Tag: conference

Furniture for your event: rent, build or buy

Furniture for your event: rent, build or buy

The right furniture can set the mood – as well as provide comfort for the attendees.

The key is to create an environment that enhances the event. It’s not just about renting furniture, it is about creating the right ambiance.

For example, it’s trending now to provide open space seating at meetings, instead of just rows of chairs. People are different sizes, they sit in different ways, yet there is a tendency to make all chairs alike. With open space seating you try not to furnish any room with chairs that are identically the same.

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Choose a variety of different chairs, some big, some small, some softer than others, some with rockers, some with arms, some wicker, some wood, some cloth. Put some highboys in the back of the room for people that prefer to stand. Have some tables, for those that prefer table seating.

A furniture rental company can help you plan the space. Most cities that host a lot of conventions have one or more furniture rental companies. From these, you can rent all types of furniture suitable for indoor and outdoor events.

You can even buy their furniture. At least once a year, most furniture rental companies have liquidation sales to reduce their inventory so they can bring in new and fresh designs.

This is a perfect time to refurbish your office or home with a new look by adding new sofas or easy chairs. Contact furniture rental companies in your area and get put on their mailing list to be notified when the liquidation sales will occur.

6 Ways to use GoPro at your events

6 Ways to use GoPro at your events

GoPro helmet-mounted cameras have been around since by Nicholas Woodman invented them in 2004. They’ve made him a billionaire. Even though they are a perfect fit for the events industry, they are underutilized by event planners, who can use them to speed up the action to cover more ground or slow it down when it’s time to show details.

Here are 6 ways in which event and meeting planners can use GoPro.

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Training and Development

Some processes are very intricate. Learners benefit from seeing the details from the point of view of the individuals carrying out the task. Videos shot using GoPro are an ideal vehicle for capturing minute details and walking learners through tasks step-by-step. Retailer Experticity has created a GoPro channel where associates can log in and learn from custom designed videos.

Capture meetings, conferences, and concerts from the point of view of speakers and facilitators

Instead of just giving lip service to audience engagement, incorporate the audience reactions and the point of view of performers and speakers into video highlights.

Relive Outdoor Adventures

Whether it’s zip-lining, bobsledding, dune bashing, or desert adventures on quad bikes, GoPro is the perfect way for participants to relive their adventures.

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Capture the Intensity of Action Sports

For fast-paced action sports like polo, GoPro places viewers in the center of the action. In combination with drones that cover a large territory, GoPro is a great way to convey the full intensity of action sports.
GoPro is in the process of developing a quadcopter drone for release in 2016. Event professionals can look forward to this type of footage.

Provide Tours of Resorts

Site inspections are always the best plan, but, when they are not possible, a professional video with images captured through GoPro can give clients the look and feel of a resort or venue.

Preview Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventures

For adventures in rugged territory, footage from a GoPro camera can give clients the information they require to assess whether or not the experience is a good fit from the group.

Finally, here are some tips for using GoPro for events:

  • Storyboard what you want the final video to look like to ensure that you get all required shots.
  • Be sure to obtain the right mounts and other accessories.
  • Invest in large memory cards and always bring backup as memory cards fill up fast.Carry extra batteries and ensure that all batteries are fully charged.
  • Make sure that the lenses are clean. Unlike a digital camera, it won’t be possible to check the lenses before or after every shot.
  • Shoot when lighting is best. Early morning will produce clear and well-lit shots. Late afternoon shots will have shadows and drama.
Online vs face-to-face networking

Online vs face-to-face networking

When the balance is tipped towards online rather than face-to-face networking, and we step out of the bubble, it can all feel a little strange. The screen we sit behind is the ultimate shield, it protects us and from behind it we can be more confident to approach or instigate contact knowing that an online rejection is less visible to others.

 

Don’t lose this assurance when you set out face to face, remember that others are there for the same reasons you are, to network, explore new opportunities and develop relationships. You’d be happy to engage with the person online, so do it face to face too.

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So, you’re open to meeting anyone and everyone at the event, you’re happy to make the first move, but how to ensure a positive, enriching conversation? When networking online you might write or share articles to develop relationships, perhaps sending something you think would be of interest to a specific contact.

 

Your online content can assist to position yourself as someone with a worthwhile opinion, so make sure you are as prepared to do this face to face. Have some relevant stories to share, and introduce when the time feels right.

 

Although of course online networking is two way, a conversation of two or more with each party having a chance to share and have their say. Online etiquette dictates that whilst it is great to share content, it is also good to engage with what others are putting out there. Take these principles to your face-to-face networking events, talking is great but listening is key.

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Face-to-face networking isn’t that different to online networking; the most difficult part is often pulling open the doors to that spin class to be greeted with 20 expectant faces looking back at you, you imagine them questioning your fitness, your ability to perform.

 

Well now you can look each and every person in the eye with a confidence that comes from knowing you have all the networking skills you need.