Let’s face it, experiences and moments in life are the things that shape us the most, in a positive or negative way.
The opportunity to share moments and experiences with others at events for example, holds exceptional value for all.
When the Pandemic first hit, human interaction and togetherness was one of the most missed components of our lives.
It’s no surprise when live events returned, all attendees including the entertainers felt extra emotional. Everyone could not wait to be together, in the same room, venue and space as everyone else.
Why does this fit in with planning your events? How is it even relevant?
For us, it’s essential to consider how you want your guests to feel. From the moment you reach out to them with a save the date, notifying them your event is taking place. Right through to their experience on the event day(s).
Creating an event community to share experiences with, whether internally or externally has in modern society become extremely popular.
Take a look at Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO. This has transformed from an initial Podcast that shared Steven’s personal thoughts as he was at the time CEO of Social Chain. To now international success not only with the podcast, but he’s sold-out theatres across the UK and created an event around this podcast too.
Thoughts and feelings evoke emotions and create an atmosphere. We appreciate each individual may feel and experience differently, but this can be managed by certain factors.
When planning an event, it is important to consider the emotional needs of your guests.
The best way to achieve this is by creating an atmosphere that is welcoming and resonates with your guests. This can be achieved by ensuring that the event space is clean and well-organized, and by providing activities that are enjoyable and meaningful.
- How welcoming is the venue
Is it easy to reach, is the signage clear and gives attendees the insights on where to find the event and the event name. Usually if you are at a venue with LED screens you can usually brand them. How your delegates arrive to the venue is also an important consideration. Consider if there may have been delays, strikes, issues with traffic, this can all add to anxiety of attendees before they even arrive with you. Another important factor to consider is how easy it will be for guests to travel to and from the event. If travel delays are likely, can the venue adjust around their guests?
The venue you choose can play a big role in setting the tone for your event. Take the Formula 1 Monaco yacht experience as a prime example, watching such a prestigious event from such an opulent platform definitely oozes appeal, doesn’t it?
If you want guests to feel welcomed and comfortable, consider venues that are warm and inviting. An event that makes people feel good is more likely to be successful than one that doesn’t.
- The way to delegates heart
You’ve guessed it, catering is one of the key components of a successful event experience. One of the most important factors that add colour to your event is food. This is a natural phenomenon, everybody likes food.
The quality, choice, preparation and presentation of the food you serve in your event can make the event more colourful and memorable. Making sure you consider how the food wastage will be managed, whether the menu caters for all dietary needs.
If there are any last-minute dietary or special requirements that need to be included, can they be made easily? By taking these factors into consideration, you can create an event that is enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.
- Opening or closing of an event
It is also important to consider the event’s opening and closing. The beginning of an event is often when people are the most excited, so it is important to make sure that the event gets off to a good start. For instance, how an artist or group arrive on stage, what was their opening set, were there pyrotechnics or a simple and effective entrance.
Your keynote speaker or chair of the event are responsible for setting the scene for how the event will run, the content and setting expectations. At the end of an event tends to be when people are starting to wind down and may be less likely to take part in activities. So, it is important to make sure that the event ends on a high note so that people leave with positive memories.
- Is there a unique experience you are offering your guests?
A surprise guest/keynote speaker or entertainer, a special ‘money can’t buy moment’ within your event that maybe hasn’t been announced until the day. It could be a meet and greet option, a special message, items as keepsakes, we could go on. Anything that creates a unique, memorable and emotive experience for your guests surely you would be on to a winner.
5. How are your guests left feeling?
Finally, when your guests are leaving the event, whatever the event maybe, how do they feel about it? Treasured memories to last a lifetime, specific take homes that they would not have otherwise received if they didn’t attend the event. Successful events create positive memories that resonate with attendees long after the event is over.
Remember the famous Maya Angelou quote:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
By considering these factors, you can create an event that is enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.
For all memorable hospitality and events experiences for the right reasons. With a little planning and thought, you can be sure that Sheer Edge can create the perfect experience for your guests.
Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176
