It’s already August, folks. This year is zooming by faster than a cat on catnip, so we thought it was high time to dust off our trusty crystal ball and see if our trend predictions from earlier in the year were spot-on, or if we’ve been bamboozled by the cosmos. Let’s dive in and find out if we’ve got a future in fortune-telling.
1. Prediction: Sustainability in event production will be a high priority for producers.
We hit the recycled bottle right on the cap with this one! Sustainability is a headliner in event production. It’s not a buzzword; it’s a full-blown “cultural reset” according to a Forbes article that claims, “Companies, now more than ever, are implementing measures to ensure their events run on the principles of eco-friendliness and social responsibility.” Gone are the days of wasteful extravaganzas. Now, it’s all about eco-friendly in-person experiences and carbon-conscious celebrations, and we’re HERE for it!
2. Prediction: AI will go mainstream.
Wow, it looks like that advanced clairvoyance class was worth every penny. AI is definitely the MVP, both at home and at work. Companies everywhere are giving AI a high five for that extra metaphorical hand. In a PCMA article, Valerie Sumners, co-owner of Falls Church, Virginia–based VRS Meetings and Events Inc., says that the generative AI platform she uses is like “having another person in the office.” And with Apple introducing Apple Intelligence this year, a personal intelligence system designed to integrate AI even deeper into our lives, it’s safe to say AI is here to stay.
3. Prediction: UGC will continue its reign with micro influencers taking the throne.
Alright. We’re officially adding ‘fortune telling’ to T!LT’s capabilities. UGC is strutting its stuff like never before with a Forbes article declaring that this is the “golden age of creator marketing.” The Influencer Benchmark Report, which summarizes findings from 3,000+ marketing agencies, reveals that in 2024, brands are preferring to work with micro-influencers over their pricy counterparts. Micro-influencers are stealing the show with higher engagement rates. So it’s clear: small but mighty is the future!
4. Prediction: Animated graphic design will become THE biggest design trend.
Yup, you guessed it. We’re right again. Sorry not sorry for the bragging; we’re just that darn good! Movement in design is absolutely booming with new trends WITHIN the trend popping up like 2.5D animation, micro-interaction animation, and hyper-realistic animation. Movement is in and static is boring.
5. Prediction: Mean Girls (the musical the movie) will be the next Barbie.
Okay, okay. We’ll take the L on this one. Mean Girls (the musical the movie) was no Barbie-level blockbuster, and with a 2.5 Letterboxd rating, we were as disappointed as anyone. But hold on to your witch hats — our latest prediction is that Wicked, hitting theaters in November, might steal the spotlight as the most buzzed-about movie of 2024. Expect memes, trending audios, and LOTS of Ariana Grande pics coming soon!
6. Prediction: Marvel will introduce another new superhero (shocker).
While our predicted Marvel superhero Executron hasn’t graced theaters or comic books juuuust yet, we’re still holding out hope. Who knows? Maybe our crime-fighting, spreadsheet-tackling hero will make a grand entrance in 2025 — fingers crossed he doesn’t get stuck in a data entry loop! But hey, at least Marvel threw us a bone with the masterpiece that is Deadpool & Wolverine.
7. Prediction: The Backstreet Boys will have their own Eras tour.
No, The Backstreet Boys haven’t announced their own Eras Tour so far, and we’re feeling that sting. But hey, the 90’s clothing trends we all know and adore are making a comeback! Cargo pants and baggy jeans are back in action. So, while we might not be rocking out to I Want it That Way live at Madison Square Garden, at least we can dig out our iconic bucket hats and platform shoes. It’s a win for nostalgia.
8. Prediction: Silent karaoke will become the only thing you do with your friends on the weekends.
We still haven’t seen the rise of silent karaoke bars, which is a bummer. BUT, the viral TikTok blind karaoke trend is even better than our prediction. Participants listen to instrumental tracks and have to guess the song and sing along. Watch our favorite below! We dare you not to laugh.
9. Prediction: Lululemon will start selling actual lemons.
Lululemon hasn’t started selling lemons yet, and honestly, we knew that was a bit of stretch. But hey, there’s always next year, right? Meanwhile, we’ll just keep rocking those nice leggings and dreaming of the day when our favorite athleisure brand decides to venture into the citrus biz.
10. Prediction: Trader Joe’s will start allowing you to trade guys named Joe.
And finally, no, Trader Joe’s will not let you trade guys named Joe. Believe us, we tried (sorry, Joe).
And there you have it — our crystal ball wasn’t perfect, but it sure had its moments. From sustainability to micro-influencers to blind karaoke, it’s been a wild ride. Here’s to hoping our clairvoyant skills only get sharper — or at least that we continue to entertain you with our whimsical attempts. Stay tuned for more T!LTed fun!
