Category: Attendee Engagement

From Dough to Decorations: How Event Planning Compares to the Art of Pizza Making

Posted on by Eventsforce

 

Making a pizza, organising an event.  Two totally different things, right?  And yet, both require careful planning, close attention to detail, and that all-important sprinkle of creativity.  That being said, these disparate endeavours share similarities that can be explored to understand the challenges of each respective process.  So, let’s take a closer look at the parallels between making a pizza and building an event — all the while highlighting the hard work that goes into the creation of two very different things.

Let’s start with the ingredients

Just as the starting point for great pizza is all in the dough, an event’s success relies upon certain basic elements — namely, a great venue, engaging content, headline speakers, and fabulous catering. When making a pizza, you carefully select and combine quality ingredients to create something tasty.  Likewise, organising an event requires identifying each component of the event and bringing it all together to create something truly special.

It’s all in the preparation

Once the ingredients are gathered, preparation is key. With pizza, it’s all about kneading the dough, spreading the sauce, and layering carefully selected toppings with love and care. Similarly, events need some TLC too; after all, meticulous planning, scheduling, and the coordination of various aspects like suppliers, logistics, and hotel accommodation are an integral part of any successful endeavour.

Get cooking

A great pizza should be baked to perfection.  But perfection, of course, is a highly subjective thing. The same can be said of a live event, which evolves even as it unfolds.  Just as a good pizzaiolo will adjust timing and temperature to get a perfect pizza, event planners need to use their experience and judgement to manage every aspect of a live event as it unfolds. This requires effective communication, adaptability, and quick decision-making to handle any unexpected challenges.

Make it look fabulous

From its enticing aroma to its vibrant colours, the perfect pizza indulges the senses.  Likewise, a striking venue and thoughtful details create an immersive atmosphere for your attendees.  It’s worth paying attention to aesthetics to create a visually appealing experience, a point that — much like a final drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chilli flakes on a finished pizza — adds a layer of sensory enjoyment to any event.

Savour the satisfaction

Though two completely disparate things, the satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious pizza and organising a successful event is immeasurable. Whether you share a slice of your pizza with friends or eat it alone with relish, there is a true sense of fulfilment in enjoying your special creation.  Likewise, there’s nothing like being on-hand to witness your delegates enjoying themselves or the delight that comes from receiving their positive feedback, all the while knowing you’ve helped to create a memorable experience. So — whether it’s a perfect pizza or a flawless event — the pride and satisfaction of the final result is well-worth the effort.

 

 

Running live, virtual or hybrid events? Give your attendees an event experience they’ll remember with technology you can rely on. Learn how Eventsforce can make your next event fabulous and successful. Book your personalised demo now.

Pause, Shift, Change, Engage: Calling Time on Repeat Events

Posted on by Eventsforce

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This mantra holds true…except for those working in the events industry. Offering up the new and the fresh is an inherent part of a planner’s job and yet so many are still leaning heavily on serving up the same old experiences to their ever-changing audiences. After three years of disruption, it’s understandable why — when faced with the challenge of change — we’re all falling back into our former routines, but now is the right time for planners to stop, take stock, and finally break free from the old, stale habits that no longer serve them or their audiences.

Why Planners Are Still Falling for the Siren Call of the Familiar

Yet, there’s no denying it: routine — especially in these uncertain times — is comforting. The post-pandemic era is a space in flux; indeed, while live events are making their return felt, hybrid continues to demand its share of consideration from both planners and the audiences they serve. As a professional group, planners have had a very short period of adjustment to this new kind of normal, a place where change is the only constant. No blueprint or schematic exists to guide planners as to how they should interact with their audiences in this new sphere and so old, familiar habits act as a secure mental foothold for event professionals in a continuously changing sector.

It’s worth acknowledging that — due to the changes brought about by the pandemic — the roles once undertaken by planners themselves have in many cases been incorporated into a broader marketing function. This means that the professional knowledge accrued over the years by so many planners within the sector is lost and that — with resources at a premium — it’s now much easier to simply keep repeating those tried-and-tested routines. It’s also worth recognising that planners are notoriously stretched for time and so, from the perspective of efficiency, the repetition of past events is a perfectly understandable practise.

Finally, it’s to say that, in some cases, planners themselves have not acknowledged that the needs and wants of their once well-understood audiences have also changed during the last three years. With the predominance of remote working, planners now find themselves having to compete for attention against the domestic and family lives of their would-be audiences. For some, this sudden change of tack is daunting and so — whether it’s returning again and again to existing event formats or previously used venues and suppliers — it’s understandable why some can’t seem to shake the siren call of the safe and familiar, even if that means serving up the same as last year and risking disengagement from their audiences.

