In Claire Hoffman’s recent article, “What Are Your Tricks for Getting Event Attendees Interacting?”, she spoke with industry leaders to get the inside scoop on driving engagement at in-person events. We’ve summarized her findings and incorporated our best practices for the guide to impress all your guests, even the introverts.
For Hoffman’s full article, click here. Keep reading to learn how Best.Day.Ever. utilizes these tricks to drive engagement and foster meaningful relationships through events for our valued clients.
The first trick that Hoffman identifies to keep guests interacting with one another and engaged during the event is to have “on-site activities” once they arrive. Through preparation with the Best.Day.Ever. team, we ensure that guests are consistently engaged throughout the event and can capitalize on meaningful interactions.
From customizable gamification activities during sports events that provide a game within a game for guests, to an artist painting live portraits providing an easy conversation starter, BDE’s on-site activities create unique touchpoints that build rapport between attendees as the event continues.
Hoffman also notes that during longer, multi-day corporate events, off-site activations can offer a breath of fresh air for attendees while also strengthening teamwork within the group. These ‘side quests’ Hoffman refers to have proven successful time and time again for Best.Day.Ever. and our clients.
Earlier this year, Best.Day.Ever. created a week-long extravaganza for Zebra Technologies centered around Super Bowl LVIII. Programming was packed with side quests to keep attendees on their toes and excited throughout the events.
The week started with a press conference that featured current and former NFL legends and Zebra executives. Then, guests attended the Merlin Olsen Hall of Fame Luncheon before making their way to the NFL Honors Red Carpet and Award Ceremony.
Other events to keep Zebra’s attendees engaged throughout the week included a luxury suite for the U2 concert at the iconic Vegas venue, The Sphere, a Sean Payton Zebra media tour, a trip to the NFL House that included a bowling session, and an on-site tailgate before guests headed to their suite seats in Allegiant Stadium that Best.Day.Ever. secured for Zebra’s executives and key stakeholders to watch Super Bowl LVIII from.
According to Hoffman, the right venue selection also plays an essential role in building anticipation for the event before guests arrive, while also maintaining this excitement throughout the event itself.
For every event that Best.Day.Ever. helps create, the team always starts with an in-depth onboarding session to truly understand goals, KPIs, and the target atmosphere. A detailed procurement of the best venue options follows before a list of potential venues is presented to our clients.
From a customer engagement dinner at one of the top restaurants in Washington D.C. for Jellyfish to an NFL Watch Party at NRF 2023 that took place in the atrium at CATCH Steak for Blue Yonder, Best.Day.Ever. ensures total satisfaction with our venue procurement service.
Hoffman’s article also noted that building an environment that promotes conversation and avoids awkward small talk is necessary when trying to promote engagement and interaction among guests.
Best.Day.Ever. makes sure to go the extra mile for every event to provide guests with a space that fosters communication. Subtle added touches like colored drink toppers allow clients, sales representatives, and prospective customers to be identified and spark conversation.
Other tactics to promote conversation can include a “conversation menu” which is specifically designed by Best.Day.Ever. to provide on-topic and relevant questions that guests can refer to in those moments of awkward silence.
One of the most important goals in hosting any event is to make sure that guests believe your motives for the event itself and are fully engaged by the atmosphere. By implementing these tips into your next event, you can foster an environment that promotes engagement, develops meaningful business relationships, and leaves guests in anticipation of your next event.
To take your next event to the next level, schedule a one-on-one consultation with a member of our Best.Day.Ever. team using the link below.