction with brands like hotels, malls, shops, products, etc. The sudden large scale shift of consumers to online has resulted in expanding reach exponentially. We are witnessing algorithm based sorting of potential buyers.

Brands will increasingly aim to personalise and customise events and products to create a loyal customer base that expects to be pampered.

Marriages will largely revert to simple functions with families and friends. The focus will shift to celebrating the personal and private with close friends and family rather than mega events where posturing and ugly display of wealth had become the forced norm. 

Contract workers will be in demand and businesses will strive to integrate them better to help them feel invested and accountable. Contract workers will increasingly comprise an experienced, skilled work force allowing companies to use expensive talent on a project basis.

Staying lean is now imperative to success and mega businesses will need to shave their fat, become agile.

As quickly as our worlds are shifting and changing we are all being forced to adapt and relearn, leave behind what we knew and embrace the new.