Let’s build on Angelou’s profound insight and talk about the events. Remember your last event where you became so immersed in the experience that you forgot about the outside world? This is the magic of a truly exceptional event experience.
Today, in a world where we are constantly distracted, creating memorable and interactive events has become a necessity.
No matter if it’s a large conference or a small workshop, event attendees want immersive experiences that will leave enduring memories. How can you turn an ordinary event in to an unforgettable experience?
This blog will explore the strategies to ensure that your next event is the talk of the town.
What is an Event Experience?
Have you ever wondered what makes a truly memorable event? The event experience is everything: it’s about how attendees engage and connect with all aspects of your event regardless of the format or type.
Imagine how your guests feel when:
- Register or purchase tickets
- Engage with the event content
- Listen to the speakers, moderators and hosts
- Enjoy the entertainment, and the delicious food
- Create connections and network
- Explore the engagement possibilities
- Engage with exhibitors, partners and display booths
While event planning used to be centered around event management, event planners today are focused on the attendee experience. With platforms for attendee engagement, it is now the goal to curate experiences at every stage, from the concept to the curtain call.
It is easy to understand why.
The possibilities are endless when you move from managing an event to experiencing it. This perspective will allow you to:
- Enjoy the seamless blend of virtual and physical elements
- Make sure no one feels excluded due to their location, technology, financial situation, abilities or any other barrier.
- Adapt events to individual preferences
- Return on Event (ROE) is a way to measure the impact and ROI of an event.
Why Event Experiences are More important than Ever
The pandemic changed the game for events. The pandemic forced the industry into hybrid and virtual event format, and that shift won’t be going away any time soon.
The global events industry is expected to reach $2,194.40 Billion by 2028. This is not a passing trend or mere speculation.
Hybrid and virtual event also have their own set of benefits. They can be used to expand the reach of a business, promote inclusivity, save money, and make an impact on the environment.
In the past few years, event organizers have been incredibly creative when it comes to virtual experiences. From creating virtual events, such as celebrity endorsements, and exclusive behind-the scenes footage for new product launches, to distributing digital swagbags.
8 Strategies to Create Immersive Event Experiences
Consider these strategies when planning your next event, whether it’s in person, virtual or hybrid.
1. Interactive Installations & Gamification
Incorporate interactive elements that require hands-on involvement to truly captivate your attendees. Consider setting up VR simulations that allow attendees to immerse themselves into a 3D virtual world relevant to your brand.
Create gamified experiences such as digital scavenger huntings, escape rooms or leaderboards that encourage friendly competition. You can also host interactive workshops that allow attendees to learn through doing, such as cocktail workshops or art lessons.
It is important to get your attendees up and moving. By allowing them to participate and not just observe, you can create lasting and vivid memories.
2. The Networking Experience Like Never Before
In-person or online, networking at events shouldn’t feel like a generic experience. Facilitated matchmaking is a great way to spice up your networking sessions. Attendees can pre-set their interest and be guided through mini-meetings with professionals who share similar interests.
You can also offer fun icebreakers like speed networking bingo where guests mingle and fill out bingo cards with information they discover about their fellow guests.
Organise themed groups around common interests. This can be done for everyone, whether they are repeat attendees or in a specific industry. It will help to break the ice. Use conversation starters or prompts that are unique to spark meaningful conversations.
The goal of the event is to create connections that will encourage attendees to mingle, share, and bond beyond superficial interactions.
3. Add Personal Touchpoints
Do not treat all attendees the same. You can make attendees feel like individuals by customizing the event experience to their individual needs. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Select sessions and workshops based on the attendees’ interests and goals to create a more personalized agenda.
- Send customized pre-event material based on their stated preferences to send a message that really shows you care about them.
- Use an interactive event application to recommend relevant exhibitors and contacts.
- Offer a welcome kit that includes swags, discounts and special offers for your attendees.
- Create a video message that speaks directly to each individual for an unexpected and delightful touch.
These ideas show that you value each individual attendee and want to help them create their own event experience.
4. A sensory spectacle
You can truly captivate an audience by appealing to all their senses. Use creative lighting to dazzle your audience, such as stunning spotlights and immersive projections.
Create a unique soundscape that includes ambient background music and lively playlists for key moments. Aromatic wonders can be used to delight the senses, such as herbal scents for a spa event or sweets at a confectionery show.
You can also offer tactile experiences by using interactive textures or fidget gadgets. You can even engage your taste buds by offering food or beverage samples. All these sensory elements can be orchestrated to create an experience that increases attendance engagement.
Other words, you can captivate your audience by combining visual delights, acoustic excitement, aromas, textures and flavors.
5. Tech at the Front
Do not let technology be an ad-hoc thought. Use technology such as virtual events platforms and mobile apps for a meaningful experience.
Create a custom app for an event that allows real-time interaction through live polls and Q&As. Gamification is also incorporated to encourage digital networking.
Create augmented and virtual elements to add an innovative layer. This can range from virtual swagbags to personalized agendas. When hosting a hybrid event ensure that virtual attendees are included seamlessly through interactive live streaming and virtual meeting room.
Let technology create a “live” feeling for virtual events through virtual lounges and simulation of networking.
Don’t ignore the buzz! A unique hashtag for your event, amplified by signage and announcements, will get attendees to spread the word during and after the event.
6. Moments of Wonder
Surprises and delights are always welcome. Consider integrating roaming musicians, dancers or magicians who interact with your guests in an unscripted manner into your event.
Create unique mini-performances. These can be musical numbers, dance shows, or even spectacle acts. Select VIP experiences such as backstage tours and meet-and greets with keynote speakers are available.
Emcees can award attendees in real time or highlight their achievements, such as the longest distance traveled. Incorporate party favors, treats, or prizes into the activities. These surprises will leave guests amazed and remember the event long after.
Find ways to surprise your guests!
7. Your Brand Enthusiasts
Want to have authentic brand representatives at an event? Find people who are already fans of your brand.
Find genuine fans in user groups and communities. Engage with loyal customers on social media.
You can compensate them by giving them free access, swag and VIP access, rather than just a title. Interactions with attendees will reveal their true excitement. They can be on hand to staff booths, guide tours or lead activities, wear swag during sessions and share their “fan” perspective.
Select brand enthusiasts who share your values and focus on the event. They will create genuine connections with your attendees because of their authentic passion.
8. The Fans Are Important, Not Just the Figures
Remember that immersive experiences are about more than just marketing. They’re about celebrating brand loyalists and cultivating new ones. Do not let your event become too sales-focused, or driven by rigid metrics.
Put the attendees’ journey first by using singalongs and activities. You can also use trivia questions, games, and other programming to help them feel connected with your brand. Include moments to recognize and reward loyal clients.
Prioritize the quality of your experience over statistics about lead generation. Marketing assets such as video content, testimonials and user-generated material can be obtained, but your core priority should always be to create a community-focused, fun experience.
The Final Act: Creating The Ultimate Event Experience
We’ve explored the world of events and the intricacies involved with blending the physical world with the digital. From interactive experiences, which captivate the senses, to the genuine zeal of brand enthusiasts who are leading the charge.
We have highlighted the importance to think outside of the traditional event box. This includes ensuring that these strategies cater for the diverse needs and wants of attendees, as well as, most importantly, placing the human connection in the center of each experience.
Remember, events aren’t only about creating memories or dazzling technology. They’re also about building community, forging bonds and fostering relationships. As you prepare for your next event challenge yourself to not only organize, but to really capture the audience’s attention.