What’s the big deal about big data?
We’ll assume every event planner knows they should be collecting hard data on their events and analyzing this information, looking at their metrics and working to improve performance, drive down costs, etc. We’ll also assume you’ve heard the term.
It’s Friday afternoon, and your anxiety levels are through the roof! Tell me if this sounds too familiar. You’re stressed. You’re tired. Nothing really seems as exciting as it used to because it all feels like a grind, a slog, and too much for one person to manage.
For event professionals, the right event management platform can be a game-changer, providing the tools necessary to streamline planning, enhance attendee engagement, and simplify complex logistics. Let’s explore the essential traits of a successful event management platform that make it a must-have for any event planner. 1. Robust Information Management Effective information management is the backbone of any successful event management platform. From tracking registrations and attendee demographics to organizing schedules and budgets, the platform should offer seamless data handling and storage. A strong information management system lets event planners focus on the event rather than toggling between disjointed spreadsheets…
We’ve all been to conferences that had comfy couches, we may have even been to conferences that had Tweetwalls (We hope so!), but have you ever been to a conference that had a Tweet Suite? Well today, we’re going to go over some of the basics on how to create one to increase engagement and socialization at your events. Just to clarify exactly what a Tweet Suite is—essentially, a Tweet Suite is an area at your event dedicated for your attendees to lounge, relax, socialize and maybe get some work done if they desire. Seating The first thing you need while creating…
In the bustling world of event planning, standing out is essential. The industry is crowded, and with the advent of mass communication, nearly every field is overflowing with hopefuls.
Distinguishing yourself as an event planner requires true creativity and a willingness to step outside the comfort zone. Unique event planning can be your key to success.
Today, we’re telling you a story about a young entrepreneur by the name of Suresh Doss. He is – or rather, was – an amateur event planner and freelance food writer. Today, he owes the City of Toronto $36,000. His is a cautionary tale, a story that drives home the importance of knowing who you’re working with and what you’re doing. See, Doss was part of a 2013 experiment to put food trucks in parks all across the city. Armed with an array of different meals, the trucks would keep hungry park-goers fed and content – and make a bit…
Most event management professionals understand the importance of having a website – or at least some sort of online presence. While it’s certainly possible to get by without a website, it’s not the wisest choice in today’s competitive marketplace. Yet, not all websites are created equal. There are certain elements, components that make up a site, which make one website more successful than another; attracting traffic, retaining visitors, and bringing people back to look again. If you really want to see a return on the effort you put into your site, here are twenty components every event management website should…
Cold calling for event sponsorships is a task most event organizers face. Cold calling is vital to securing partnerships and boosting your event’s budget. But cold calling isn’t just about dialing numbers—it’s about strategy. Mastering the art of cold calling can make a huge difference in your success as an event manager or organizer. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, cloud computing is one of the most disruptive technologies ever developed. Few other technologies have such a wide range of uses, and few others have fundamentally changed so many different fields. Event management, of course, is one of those industries impacted by the cloud, and planners need to understand the advantages provided by the cloud, and harness those to further events. How has the cloud changed event management for the better? More importantly, how can you as an event planner capitalize on this? The cloud is itself an encompassing term; cloud…
If you’re struggling to attract attendees for your event, you’re not alone. Many event planners face the challenge of low signups despite their best efforts. The key is to alter your approach, address the gaps, and implement strategies that drive engagement and conversions. Here’s how to turn things around and get your signups rolling in.
As with any industry, event planning has its own set of sticky ethical issues to deal with. As an event manager, you’re eventually going to be faced with a moral dilemma (or two, or three…) over the course of your career. How you deal with them will not only define you as a professional, but as a person. It’s important that you’re made aware five ethical issues you might face in the event industry – and equally as important that you approach them with integrity. Honest Representation A few weeks ago we wrote about the most significant challenges a wedding…
Event planners know that one of the biggest challenges they face is dealing with no-shows. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large-scale conference, no-shows can lead to wasted resources, unnecessary costs, and a less vibrant atmosphere. To minimize event no-shows, consider implementing these five effective strategies. 1. Ensure Your Event Resonates with Your Audience To minimize event no-shows, it’s crucial to create an event that your target audience finds genuinely interesting and valuable. The more your event resonates with your audience, the less likely they are to skip it. Clearly communicate the event’s objectives and highlight the unique benefits…
Some of you might be surprised to learn that, as an event management professional, your bailiwick extends well beyond the doors of your conference hall. We’re not talking about hotels, transportation, or trade show parties, either – though these are all essential components of a successful event. See, if you’re running a conference that takes place over multiple days, you’re certain to have guests interested in exploring their host city – and most aren’t likely to know a great deal about where they’re staying. Even if you plan a party for each night many of your attendees will splinter off…
Every year in June, game development studios from all over the world gather for an event known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo. It’s one of the largest conferences of its kind, and people from all over the world tune in every year to watch and listen for the latest and greatest innovations and developments in video games. Suffice it to say, a savvy event manager can learn a great deal from such a successful conference. Here are a few insights I’ve picked up by watching the annual show: The Wrong Speaker Can Ruin A Killer Presentation The Xbox One actually…
Coordinating last-minute event shuttle transportation services can be challenging, but it’s also a vital part of event planning that ensures attendees arrive on time and stress-free. As an event planner, understanding the nuances of organizing shuttle services can help streamline the process, reduce traffic, and enhance your attendees’ overall experience.
It’s inevitable – if you gather hundreds or thousands of people together, a few bad eggs are bound to show up and make trouble. That’s especially true in the business of professional conferences and large events where there’s always valuable electronic gear everywhere. Expensive, often small technology attracts thieves like flies to honey; if you don’t create the impression of a secure venue you could quickly find your event targeted. It’s the event’s organizers’ job to best ensure that theft doesn’t happen. Hiring a security staff may be important step, but it’s not the only step that needs to be…
As the people who ran the first Woodstock festival discovered, large music and art events can be chaotic if you don’t know what you’re doing. Whether in a city or a field, you have a lot to lose if everything goes south with a million plus people running around! With that in mind, if your part of a group putting together your first festival or your twenty-first, you want to make sure you’re doing everything right. We always say learn from the best. So we looked at eight of the world’s greatest music festivals and thought about what it is…
Let’s talk about food! One of the more fun parts to plan of any event is the food. An event planner must find the perfect caterer for each unique event to keep your guests happy with food and drinks. Networking conferences are great for attendees to meet potential clients, customers, and business partners. Networking conferences are often all about moving around and meeting new people, and mini-events like meals, round table discussions and cocktail hours often help create an environment conducive for meeting others. We’re going to skip over the itinerary phase and assume you have a schedule that includes…
On July 8, 2014 an interesting and ambitious new organization known as The Institute of Event Management made its official debut at The Meetings Show in Olympia, London. The IEM, initially operating out of the United Kingdom, hopes to eventually become an international organization establishing global professional standards for the event industry. Universal standards in the meetings and event industry have been a long time coming. The Meeting Show was a perfect setting for the announcement of this type of global initiative. This annual event focuses on the needs of professional meeting and events planners providing dedicated educational programs, guest…
Technology has the irritating tendency to gleefully implode at the most inopportune moments. Any event planner that’s spent some time in the industry knows exactly what we’re talking about. No one gets away without a mishap.
Of course, busted tech is almost always the result of human error somewhere along the line, but that’s beside the point.
