Tag: meeting

Why Your Attendees are No Longer “Just” Attendees

Why Your Attendees are No Longer “Just” Attendees

How would you describe your average attendee? While your answer can vary depending on the type of event or conference you’re planning, there’s one big thing that has changed over the last several years. Your attendees are no longer “just” attendees.

With all of the interactive technology that’s emerged in the last decade, your attendees – more than ever before – are taking charge of their event experience. If you have your attendees boxed in as bystanders, it’s time to start changing how you view the typical attendee.

So what are they doing differently?

Don’t Wait for Information

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Smartphones and tablets have made it easier to seek out the information we want. Because of this, attendees don’t wait for you to give them event information. They look up your website, your social platforms, and your mobile event app. And they expect their mobile experience to be fast – every second of delay could result in a 16% decrease in customer satisfaction.

Prefer Mobile Apps

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When you see attendees looking at their smartphones, they’re probably using a mobile app. And by probably, I mean definitely. Apps continue to dominate the mobile web with 86% of time going to apps and the other 14% going to the web. Studies by Compuware have shown that people find apps faster, more convenient, and easier to browse.

Appreciate Custom Content

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Did you know that 61% of consumers say they feel better about a company that delivers custom content? Each person who goes to your event has his or her own reasons for attending. Delivering custom content to attendees shows them you care about their specific interests. If it’s relevant and timely, it’ll further enhance your attendee’s experience.

Use Multiple Devices

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A recent survey by Deloitte showed that nearly 40% of consumers are digital omnivores – they own a smartphone, tablet, and a laptop. Have you ever experienced more app downloads than there are attendees? It’s because 77% of people who have three devices switch between them to complete tasks or activities.

Interact with Your Brand through Mobile and Social

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Mobile app use is increasing worldwide, and social apps are leading that growth. A survey by ExactTarget revealed that 53% of people have liked or followed a brand on social media from a mobile device. Having a social presence gives you the chance to deliver great content, engage your attendees, and connect with them in real time on a more personal level. Social platforms have also encouraged attendees to take more active roles in sharing their event experiences, generating more content for events, and building a stronger event community.

These are just a few examples of how technology has changed the attendee you used to know. What changes have you noticed over the years?

How Much Food To Order For An Event – Part 1

How Much Food To Order For An Event – Part 1

Food is one of the most important aspects of event planning, and like it or not, everyone always remembers the food served at an event and they’ll continue to talk about how good (or bad) it was.

 

Food and beverage often takes up the largest portion of your event budget, sometimes averaging 40%, and often tells you whether or not your client can afford a buffet, passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations or a sit down dinner.

 

Whether you’re planning an event for 10 people or 1000, it’s important to find the right caterer to join your team because they help make or break your event, but it’s up to you to know and understand how much food to order for your guests and to work with the caterer when deciding what’s appropriate for your event and your client’s needs.

 

 

So, before you start calling reputable caterers in your area, there are 6 questions to ask yourself before getting started:

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Event Planning Budgets

Event Planning Budgets

Every event planner uses this budget to stay organized and prepared for any client inquiry, and an event budget will help you from overspending.

First of all, list four categories along the top:

Item

Projected Expense

Actual Expense

Details

Then categorize and track the expense items following this infographic:

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