Creativity For Future Events
So now we have the green light to hold events from 1st October we can’t help but think what does this mean for the future of events and how do we plan to move forward?
As an industry, we thrive on face-to-face meetings and love to network with peers, and so do our clients. Over the years the format of events has changed dramatically, from the basic theatre style presentation with coffee breaks and a buffet lunch, to the ever so popular casual bean bags and picnics in outside green spaces. Even the demand for the style of an event venue has altered from hotel ballrooms and conference centres to warehouses and the latest new bars!
With social distancing the new normal, we envisage events being a little more regimented than they have been in the past, which could seem less attractive for potential delegates, especially as we have had some amazing virtual events over the last few months!
We have shared our thoughts on the changes you could make to your event to make it more engaging and create a real draw for delegates to attend your first event back, post October 1st. We certainly can’t wait!
BE CREATIVE
Creativity is key and we believe now is the time to really play on this and maximise opportunity. The ideas are endless.
EVENT SET UP
– Try and think of innovative and different ideas for your overall event design and set up you may be forced to rethink seating layouts. Try U-shape, this allows for more conversation and distancing between attendees. If a venue can’t accommodate the numbers of your events, perhaps look at hiring additional rooms in the venue and setting up video conferencing between the spaces.
– Maximise the usage of outdoor space if your chosen venue has this. Perhaps delegates can be encouraged to use this area for breaks and, if the weather permits, for potential break out sessions. We just loved seeing The HAC hold their first event in over 4 months last week using their outside space. It looked amazing!
REGISTRATION
– Pre-COVID we are sure you will agree that queuing to register at an event was tedious and boring, but for the last few months we have all had to queue for shops and only recently bars and restaurants on their reopening. So, we think we are pretty much experts now and have got queuing down to a tee!
To avoid long queues and waiting times we suggest introducing staggered arrival times and perhaps even providing delegates with a personal itinerary of their day which states clear arrival, departure and break times.
CATERING
– Work with your event planning team to create an imaginative menu for your event day. Don’t be scared to ask them if they can do something different. We love the idea of individual picnic hampers so delegates can still have luxury but dine in their own space during their break.
– Everyone loves a tea and coffee break at an event but there is a very large question mark over the future of this and how it will look. Perhaps upgrade and have a barista coffee station available. Or brand your own disposable cups to create a further impact on your attendees.
HYBRID EVENTS
– Prepare to host a hybrid event where half can attend at the venue and half can tune in from home or a different safe environment. If tuning in from home, you want to be able to include those delegates just as much as those at the physical event. Why not send their own picnic hamper to them and post conference cocktails? We just love ‘The Moving Venue’ by event caterers Moving Venue by Smart Group who have adapted their much-loved lunches and treats to be able to deliver these to your own homes to spruce up your events. This could win you some brownie points!
The countdown to the 1st October is on – but don’t wait until then. Get in contact with us now to discuss your future events and we can share more of our creative ideas to help make your first event back simply wonderful! We are so excited to welcome you back!