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5 Innovative Ideas To Take Your Event to the Next Level

May 17, 2021

Taking your event to the next level requires a little more creativity and strategic planning than a few social updates – especially if you’re serious about engaging attendees.

For today’s post, we’ve asked the experts at The Events Structure for their insights on how event organisers can push the boundaries, creating spectacular events that leave a lasting impression on exhibitors and attendees alike.

 

1. Get creative with social media

Social media has undoubtedly become a vital marketing tool for event planners – vastly expanding audience reach. But, in order to expand your audience and entice them to an event, you need more than ‘bog standard’ updates to get people interested.

Make sure you utilise the power of video and imagery to grab people’s attention and pique their curiosity. Try using teaser videos to spark interest with behind-the-scenes venue tours, speaker interviews and more. Alternatively, draw in the crowds by issuing a challenge to your audience, such as the first 10 people to be pictured with a particular feature at the event will win a prize on the day.

 

2. Lure newcomers with discounts

If you’re looking to grow your event with more attendees new faces through the door are essential. And one sure-fire way to lure them in is to offer an exclusive newbie discount. The sense of feeling like they’re getting a better deal is always an attractive prospect, but there are a few things to consider to pull off a successful discount offer.

Firstly, think about the level and type of discount you offer. Sticking to relatively low discount rates between 10 and 20%, should ensure you don’t eat into your profit margins too much, or you could consider alternative discounts, such as free drinks or promotions during the event. Secondly, create a sense of urgency with the offer using phrases like ‘limited time only’ or ‘last chance’ and don’t forget to devise a marketing strategy to promote your discount offer.

 

3. Use the latest tech to impress

The event industry is awash with technology nowadays, so use it to impress attendees right from the outset. Why not simplify and streamline the entire event booking processes for attendees by investing in reputable event planning software? Or add a true wow-factor and create excitement around the event with unseen drone footage of your venue? An increasingly popular piece of tech for events, drones offer a whole new perspective and can be an affordable way to give your event an edge and position you as a forward-thinking brand.

 

4. Give attendees VIP treatment

All too often, businesses focus on gaining new customers, forgetting about the importance of their existing ones – but it’s vital to find a balance between the two to ensure customer retention and loyalty.

One way to do this is to create VIP offers for previous attendees that will entice them to keep coming back to your events. Whether you offer a discounted ticket price, attractive discounts on products or services on the day, or exclusive behind the scenes access, recognising and appreciating their loyalty will improve attendee retention for the future.

 

5. Take your event on the road

Mobile events are becoming an increasingly popular trend within the event world, as event organisers look for new ways to make their event stand out from the crowd. So, if you’re serious about taking your event to the next level, why not consider making it a mobile affair?

From pop-up stores and restaurants to nationwide road shows and festivals, these types of events have numerous benefits. Firstly, as a trendy and relatively new concept, brands are often perceived as cutting-edge and innovative. Secondly, they allow individuality and creativity to shine through, as there are often fewer restrictions than there would be at a fixed venue. However, the biggest benefit is the unparalleled opportunities to get valuable face-time with attendees in their own environment.

Whether you’re planning your first or 50th event, these creative ideas are geared towards putting your event on the map for all the right reasons. From increased sales and attendee figures to a more engaged audience, with a well-thought-out planning strategy and some creative, innovative concepts, your next event is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.

To find out more about how BookingLive can support your event then sign up for our webinar.