Business

3 Major Trends That Will Impact the Events Industry in 2020

Published

6 years ago

February 28, 2020

As is the way with many industries, the events industry is rapidly advancing and evolving to meet the growing demands of consumers. In an industry that is already so dynamic, 2020 is predicted to bring an abundance of exciting developments to the world of events.

Event management teams and planners can prepare and adapt to what’s going to shake up the event industry by staying ahead of the trends. By keeping an eye on what’s predicted to come, you can be sure to plan and manage some unforgettable events this year.

Attendee Personalisation

Advancements in technology mean that consumers are continuing to expect more personalisation in their interactions during events. Personalisation is now going beyond digital marketing and seeping into event marketing and the nature of functions. While personalisation is not a new term, we are entering a new phase in which planners finding ways to respond to the needs of attendees.

Consumers are expecting more interactive experiences with each event. The key to delivering this experience is enhanced individual personalisation. Traditional event design is structured around the satisfaction of attendees. However, today, event organisers need to deliver on a customised experience by considering the person, professionally and personally, and understanding their preferences and personal value structure.

Tailoring for personal relevance and experience is now a crucial component of event design. In 2020, event managers who refuse to use collected data to deliver tailored and relevant experiences will fail to satisfy the demands of event attendees. According to Sydney event management company Polite, the biggest trend in 2020 will be towards delivering a personalised experience for all event attendees.

Sustainability

Sustainability is not a new trend; however, it looks like it’s only going to be further stressed this year. Rather than making sustainability an after-thought, event planners are going to need to weave eco-friendly behaviours into the design, planning, and execution of events.

Eco-friendly choices are already being offered in the world of events. Event organisers are making behavioural changes and adapting in what has traditionally been a relatively wasteful industry. Consumers are becoming more aware of sustainable practices and are demanding more from their events to implement such changes. As such, events need to be planned in a manner that will have a minimal environmental impact.

So, how do you make an event sustainable? There are plenty of opportunities to make impactful changes. From switching to digital advertisements and ticketing systems to replacing plastic cutlery and bottles with biodegradable alternatives, using seasonal and local produce for catering, and providing vegan and vegetarian menu options. Events typically are a huge source for landfill and waste, so planners need to consider ways to minimise footprint with each event.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-centred technology is quickly becoming an important asset to the planning and delivery of a successful event. In today’s exciting phase of digital innovation, technology is advancing to become more human-centric than ever. Tech is being designed with the ability to reach a deep understanding of people, the items they use, where they go, their activities, and the nature of their relationships. Technology has become second nature for so many of us that it is becoming difficult to imagine what life would be like without it. Every resource or tool is smart, optimised, and automated for efficiency.

So, what does this have to do with events in 2020? Consumers are still looking for that human touchpoint with the added abilities of advanced technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a solution that provides a connection between attendees and planners, while strategically relying on technology for event planning efficiency. Here are some ways that events can utilise AI:

Chatbots
Collecting Data on Attendees
Translation
Process Automation

Business

Click for Counsel: YesLawyer Wants to Make Lawyers as Accessible as Wi-Fi

Published

6 days ago

April 1, 2026

Matthew Wiles

Photo Courtesy of: YesLawyer

Byline: Andi Stark

For many people facing a legal problem, the most difficult part is not understanding their rights but finding a lawyer willing to speak with them in the first place. Long wait times, unclear pricing, and administrative hurdles often delay even the most basic consultations. YesLawyer, an AI-enabled plaintiff firm operating across all 50 states, is testing whether technology can shorten that gap.

Founded in 2024 by 25-year-old entrepreneur Rob Epstein, the platform offers free intake, automated screening, and, in many cases, same-day conversations with licensed attorneys. The idea is simple: reduce the friction between a client’s first request for help and an actual legal discussion. In this interview, Epstein explains how the system works, where artificial intelligence fits into the process, and what problems the company is trying to address in the broader legal system

Q: When you say you want lawyers to be “as accessible as Wi-Fi,” what does that mean in practical terms?

A: It’s a way of describing speed and availability. Someone dealing with a workplace dispute, a serious injury, or an immigration issue should be able to move from an online form or phone call to a real conversation with counsel in hours, not weeks. YesLawyer is structured so that a client begins with a free case evaluation, goes through automated conflict checks and basic screening, and, in many instances, speaks with a lawyer the same day.

Q: How does the process work once someone contacts the platform?

A: We use a structured workflow. It starts with a short questionnaire and an initial conversation to capture basic facts. That information feeds into conflict checks and internal review. The system then proposes a match with a licensed attorney and provides a calendar link for a virtual consultation, often within 24 hours. After the meeting, the client receives a written legal plan outlining next steps, deadlines, and estimated fees.

Q: Where does artificial intelligence fit into that process, and where does it stop?

A: AI is used for organizing and routing information, not for giving legal advice. It helps with conflict checks at scale, case categorization, and structured summaries so attorneys can focus on the substance of the matter. Every consultation is conducted by a licensed lawyer, and all decisions about strategy or next steps are made by humans.

Q: What problem is this model trying to solve in the current legal system?

A: Delay and cost are still major barriers. Many civil plaintiffs face long waits just to get a first appointment, along with high retainers and hourly billing that make early legal advice risky. We try to respond with faster consultations, flat-fee options, and financing. The idea is to remove administrative friction so lawyers spend less time on logistics and more time speaking with clients.

Q: Some critics say platforms like this blur the line between a technology company and a law firm. How do you describe YesLawyer?

A: We describe ourselves as a national, AI-enabled plaintiff firm that connects clients with independent attorneys. That structure does raise regulatory questions, especially around responsibility and oversight. We focus on licensing verification, attorney-written case plans, and clear communication about fees and services.

Q: You’ve said the main bottleneck is “systems” rather than people. What do you mean by that?

A: The issue isn’t that lawyers don’t want to help more people. It’s that the systems around them make it hard to scale their time. Intake, scheduling, and document handling take hours. Automating those parts means attorneys can handle more matters without being overwhelmed by repetitive tasks.

Q: Does this model risk favoring only the most profitable cases?

A: That’s a real concern in legal technology. Automation often works best for repeatable, high-volume disputes. Our view is that lowering administrative cost can actually make it easier to take on smaller or more complex cases that might otherwise be turned away. Whether that holds over time depends on the data.

Measuring Impact Over Time

YesLawyer’s attempt to compress the timeline between inquiry and consultation reflects broader changes in how legal services are being delivered. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in administrative work, firms are experimenting with new ways to reduce wait times and clarify costs.

The company’s early growth suggests that many clients value faster access to an initial conversation, even before considering long-term representation. Whether this platform-based model becomes widely adopted or remains one of several emerging approaches will depend on regulatory developments, lawyer participation, and measurable outcomes for clients. For now, YesLawyer’s experiment highlights a central question in modern legal practice: how quickly can help realistically be made available to the people who need it.