If you don’t exist online, you don’t exist at all. With billions of people around the world using various platforms to connect, share, and engage with others, maintaining a corporate digital presence is non-negotiable for brand awareness, lead generation and sales.
One of the most significant trends is the rise of edutainment content, which fuses education and entertainment to create engaging and informative content for audiences. This trend is expected to continue to grow, with more brands investing in creating educational and entertaining content for their followers.
Video production is also expected to receive more investment from businesses. With the rise of short-form video platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, brands are expected to focus more on creating video content that is shareable, engaging, and visually appealing.
Authenticity has always been critical on social media, but in 2023, it’s going to be even more critical. Consumers are looking for real and genuine experiences, and brands that can deliver this will stand out from the crowd.
New social networks are expected to emerge, providing more opportunities for businesses to connect with their target audience. These networks are expected to be more niche-specific, allowing brands to reach the right audience with the right message.
The creator economy is also expected to continue to grow, with more influencers and content creators emerging across different social media platforms. Brands are expected to collaborate with these creators more often to reach their followers and promote their products or services.
Employee advocacy is another trend that is expected to gain traction in 2023. More companies are expected to encourage their employees to be advocates for the brand, creating a sense of community and trust with their followers.
Sustainability messaging is also expected to become more critical on social media, with brands showcasing their commitment to the environment and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
Personalized social customer care is another trend that is expected to evolve, with brands using AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide personalized customer service to their followers.
The intersection of social and legal issues is also expected to become more prevalent, with more brands using their social media platforms to discuss and raise awareness about social and legal issues.
Finally, social commerce is expected to experience a revitalization, with more businesses using social media to sell their products directly to consumers.
Emerging content trends for social media in 2023 include the use of short-form and bite-sized content, the rise of nano-influencer and micro-influencer marketing, the importance of brand authenticity and emotional connections with customers, the use of social media as a shopping outlet, and the phasing out of third-party cookies. Other content trends include interactive ads, the use of decentralized networks, more emphasis on sustainability and the environment, gaming as an alternative to social media platforms, and AI playing a bigger role in post recommendations.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum: expanding horizons
The first Cyprus Diaspora Forum, held in March 2024 in Limassol, brought together Cypriots from around the world for a four-day celebration of achievement and connection. Famiglia Eight was a Partner to the event, contributing significantly with insights, participation and PR. The event aimed to:
- Recognise the Significance of the Diaspora: The forum highlighted the important role Cypriots living abroad play in promoting the island nation’s culture, economy, and innovation.
- Foster Stronger Relations: Through networking events, panel discussions, and cultural activities, the forum fostered stronger ties between Cypriots in Cyprus and the global diaspora.
- Explore Collaboration: Discussions focused on areas of collaboration, such as entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and investment, with the goal of leveraging the diaspora’s expertise and resources for Cyprus’s benefit.
The forum featured roughly 200 speakers including prominent figures from business, government, academia, and civil society. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:
- The Successes of the Diaspora: Entrepreneurs and leaders from the global Cypriot community shared their stories and insights, inspiring attendees and showcasing the diaspora’s potential.
- The Role of the Diaspora as Brand Ambassadors: Discussions explored how Cypriots abroad can promote Cyprus as a tourist destination, a business hub, and a center for cultural exchange.
- Entrepreneurship: The role of entrepreneurship in fostering global relations, key lessons for success and the importance of brand building. Our CEO participated in this Panel providing key insights on brand equity and building business.
The first-ever Cyprus Diaspora Forum proved to be a resounding success. By bringing together a global network of talented and passionate individuals, the forum laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and a brighter future for Cyprus.
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum kicked off with an exclusive breakfast gathering, featuring Limassol Mayor Mr. Nicos Nicolaides. He emphasized the critical role of the diaspora in building bridges and uniting efforts to support Cyprus across political, business, and cultural spheres.
Prominent figures like entrepreneur and philanthropist John Christodoulou, Invest Cyprus President Marios Tanousis, Dynamic Works CEO and co-founder Angelos Gregoriou, and RIK General Manager Thanasis Tsokkos, all addressed the breakfast, underlining the diaspora’s significance and offering valuable perspectives on Cyprus’s future and global image.
At the opening ceremony, graced by the American Ambassador and the Australian High Commissioner, Paul Lambis, the forum’s founder, delivered a welcome address. He highlighted Cyprus’s transformation into a vibrant business hub brimming with investment and employment opportunities for both locals and international talents.
The following 4 days included panels on interesting topics such as hospitality and tourism, entrepreneurship, the future of business, media and culture and many more. Entrepreneurs, policy-makers, stakeholders and the business world from Cyprus and abroad, shared valuable insights on their respective topics, generating lively dialogue and excellent thought leadership.
The event concluded with an impressive gala dinner attended by more than 350 people, with a rich entertainment programme, referencing the Cyprus traditions and notable local artists who are making waves in Europe. The gala also included the 1st CYDIA Awards, given to individuals who have made their mark on the global stage. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Mrs Tasoula Hadjitofi, “The Icon Hunter,” who is renowned worldwide for her work combatting art trafficking. In 1997, she coordinated “The Munich Case,” one of the largest art trafficking sting operations in European history since WWII. More than 5000 artifacts were found hidden in the double ceilings and hollow floors of the Munich apartments of Aydin Dikmen, a Turkish dealer known as “The Archaeologist.” Tasoula’s work as a campaigner to protect the world’s cultural heritage spans over 30 years.
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum generated a wave of positive buzz, captivating participants and garnering significant attention from local and global media outlets. Fueled by this success, the Forum’s founders are already charting a course for year two, promising an even grander event in 2025.
