Why You Have to Put a Lot of Thought into a Business Event
This is a contributed post and may contain affiliate links. The thoughts and ideas expressed may not be exactly what the ghostwriter Scott Sery believes. But he did read it, and signed off on it, so it’s at least pretty close.
Business events are an integral part of a company’s growth. That’s why it’s important to do what you can to make each one as memorable as the last.
You can get a lot from a business event, whether it’s making new connections or securing deals, or opportunities with existing clients. Here are a few ways to make your next business event one for the memory books.
Create a clear and compelling vision
A strong vision is important when it comes to planning any business event. Establish why you’re doing it, clearly defining the primary objective, and choose a theme that focuses on what you’re looking to achieve and that is somewhat aligned with your branding.
You also want to know everything there is to know about your audience. Tailoring every element to your attendees’ demographics and preferences will help add relevancy to the business event itself.
Craft engaging content and experiences
An engaging experience and content will make your business event unforgettable. However, if you’re leading with boring presentations or speakers that don’t have much in the way of stage presence, then you might not make the lasting impression you’d hoped for.
Focus on interactive sessions over lectures and replace any lengthy speeches with panel discussions instead.
Securing exceptional speakers is an important one, which is why it’s important to look beyond industry experts so that you’re providing interesting people like storytellers and motivational speakers, too.
Networking is also something you should look to add to the business event timeline. Design intentional icebreakers and networking zones for everyone to get involved. Involve companies like Catalyst Event Solutions, which can organize every little detail for you.
Leverage technology where necessary
Technology should be there to enhance and not complicate the experience. Therefore, look at how you could incorporate tech to help streamline the registration and check-in experience, for example. Look at interactive event apps and virtual hybrid elements that can create an interactive and high-quality live stream for remote attendants, too.
Optimize the environment
Optimizing the environment is a great way of helping serve the attendees’ memories when they come to look back on everything that happened during the event.
Focus on sensory details and pay attention to lighting, comfortable seating, unique scents, and more in order to create a pleasant atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
Try to be more selective with your venues and avoid picking the same one or style of venue twice. Offering memorable food and beverages is also useful when trying to make a lasting impression.
Add personalized touches
Small details can make a noticeable difference when it comes to making your guests feel valued. Allowing attendees to build their own schedules via apps or a website is beneficial, as is providing them with meaningful swag that they can take home or to the office and use daily.
Following up with them after the event is also a good way of staying in touch and keeping a lead active when trying to convert them.
Making your next business event a memorable one is achievable when you know how, so use these tips to help your company event become a great success.