Creativity is tricky to measure and put a finger on. Regardless, it is a much-desired quality, an important indicator of success in the world of event management. It allows us to put together a standout event that will leave an impact on people. One crucial thing to note, though, is that creativity is much more than sending personalized invitations and showcasing nice décor.
It is possible to get creative in many ways: with the budget, marketing, planning, and managing an event. So, it is time to go an extra mile, put an unexpected twist, and bring a distinctive new flavor to the old formula. You will have to grasp the big picture, but also to keep a close eye on various details. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice, here are some ideas to bring the house down.
A new approach to planning
It all starts with a shift in mindset. Get out of the comfort zone and explore new innovative ideas when it comes to event environment, offering support, and providing stimulus. Draw inspiration from areas of passion, interests, and hobbies. Then, tap right into the source: involve the whole collective in the early planning process and encourage people to take part in the brainstorming sessions.
Embrace change and explain others why they should too. Challenge the way you normally do things. Try organizing meetings outside the office, in interesting and laid-back places. They could entice workers to open up, share their ideas, and connect on a more personal level. One thing you want to avoid is throwing another “mandatory dull-fest”.
A sense of purpose
Events are not just supposed to bring people together, albeit that is one of their main purposes. A successful event also promotes company culture and instills certain values into attendees. It celebrates past accomplishments and directs towards future objectives. So, you could go for something a bit casual, but not overly so. The occasion should still be meaningful and have your business as a backdrop.
To figure out the best course of action, clearly define your cause. Determine what kind of value and message attendees will get from the event. Is there going to be an electrifying speaker the crowd is actually eager to hear? Will you spark their attention with freebies, early-access products, a form of entertainment, fun games, or something else?
A breath of fresh air
The location sets the tone and mood for the whole event. The best one is a venue that fits the budget and reflects the business brand. I would prompt you to think outside the box and beyond those canapé-dominated snooze competitions. There is a multitude of unconventional venues to take into consideration. They allow everyone to truly escape the daily hustle and bustle.
For example, in case you want to do justice to a major company milestone, check out various cruise lines to spend a few days offshore. Alternatively, go to a mountain resort or a picturesque vineyard venue. Just avoid the usual restaurants, conference halls, and humdrum locations. Also, remember that picking a theme can go a long way towards making the event more enthralling and significant.
Smart marketing
Every event deserves a bit of creative marketing. Those who are putting together a bigger occasion with the nation-wide or global turnout, have even more work at hand. Namely, the bigger it is, the sooner one should start promotion and engagement campaigns. In this day and age, of course, they can be launched both offline and online.
Social media is usually a surefire way to spur buzz and grow excitement. So, think in terms of well-crafted promotional videos, competitions with cool prizes, and playful announcements in the form of blog posts and infographics. Make sure to have a focal point, but know that it is often the little things that count. In any event, notify everyone on time and capture their imagination right off the bat.
Center it around people
Ultimately, every event is about the people who participate in it. Therefore, it should be clear how it benefits them. Not everything needs to be material- and money-related. We tend to like putting our skills and knowledge to the test and trying to steal the show. But, while some people are happy to display their vocal capabilities with a karaoke machine, others would prefer a more quiet evening that gives them something like a voucher or a day off in the end.
The truth is that you probably will not be able to blow every single person away. To satisfy most of them, always get to know the audience and its wants and needs. Finally, remember that event management does not stop once everyone goes home. Soak in the feedback: use analytics tools to collect event attendee data and generate actionable information for the next event.
Get your creative juices flowing
Despite what some people think, creativity is not some inborn talent. It can be learned and practiced much like any other skill. To put it to good use and come up with a memorable event, do your homework. Have an open mind and see what works for you and your team.
Enable employees to bond outside the tedious corporate environment and get them hooked. Bring about a sense of true excitement and festivity. Let the creativity flow through every facet of event management. At the end of the day, attendees need to feel like a part of something bigger and special. Make no mistake—this is a chance to create a close-knit gang of people who are engaged and driven.
