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Strategies to Revitalise Your Corporate Event Planning
Before the pandemic, in-person events were considered the ultimate standard for brands. If an event wasn't live, it was almost like it hadn't occurred at all. Consequently, virtual events, which existed long before the pandemic, were frequently overshadowed by in-person events.
However, that attitude has changed dramatically.
Virtual events have gained momentum. As a matter of fact, we think that in-person events that include a virtual component are essential for any corporate event, particularly when you want to:
● Expand your audience
● Cater to individuals who cannot attend in-person
● Manage your travel expenses
Corporate Event Trends: How to Add the "Wow" Factor
In our daily conversations with brand and marketing leaders about event objectives, two themes consistently emerge.
1. People Crave Connection Networking with new acquaintances or rekindling relationships with former colleagues is a growing trend in the pursuit of establishing and reinforcing bonds.
This is especially relevant for businesses that have transitioned from 100 per cent in-office to 100 per cent remote within a short timeframe. When organising your corporate event, design your agenda with intention and allow for opportunities and creative methods to encourage teamwork, celebration, and connection.
2. People Want To Enjoy Themselves After two years of staring at computer screens, people are eager for a change of pace – they want to gather in person. We're seeing an increased demand for laughter, inspiration, balance, candid discussions, and enjoyment.
If you are seeking some space to brainstorm, collaborate, present or conduct a team-building session in Cape Town, we have the training facility you need.
Strategies for Crafting Unforgettable Brand Experiences (On Stage, On Screen, or Both)
Lasting impressions seldom occur by chance. They require vision, creativity, and extensive planning. Making a powerful statement at your upcoming event begins with defining your goals and objectives. This serves as the foundation for the success of your event strategy.
What is the format?
In today's world, Shakespeare's "all the world's a stage" line has taken on a whole new meaning. The stage can be physical, such as at an in-person corporate event. Alternatively, it can be "on-screen," as in a virtual event.
What are the branding opportunities?
In-person events provide more familiar opportunities for communicating your brand through overall event design. This encompasses scenic elements, graphic design, signage, collateral, and giveaways. All of these remain critical and should be part of your overall event strategy as they affect the experience you create for your audience.
Virtual corporate events also offer numerous branding possibilities.
When we produce events for the small screen, we employ a virtual platform to deliver the event. This virtual event technology is a vital component of your event strategy. It not only sets your event apart from typical Zoom or Teams calls, but it also supports the content and experiences you create and manage.
Virtual events provide many chances to showcase your brand. From your pre-communications strategy to registration to the login screen and pre-show lobby, to your main stage, breakout rooms, and beyond – integrating your brand into the design of all touchpoints is essential.
A friendly word of caution
Perhaps it was the experience of participating in two years of virtual meetings from home. However, we’ve noticed audiences have a low tolerance for technical mishaps, poor quality, awkward transitions and lacklustre production. At Colab, we recognise that organising events can be a daunting task, and selecting the appropriate venue is vital to its success. That's why we provide a variety of professional spaces that can be customised to your exact requirements. Our conference rooms, training rooms, and professional spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to guarantee a seamless experience for you and your guests.
Colab Training Solutions offers a suite of advanced technology equipment to enhance your presentations and promote active participation. Our conference rooms are equipped with lightning-fast wireless internet, ensuring seamless communication and easy access to materials for you and your attendees. Our cutting-edge technology equipment includes high-definition projectors and screens, state-of-the-art printing facilities, and customizable sound and lighting options to ensure an immersive experience.
How to Start Planning Your Next Event
Planning an event requires careful consideration of essential factors to ensure its success. It's recommended to involve a production partner early in the planning process to bring objective clarity to event goals. This will provide a strategic approach to planning and execution.
Some critical factors to consider early include event location. This is driven by various factors such as the type of meeting, audience demographics, accessibility, union/non-union labour city, expo component, and budget. Venue selection is also essential and requires a concise list of "must-haves," including the number and size of breakout rooms, General Session square footage/shape/ceiling heights, preferred seating layout, staging/scene footprint, the flow of meeting space, outside meeting space, reception areas, and hotel guidelines and budget add-ons.
It's recommended to involve your production partner in site visits as they have a combination of technical and production savvy and can provide specific requests before a contract is signed. Working with an outside partner can also make all the difference in delivering an exceptional experience that drives messaging and goals. They can help articulate goals and objectives, understand the target audience, discuss problems, drive creative ideas and content, ask difficult questions, and work on timeline management.
Timeline for Planning a Corporate Event
The timeline for planning a corporate event depends on various factors, such as the event's purpose, resources, and level of support. For instance, you may need to organise a quick announcement or product launch or plan a fundraiser or recognition event. Additionally, your approval process and accessibility to leadership's calendar can influence your planning timeline. If you have a budget, you may partner with an agency to produce and execute the event. If not, you may plan and manage the event yourself.
Measuring the Success of the Event
To measure the success of your corporate event, you need to establish measurable goals and strategies. Depending on the goals, you can use traditional measures such as email polls or surveys to follow up with your audience. Alternatively, virtual event platforms can provide valuable stats and data about your event, including engagement metrics and attendee behaviour. If your event has content-related goals, such as introducing a new sales process or presenting a state of business update, you can measure customer engagement or retention and track any changes in sales after the event. Additionally, you can conduct follow-up interviews to gauge the impact of the event on your audience.
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