Break Old Habits, Reap the Rewards: The Benefits of Stepping Away from Tired Event Experiences

Stepping away from the known can be a decision fraught with trepidation, anxiety, and even fear, but the benefits of doing so are very much worth the effort. Think: even by making just a slight change to a tried-and-tested routine, a planner not only keeps their event relevant to their target delegates, but also potentially taps into a brand new audience. The first step, of course, is to take the time to understand who your target audience is, what their needs are, and what you — as a planning professional — can offer to get them out of the house and participating in your event. This is precisely why the easy rehashing of tired, old experiences is simply no longer effective or impactful as an event strategy.

From a practical level, your data should be your starting point for a fresh beginning. Whether it’s gleaned via apps, your event management software, a list of past event attendees, etc., any information you have will help you to assess who your audience is, what they want, and how you can best engage with them. During the process, you may even find that you need to create different personas, ones that better jive with the current needs and wants of your audience. Once you’ve thoroughly mined and analysed your data, you can then set to work on overhauling your event strategy, doing so with the total and complete confidence that you know your audience and exactly what they want. It’s worth saying, however, that a new event doesn’t always necessarily have to mean starting entirely from scratch. For example, your basic initial planning documents may still serve you well if you find that making slight adjustments to your event offering is the most efficient and effective way to offer up something completely fresh, new, and engaging.

It’s undeniable: the siren call of a repeat event offers security to many planners looking for stability in an ever-shifting time and space. But it’s a false comfort, for with that supposed sense of safety comes the very real danger of disengagement. Now is the time to look beyond the fear of the unfamiliar and embrace change for all the opportunities it has the potential to bring.

 

 

When you’re ready to grab a slice of the action, simply get in touch to discuss your requirements, as well as your favourite pizza.

Future Trends in Hybrid

Posted on by Eventsforce

 

The staying power of hybrid is undeniable. While the events industry is now seeing a welcome resurgence of live, in-person gatherings, it’s clear that hybrid — thanks to its inherent agility as an event format — has become a trusted tool of planners in a relatively short space of time. That same agility means that hybrid is actively being shaped to yield to the on-going needs — and even to the future demands —  of industry professionals and the audiences they serve. The future of hybrid is already in the making and it’s time to explore the broad trends and themes that will continue to shape this format as we move forward.

Micro-events and Data:

When it comes to future developments in hybrid, the most obvious is its continued popularity within the wider event sector, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. And yet, there are some tangible observations to be made in how planners are actively adapting hybrid to meet their current needs while also incorporating it into their onward plans. First among these is the trending popularity of micro-events and specifically, how planners are actively utilising hybrid as a tool to create these smaller gatherings. In 2023 — with the budgets of so many frozen and costs rising across the board — the use of hybrid technology to create these bespoke events is an upward trend, a way for planners to fine-tune their reach to create the kinds of intimate experiences that their audiences really want.

Creating an appealing event is one thing, but gauging the outcome of that event is quite something else. For planners, only hard data offers clear, concise, and tangible insight into audience engagement and, therefore, into the overall success of their event. From the initial registration period to details collected during the course of or even after a gathering, hybrid events — where information flows in via emails, social posts, landing pages, apps, etc. — are a data goldmine for event planners. With its various digital moving parts, hybrid offers a way for planners to not only simply collect static information, but also to track and analyse metrics in order to build and refine their future events for their future audience.

The Endless Flow of Tech into the Hybrid Experience

The very nature of the format itself means that technology is an inseparable part of planning, building, and successfully executing a hybrid event. As UK Tech News highlights, the future of hybrid is very closely intertwined with the onward development of technology. Whether planners are seeking out increasingly sophisticated means of facilitating virtual audience engagement, wanting to expedite event registration via the power of facial recognition, or harnessing powerful software to allow them to analyse data at a granular level, there’s no corner of a hybrid event that is not influenced by the advancement of technology. What’s more — among both planners and attendees of hybrid events — the obvious interest in and engagement with new technologies is ever-increasing. This constant demand feeds into the development of new technology and this, of course, flows into and informs the future of the hybrid event experience.

As an agile force in the events industry, the power of hybrid is indisputable. While the precise trends and themes that will shape the format are yet to be known, it’s clear that the future of hybrid is already unfolding.

 

 

Want to learn more about hybrid events?

Is hybrid really the future of the events industry? It seems so! An Eventsforce research study with 200+ event planners shows that the concept of hybrid can be daunting for many.  They can be perceived as complex and costly.  And even with the right budgets and resources to fund a hybrid event strategy, many organisers feel unsure on where to start.

