Category: Event Tips

Human beings are social creatures, thus the value of face-to-face interaction can never be diminished. However, in the times of Corona and the digital revolution, virtual events are becoming just as important – and business savvy – as the traditional in-person interaction. 

But with so many companies employing this strategy, how can you make your virtual event stand out?

Here are some suggestions:

Add vendors to your event 

There is nothing like a vendor to add spice to an already tasty event palate. Including a comedian or singer into your schedule can break up monotonous areas of your programming and even invite a new audience to support your event. Moreover, virtual vendors are often more cost-friendly than hiring them in-person. At the same time, you wouldn’t necessarily have to cut back on your profits if the event is marketed well with a lot of attendees. This scenario can be a major win for your company.  

Try virtual games.

We are never too old to play games. In fact, according to Science Daily, video games can help to improve mental cognition in people of all ages, from youngsters to the elderly. But what does this mean for your virtual event? Well, for one, gaming is fun! It’s a great way to keep your audience engaged and enjoying themselves. Also, gaming can be used as a marketing tool for your company, positioned as an analogy for your particular theme. Lastly, gaming is another way to add a vendor to your event (see #1 for these benefits). Some gaming companies have gone virtual and offer bingo and other games to play over Zoom and webinar platforms. Find a game that suits your audience and have fun!
 

Use Video Production

Along with the digital revolution came huge advances in media production tools. Use this to your advantage in your virtual event. When people can literally shoot videos from their phones nowadays, there is no reason why you can’t find creative video footage to add to your event. Video, like games, help to keep your audience engaged and can break up monotonous moments. In addition, video marketing is becoming the norm in business, thus customers are not only used to seeing videos but even expect it. Try hiring a video marketing specialist or editor for ideas on which videos would be best to include in your program.

Do a #Challenge

Who can forget the #IceBucketChallenge of 2015 or the #DontRushChallenge
currently sweeping the web? These internet phenomenons are entertaining, amusing, and so wide-spread that even celebrities join in and national news organizations cover them. Wouldn’t you like to get free publicity from a celebrity or national news organization? Of course you would. So start a challenge either before, during, or after your event to get people talking and sharing your message.

These are just a few ways to make your virtual events great. With new events popping up everyday, you should try some of them to see which fits your style or needs. You never know, CNN or Brad Pitt could end up promoting your event. 

Tell us some of your ideas to make virtual events great in the comments below. 

Entrepreneurs start businesses to be leaders in their industries. 

They do their research, gain competitive advantage, and position their brand to stand out from the pack. 

However, while this approach may get you started out on the right foot it doesn’t ensure your long-term success. 

To be successful long-term you need to take care of your existing customers, continually invite new ones into your orbit, and solve communication and organizational issues along the way. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to have some fun and enjoy your work while you’re at it!

Luckily, engaging in events can take care of all of this. 

If you haven’t thought about what events could do for your brand, here are five benefits they can offer. 

Events Gather Your Tribe For a Common Cause

Cambridge dictionary loosely defines a tribe as “a large family or other group that
someone belongs to”. For our sake, let’s think of your customers as your tribe. 

When your tribe comes out to support your event they make face-to-face
connections, not only between your team and them but also between each
other. This builds camaraderie and gets people speaking the same language, which in
turn builds trust in your brand and a stronger collective identity.  

Tribes with a strong collective identity work hard to make sure they all survive and thrive.

Events Create An Opportunity To Grow Your Tribe

Tribes grow every day. You don’t need to be born into one to join one. And it’s no secret
that larger tribes dominate society and the global marketplace. 

When you contribute to events that speaks to more than your already established
following, it creates an opportunity to gain new followers.

These newbies can test out your brand through the event experience and, if impressed,
they will surely sign up to be part of your family. 

But don’t worry, for those you are still unsure about you after spending a few hours with
your brand, you can always ask them for their email address to send them more
Information later. 

Events Leverage Your Brand’s Creativity And Resourcefulness

Events show both newcomers and existing customers what your brand is capable of.
From creative decorations to creative collaborations, they use their occurance to bring
teams together and bring out the best in one another.  

Every tribe needs to evolve and that comes through new ideas and experiences. Events
are the perfect way to either test these out or reinforce the ones you already have. 

When your team develops your brand gets a boost, making it strategically
advantageous to better compete with your competitors.  

