Original Post by DeDe Mulligan
Every event planner wants their attendees to talk and remember their event for many months, and even years, after the meeting is long over. And for all the right reasons — not the wrong ones.
Here are a few ideas to make your event extra special and memorable.
Build anticipation
Spend time making your invitation very intriguing. Send the sample invitation to 20 people and get their feedback. Use Social Media to get people excited about the event. Tweet something new every day, ask questions, and/or send out speaker information. Have a contest. Set up a blogging schedule and invite guest bloggers to write for you.
Set the tone
During the planning process, think about the first impressions you would like to set.
If the event location is hard to find, send out maps with the invitation. Make sure the address comes up on a GPS system. Specify parking instructions and if you have room in the budget, offer valet parking. Decorate the entrance as well as the meeting room. Have ambassadors or greeters at the registration area ready to greet and welcome attendees.
Close attention to detail separates the pros from the amateurs
Does the room convey an atmosphere that will engage attendees? If not, continue to change it until it does. Pay close attention to the following items: Decor, Color Scheme, Table Linens, Room and Table Setup, Temperature of the Room, Sound and Lighting rental system, and Presentation Services Audio Visual Equipment
Food for thought
In most cultures, food is the major focus of social gatherings, and meetings and events are not an exception to this rule. Great food and service will be remembered for a long time to come. Hire a caterer that provides both. Consider a caterer who brings creative ideas and resources to the food presentation, perhaps making it even part of the decor. People tend to remember when and where they were served good food. You can even be creative with your menu selections, try re-naming dishes to tie them in with your theme.
A little something to take away
Let your attendees know they are appreciated by providing them with a thank-you bag or favor at the end of the event. Freebies are great and people love receiving gifts. Ask for business cards and raffle off a desirable and valuable gift at the end of the meeting day. Have ambassadors available to personally thank attendees for coming to the event.
Clear Sound Atlanta can provide you with audio rentals to make your event really stand out with every attendee. Contact us today for the Right Sound for Your Event.