Whether you are planning the annual national sales event for your company or hosting an event to launch a new product line; the details involved are endless. From scheduling to budget, marketing to delegation, the process of planning a business event can seem daunting.
So how do you plan for and execute a flawless business event?
PLAN FOR THE WORST
Small Business Trends recently published an article offering
and the last two tips offered address having a contingency plan. Whether the worst that could happen is unexpected weather prohibiting people from attending or technical difficulties – recognizing what that looks like and having a plan will allow you to be prepared. Here’s what Small Biz Trends says:
“Imagine the event, step by step, and make a 2-column list: what could go wrong in one column, and your contingency plan in the second. Be prepared for the unexpected. Maybe the sound system fails. Maybe your keynote presenter bails. Can you cope and move on?
Be ready to lend a hand to fill any gaps. Although planning ahead is a great formula for success, it is never enough. Something unexpected always comes up. Thus, it pays to put in a little extra elbow grease for extenuating circumstances. This applies to catering arrangements, printing requirements, guest accommodations, weather forecasts, entertainment and more.”
EXPECT THE BEST
Once you have a plan for the worst possible outcome, you can focus on what will make your event the
most successful.
The foundation of planning and facilitating a great business event hasn’t changed over the past several decades however, how we communicate, market and promote the event has.
Social media has become the number one tactic for creating buzz, not just about your event but also your company and your social media accounts.
In an article from TSNN we learn about the value of Live videos and the trend toward immediacy. There is nothing like a live video to create interest and drive traffic.
Use this technique before and during the event to create buzz and drive attendance.
“Social networks are pushing live video right now, so this is the time to take advantage of it. Live videos shared on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn get more priority in social media news feeds, which means that the networks alert your followers when you’re live and your broadcast has a better chance of being seen than other organic (non-paid) social media posts from your business account.
And viewers are hooked.
People spend more than three times more time watching a Facebook Live video than a video that is not live. Combine that with the fact that 71% of Facebook users are more likely to make a purchase if someone referred it to them on social media and you have a perfect formula for increasing event registration.”
The Brighton College of Business weighs in with their thoughts on using social media to create a great business event:
“An event is the perfect way to up your social media presence. Create a custom hashtag for your event on Twitter and encourage your followers to tweet about it. Similarly create an event on Facebook, and encourage your followers to tag the event in relevant posts. Upload your photos once the event is over and actively encourage users to tag themselves.”
Use technology to help keep your team organized and on target.
Forbes offers an article with
“This app allows you to keep all your “stuff” in one convenient place, be it images, text, any kind of note-even entire web pages. You can also categorize everything as needed by adding tags.
Available on:
Web, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone
Price: free, premium for $5/month, business for $10/month (per user)
Pro tip: Install the Evernote Web Clipper browser extension and quickly save the most interesting content you find online to your Evernote account.
Power user hack: Use IFTTT to automatically import images you save to your Pinterest board, ensuring you have everything in one place.”
Remember also that part of what completes your business event is the
custom event graphics. From signage to pop-up displays to kiosks, give us a call for all your event graphic needs.
Call today 1 (800) 709-6935, for your FREE consultation! Let E&E ExhibitSolutions® bolster your next trade show!
