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Refresh an Annual Event Without an Increased Budget

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Refresh an Annual Event Without an Increased BudgetAttending an annual corporate event is standard practice for many professionals. Year after year, the experience becomes familiar and predictable, taking place at the same time each year, in the same venue, with the same sponsors, content, and presenters. BORING! But it doesn’t have to be this way.

With a little innovation, great planning, and some attention dedicated toward the re-marketing of the event, these annual events can generate plenty of enthusiasm for attendees, and deliver added value for sponsors and stakeholders. Here are some suggestions to keep your repeat corporate events from getting stale, without increasing your budget:

Pursue the New

The process of recreating and redefining a recurring event, particularly a conference, requires energy, creativity, research, and above all, a commitment to delivering something better than the previous year.

  • Even if the speakers are different from year to year, try altering the format of the day.
  • There are always new and exciting entertainers, different approaches, and improved ways of doing things. At one event we planned at TCG Events, we literally turned drink service on its head by having an aerialist serve champagne upside down!
  • Make sure you highlight what has changed to your guests or potential attendees in your invitation in bold print too.

Use Social Media

Be sure to use social media to promote (and if necessary, re-launch) your next annual corporate event.

  • Create a presence for your annual event on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn – wherever your potential guests and attendees will be looking for information – it’s an easy way to publicize your event to the audience, that won’t break the bank.
  • Encourage attendees to share the event with their contacts, and guests can comment about the event, creating even more exposure.

Ask for Feedback

One of your best sources for ideas on what to do, or what not to repeat, can come from the very audience you are hoping to reach.

  • Follow up on feedback from previous years is a great way to start.
  • Solicit new ideas from past or future participants. This keeps that momentum moving forward, and makes attendees feel more invested in the outcome.
  • Consider creating a round-table made up of conference stakeholders and brainstorm the future of your event together.

Annual corporate events shouldn’t have to get stale, and no one should have to settle for a re-run of last year’s event. With a little ingenuity and budget-conscious planning, your next annual event will be a wow and have attendees eagerly anticipating what’s to come next year!

Top 5 Ways to “Green” Your Corporate Event

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Top 5 Ways to “Green” Your Corporate Event

If you’ve put a lot of thought into the décor, lighting and signage for your corporate event but haven’t considered the waste and carbon footprint that might come with all of that, it’s time to take a step back and think green. There are many ways to have a “knock your socks off” event and care for Mother Nature too. Being environmentally conscious is more top of mind than ever before. Therefore, attendees are coming to expect corporate events to have consideration for the environment. There are many ways to green your event, and each choice truly can make a difference not just for the environment but to your guests’ overall experience and impression of the event too.

  1. LED lighting: Substitute with LED lights when possible as they use a very small amount of power. Cordless LEDs are fantastic when you don’t want a cord running across the room. There are an infinite number of color options to choose from!
  2. Reduce packaging:  Buy in bulk as much as you can to avoid the amount of plastic and materials used. If a meal is being offered at the event, consider offering a buffet option instead of individually packaged meals. Scatter water pitchers throughout the event instead of individual water bottles, which also saves on packaging and cost.
  3. Choose compostable products: Avoid Styrofoam as it takes years to break down, contributes to air pollution and can leach chemicals. Consider options for serving ware that are manufactured from renewable resources, contain biodegradable materials, and are easily recycled. There are also compost companies that can come onsite for a minimal charge if there is enough product to compost, which can be beneficial for larger events.
  4. Buy local:  By purchasing local supplies and in-season healthy produce, the less your event supplies and food have to travel. This decreases air pollution and helps your local economy too.
  5. Utilize Apps: Rather than printing off hundreds or thousands of programs or paper documents, consider using a helpful app like doubledutch or CrowdCompass. This way your attendees can navigate the event and learn more without contributing to the event’s carbon footprint.

Being environmentally conscious while planning an event is a win-win situation for all involved. Attendees value that thoughtfulness and can enjoy being a part of contributing to a greater cause.