Surviving events? That’s so last year! Events are bouncing back to pre-2019 levels, proving their resilience and the desire for in-person connections. But what does it take to plan a successful event packed with attendees? Whether you’re new to event planning or a seasoned pro, we’ve got your back. Prepare to crush it in 2023 and beyond with these winning tips.
1. Leave a Lasting Impression
Here’s the scoop: make it experiential and centered around a captivating story. Let your attendees feel valued, and if you can provide a personalized journey that puts them in control, that’s the cherry on top.
But wait, there’s more! Don’t stop at just the event. Keep your audience hooked year-round. How? Leverage an event app, forums, social media, and other platforms to serve up valuable and ongoing content. Create a community destination where your attendees can mingle, interact, and connect with your brand.
Ready to take it up a notch? Learn all about the experiential advantage and the tech that powers it. And, guess what? Building a loyal follower base through community engagement is the ultimate secret sauce. The power of the crowd is real!
2. Elevate the Experience
Adding theatrical flair to your event is a game-changer. Regardless of the event’s size or medium, production value plays a pivotal role in shaping your audience’s perception and emphasizes your commitment during the planning process. Think crisp picture quality, immersive audio, captivating backlighting, accent lighting, and stunning LED walls to ensure your event content truly stands out.
Tech is not just crucial behind the scenes; it is fundamental in creating a memorable experience. That’s why having the right partner to flawlessly design, plan, test, troubleshoot, and produce your event can make all the difference. Get ready for an unforgettable event that wows everyone!
3. Extend your Event
Hosting a hybrid event goes beyond simply streaming your in-person event. It’s about creating the best possible experience for each medium and audience. Incorporating a hybrid model is a solution for attendees facing budget and travel challenges, particularly those coming from abroad. It allows your brand to reach and engage audiences who can’t physically be there.
By embracing experiential elements, you can reap significant rewards. Virtual attendees get a taste of your event’s “Wow!” factor and understand why it’s worth attending in person. At the same time, they gain access to valuable content that helps them connect with your brand story. So, explore the power of a hybrid model with event software that expands your audience and keeps your event engaging for all!
4. Incorporate Trending Topics
Trending topics can make your event the hottest place to be. Nowadays, being socially conscious is a must for all industries. Attendees are paying increasing attention to the environmental impact of events. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) also take precedence. So, why not incorporate positive sustainability and DEI metrics to make a significant impact on decision-making?
Forget about corporate accomplishments, lengthy executive introductions, and dull presentations. Say goodbye to attendees scrolling on their phones or leaving halfway through. Instead, invite guest speakers and presenters who can cover industry hot topics and provide thought leadership that truly adds value. Create those unexpected “A-ha!” moments that are so relevant to your industry.
5. Choose the Right Partners
When it comes to hosting a successful event, flawless execution is key. Whether it’s experience design, A/V, digital aspects, content creation, or production, each element plays a crucial role. To avoid any on-site hiccups, it’s important to partner with experienced and creative event professionals who can not only ensure flawless execution but also offer fresh perspectives and ideas to elevate the attendee experience.
When selecting partners, make sure to confirm their capabilities, testing and quality assurance processes, and their ability to adapt to unexpected changes on the fly. Having the right professionals supporting you behind the scenes is the best way to handle any surprises that may arise.
Another aspect of flawless events is choosing hosts and emcees who can effectively set the tone and connect with the audience. Prioritize casting individuals who are friendly, energetic, and in line with your content strategy. It’s worth noting that often, these people can be found within your own organization, adding a relatable and authentic touch to the event.
Bonus Tips
Boost your event planning with these bonus ideas that pack a punch!
- Don’t let any unused space go to waste! Create an extra area where attendees can hang out, connect with colleagues, or simply enjoy some alone time. This is especially cool for remote workers who rarely get the chance to be together or find a moment of solitude at home (we feel you, kids, pets, partners!). And what better place to relax and get inspired than a spot that brings your brand story to life?
- Make your event even more irresistible by offering exclusive content and experiences that can only be accessed in person. This will generate FOMO among those who aren’t attending or missed out on the action. But don’t forget to create a buzz around it and let everyone know that there will be in-person-only content and live activities as part of your awesome event!
By following these tips, you’ll power up your event planning and leave a lasting impression on your attendees. Let the excitement begin! Are you ready to captivate audiences time and time again? Contact us here and let’s team up to make your next event an absolute hit!