Events Create Buzz

Everybody wants to hang with the cool kids. And in this day of social media, your event
can show everyone just how cool your brand is. From live streams to event pics, video
clips to good ole’ fashion word-of-mouth marketing, events create a buzz for you that
is simply invaluable. 

They get people talking about your brand and wanting to get in on the action. This can
not only attract new clients but also help to keep the ones you already have. Moreover,
both segments can provide you with valuable customer feedback, all at the fraction of
your traditional marketing budget. 

Events Can Generate Revenue For You

All businesses want to make money. When you have an event you are literally inviting money into your domain and asking it to stay. 

Whether you upsell, meet future business partners, or cater to returning customers, events are a great way to keep attracting money to your brand. 

Events Are Fun! (BONUS)

Businesses want to make money, maybe even better the world, but more than anything they want to enjoy the work they do.   

If you have ever organized an event you know that the planning stage can be gruesome. But there is nothing like seeing all of your hard work come to fruition. 

Smiling faces. Affirmative handshakes. Meeting new people and showing appreciation to those who have supported you from day one. 

Events are the best way to party with a purpose. 

All in all, whether you book an online or in-person event, they can provide great value to your brand. Not only can you make money, grow your tribe, and impress your existing family members, you can also get a lot of enjoyment out of them! 

What event do you plan to take part in next? Let us know in the comments below.

Relationships are tricky. 

On one hand, you get to spend time with someone who cares about you. They believe in your potential, look past your flaws, and give support when you need it. 

On the other hand, they can be clingy, not reliable, or even worse, take your presence for granted (don’t you just hate that?).

This is why choosing the right vendors for your event is so important. 

Relationships are the perfect analogy for events – you have a common interest, an exchange of value, and both parties are in service to one another.  

So, who you choose to experience this with is critical.

You want vendors who share the qualities of the former, not the latter. 

Here are 5 tips on how to pick ‘em well.

Timing Matters

Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for the pretty girl’s number. Say something early
before someone else catches her attention. 

Likewise, many event coordinators wait too long to seek vendors. What they fail to
realize is that good vendors are booked often and can’t always squeeze your event into
their schedule at a moment’s notice.

Start seeking your vendor early so they can get a chance to clear their schedule and
accept your date request. You never know, it could lead to another one. 

Make Sure They Represent You Well

There’s nothing like an odd couple. They stand out like a sore thumb as soon as you see them and their interaction is just weird. 

When it comes to vendors, don’t be the odd couple. Find vendors that share your values and vision, ones you would be proud to take home to your “family.” 

Your vendor should be able to represent who you are when you are not available during the event. Make sure you’re comfortable with how they would do that.

Attitude Over Looks

Ladies love the bad guy. He’s carefree, handsome, and usually has a great
body. But, the good guy usually has a better attitude, is more creative, and actually cares
about who you are as a person. 

Events are not about what looks good on paper. They are about the experience
you want your audience to leave with and talk about long after it’s over. 

Choose the vendor that will be more pleasant to work with, someone who cares about
your event goals and will be dedicated to making it a memorable experience for all
attendees.  

Reputation Matters

SUITS character Harvey Specter once said, “Hustle until you no longer have to introduce
yourself.” Not all of your vendors may be well known, but someone should be able to
vouch for their work. 

Ask around. 

Read reviews and testimonials. 

Make sure you know who you’re getting in bed with – literally. 

They Need To Fit In With The Family

Remember when I said you should be able to bring your vendor home to your  “family”?
Well, that wasn’t only to assess their first impression. As in any relationship, if things
work out there are going to be more interactions and you need to know it won’t cause
friction because they’re around. 

Vendors need to fit in with your family, in this case, your other staff members. It’s not only awkward when they don’t, but it can also sabotage your event. 

Vet your vendors thoroughly to determine if their persona would compliment that of your already existing team.

Whether assessing a relationship or event, who you bring into your personal space is paramount to keeping your sense of self and sanity.

It’s not possible to know everything about vendors before you work with them, but you should also try not pick any random person from off the street. 

Timing, Representation, Attitude, Reputation, and Family Fit are just some of the ways to select the best vendor for your event. Whether you use these metrics or others, making informed decisions will greatly benefit you. Your event will be much better if you choose your vendors wisely.