Download our eBook,  put together to give organisers a good overview on hybrid events and how they can go about addressing some of their key concerns.

Personalised event registration: barriers, pitfalls, and solutions

Posted on by Eventsforce

 

When it comes to events, first impressions matter. As the kind of “opening act” to any occasion, registration sets the feel and tone for things to come. While personalisation is now inherent throughout many elements of any given event, it’s not necessarily always easy or straightforward to include an element of personalisation in your registration process. But be they delegates, potential delegates, exhibitors, or sponsors, everyone deserves the warm welcome that only personalisation can offer. And you, as a planner, certainly deserve to reap the benefits of a thoughtfully personalised registration process.

Barriers and Pitfalls of Personalised Registration

There is no getting around it: personalisation takes time and demands substantial effort from planners. This is especially true ahead of the event registration process, when planners need to ensure that they kick off their event by targeting the right audience with the right message. But before they can even begin to work on messaging, planners need to analyse the personal data they’ve gathered — whether this information has been collected via past events, emails, or surveys — in order to carefully and correctly segment their target audiences. With so much information to hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the minutiae of segmentation and even — as Sitecore references — to in effect become paralysed by your data.

Likewise, with time and resources finite — and with so many other details to attend to in the run up to an event — it’s also understandable for a planner to perhaps not give personalised registration the attention it fully deserves. This is also a mistake; indeed, by neglecting to give considered thought to the element of personalisation at the point of registration, you’ve also missed an opportunity to more fully connect with your target audience.

The Simple Solution

A sense of perspective is a powerful tool when it comes to considering the importance of personalised registration. After all, registration is not the main event, but it is a key element of almost any and every event (and certainly, of those done well). To that end — and especially when it comes to considering both the personal data you’ve gathered and your target audience — it’s worth zooming out to identify broad demographic categories within the details you have to hand. Once you’ve done this, consider the elements of registration that will resonate the most with your audience. Isolate and identify the strategies that will have both the greatest positive impact in terms of successfully opening your event along with the ones that will help serve your overall goal of engaging with those you really want to target. And here, it’s important to implement strategies that not only serve your audience, but also to choose the ones that slot seamlessly into your existing time and resources.

A final key point on personalisation — and this concerns both the registration process as well as your event at-large — is that there is no single way to ‘do’ personalisation. Whether you opt for segmented and personalised invites and e-mails or distinct registration paths or have dug deep to welcome delegates to your event with their favourite coffee, only you truly know the registration techniques that will resonate best with your core audience. As an event planner, your time and resources are precious, but with careful consideration and perspective, you can efficiently create the kind of welcome that benefits both your attendees — and yourself — now and in the future.

 

 

Want to learn more about how to personalise your events?

Get answers to the fundamental questions, as well as insight on the current state of personalisation in the events industry from a recent research study with 150+ event planners with our eBook, ‘The Event Planner’s Guide to Personalisation’.

Industry Survey: The View of the 2023 Planner

Posted on by Eventsforce

We can’t predict the future, but with your participation, we can all get a better idea of the plans and considerations event planners have as we move towards 2023.

Here’s your chance to get your voice heard. Our new survey is targeted at marketing, meeting and event planners and is an opportunity for you to tell us your views and — most importantly — our chance to listen.

Your contribution will be part of a whitepaper which will be shared at the end of the year. And as a thank you for your time, for each response received, we’ll plant a tree via Ecologi, our carbon-offsetting project.

 

CVBs and DMOs: A Hidden Resource for Meeting and Event Professionals

Posted on by Eventsforce

As a meeting and event planner, do you ever feel a little stuck? Maybe you can’t find the perfect spot for your next unforgettable event. Or perhaps you did find a location but you are overwhelmed by all the details to create a great experience for your attendees. It might be time to take advantage of a hidden gem of a resource, one that is sure to feel like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow — and it’s closer than you may think.

Turn to the local convention and visitors bureau (CVB) and destination marketing organisation (DMO) to hit an event planning jackpot. These organisations can provide you with the following information and more:

  • Suggestions and help facilitating event activities, entertainment, and speakers
  • Offer a wealth of knowledge on convention centre specifics, including floor plans and tours, to dining choices and lodging options
  • Specifics on accessibility throughout the destination
  • Itineraries and suggestions for attendees extending their visit beyond the convention
  • With ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, CVB and DMO websites are a good source of the latest information

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Let’s dive a little deeper by learning from Cara Frank, chief of staff at Simpleview and former director of convention services at Destination Madison.

Q: How should meeting and event professionals utilise CVBs and DMOs to enhance their planning capabilities?

A: If a planner is just starting a search, the CVB and DMO can provide support when looking for a venue or hotel by consolidating and bridging communication with these properties. If they already have a site selected but want to make the event extra memorable, the DMO and CVB can help create an amazing experience for the attendees beyond the parameters of the actual event and bring the local feel to the attendees. CVBs and DMOs can provide the best recommendations for every event type.

Q: What resources do CVBs and DMOs have to help planners with their events?

A: Every destination has something unique to offer meeting and convention attendees — something that will make the event memorable so attendees will share with friends, family, and co-workers. Sometimes, these top locations are very well known but often they are hidden gems known only to people intimately tied to the destinations. This is where CVBs and DMOs come in, which can help planners with their events by:

  • Finding offsite locations for parties, dinners, etc. Everyone is looking for a unique venue to fit their audience
  • Referrals to members and businesses for transportation, local gifts, etc.
  • Informing local restaurants and shops nearby about the event so they can prepare their staff to provide exceptional service
  • Offering attendance marketing tools on the DMO and CVB website, like toolkits for venue searching and booking, to make sure planners have resources to help their event thrive

Also, CVBs and DMOs publish the most relevant mapping tools for event planning, giving a better idea of the destination and how to prepare their attendees for seamless transportation. Punta Gorda Englewood Beach’s meetings microsite is one example; Pisgah National Forest uses Map Publisher on its microsite to help visitors navigate the destinations.

Q: How can meeting and event planners and CVBs and DMOs work together more effectively?

A: Making connections to the destination should be a top priority. While many planners visit the destination during the sales process, that could have been years before their actual event and many things could have changed. Event planners should check in periodically with the CVB or DMO as a local partner, aligning goals, and sharing event and attendee details will help create the best experience for the attendee and event planner.

“The DMO or CVB is a concierge of sorts; from steering meeting planners to the transportation companies they need for an offsite event, to navigating the best group dining options, they can match your attendees to the attractions that will resonate the best with them.”

— Cara Frank, Chief of Staff, Simpleview

 

Want to know how Eventsforce can help you with your 2022 event planning?

Eventsforce can support you with a platform that puts the planner at the centre of the strategy.   We transform experiences for virtual, hybrid and in-person events and enable you to launch and adapt your events quickly and seamlessly. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick chat or a detailed discussion on your event tech requirements, our team of event professionals are on hand to assist you.

Click here to get in touch or why not request a demo?

Eventsforce and EVENTIT partner to shape the future of the MICE Community

Posted on by Eventsforce

At a time when many industry professionals are planning their event portfolios for the year ahead, and navigating a challenging and unpredictable global event environment, Eventsforce is delighted to announce the continued partnership with EVENTIT — helping them connect, inspire, and educate event professionals across the UK and beyond.

EVENTIT is dedicated to providing event professionals with the opportunity to acquire information, ideas, education, and networking opportunities throughout the year. With a commitment to powering the future of events, Eventsforce is ideally placed to help them achieve this, offering a comprehensive suite of next-generation event management solutions for live, virtual, and hybrid experiences.

Choosing the Right Event-tech Partner

We are delighted that EVENTIT chose to extend and strengthen its partnership with Eventsforce. Having already embraced “Eventsforce Awards” to simplify the management of award evenings, making the submission and judging process simpler and quicker, EVENTIT will now rely on additional Eventsforce solutions to help them meet their organisational and event goals.

“Eventsforce Registration” will allow the streamlining of the registration experience for in-person events. EVENTIT will have access to tailored experiences with personalised agendas, pricing, packages, and branded websites, as well as automation of event communications, improved agenda management, and contactless check-in using “Eventsforce Kiosk.”

EVENTIT will also benefit from Eventsforce’s latest registration and ticketing platform, “Eventsforce Groups & Ticketing”, which will allow them to promote events, sell tickets, and manage all their attendees in one place.

Positive Partnerships Driving the Events Industry Forward

Ian Webb, head of business development for Eventsforce adds, “I am incredibly proud that the partnership with EVENTIT will be continuing in 2022. As the industry continues to recover, we’re delighted to provide EVENTIT with our full range of tools, allowing them to take a flexible approach to their in-person and virtual events as they stand firmly behind the events industry.”

Judith Wilson, Director of EVENTIT said ‘Having worked with Ian and the Eventsforce team over a number of years we are delighted that they have come on board to support our full programme of events over the next 12 months. Eventsforce are continually developing their technology, keeping abreast of the growing demands of their clients but never losing sight of the need to keep things simple and intuitive for the end user and maintaining their amazing customer training and service. They really are an extension of our team!’