The world of events is packed full of exciting opportunities for businesses to get involved with, and event coordinators can be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a way to promote their brand.
Such is the competitive nature of the space, that at times it can be hard to find ways to make sure your event stands out among the others within your industry. It’s almost as if every idea has been tried and tested to the maximum.
That isn’t necessarily the case though. The corporate event world thrives on versatility fusing classic and contemporary, modern tech with vintage décor and so much more. We picked 7 of the best ways you can elevate your next corporate event, so you remain memorable to visitors.
Why your presence in the corporate event space matters
It can be all too easy to assume that previous good results via exhibitions or product launches put you in good stead to see continuing success without having to do much at all. If this is how it works, then every business would no longer need a marketing department! Corporate events, from workshops to product launches, from seminars to team parties all have an important role to play in the success of any business. It’s how you facilitate them and use them to your advantage for the best chance to hit your objectives that matter.
Corporate events can reinforce brand messages, work as team-building opportunities, celebrate product launches or simply announce a change in the business. Without them, you no longer become an active voice in your sector.
Let’s take a look at what you could do to take your corporate event to the next level.
Seven ways you can make your corporate event enhance your business
The seven ways we have picked are not the only options open to you. Creative and experiential marketing allows you to push boundaries further than ever. Take a look at some of our suggestions to see how they can improve your future events.
Incorporate innovative tech
AI, VR, and AR aren’t just letters, they are the future of events. It’s that simple! Using virtual or augmented reality at your corporate event can incorporate gamification, product demos and so much more. Then add a little AI (artificial intelligence) to create a new unique level to the event and suddenly you’ve got something truly innovative. As an example, the London experiential marketing agency, Smyle recently created a sensory adventure with an AI-generated dining experience. Now think how their attendees will remember the night they drank cocktails generated by AI or ate a meal generated through AI technology!
Whilst you may not want to dive down the culinary experience path, there is much that this kind of tech can bring that personalizes events for each individual rather than catering to the masses. Think of it as everyone all together, all at once, each enjoying the event but in their own way!
Hire speakers or entertainers
Depending on the reason for your event, you may have different reasons for why an entertainer or speaker may be necessary, but it can certainly elevate your corporate event.
Industry experts for example can go some way to endorsing the brand or product and help motivate the team. Live entertainers allow the team to let their hair down and put business to one side for a minute as collectively you all celebrate the successes.
You’d have to look at who the audience is. If it’s your customers, an authoritative voice from the industry may not be as appreciated as an entertainer. Unless of course, the event takes on more of a seminar vibe.
Give the catering a high level of consideration
We touched upon AI-generated food earlier, but you don’t need to go to that level to deliver an enhanced event. Looking to offer diverse and high-quality food certainly ticks boxes on many levels. Even more so if you make bespoke alterations to cater for those with specific allergies or dietary requirements.
For a touch of personalization, and a little more fun. Consider interactive food stations. These would allow guests to customise meals as they wish or watch the chef prepare food to order.
Offer unique and customised experiences
Whether your event is to celebrate your business or promote its latest offering, ensuring guests leave with positive memories is vital. Consider how you theme the event, making sure it ties in with any brand messaging and the audience in attendance. Up the ante a little further by adding a hint of personalization too. This could be through “goodie bags” personalised for the attendees, customised agendas that ensure people are where they want to be when they want to be there, or RFID name tags should networking be a core aspect of the event.
Include interaction and hands-on activities
Everyone likes to feel part of something and if you give those attending the chance to take part in the event rather than just be observers, they are more likely to leave with a memorable and positive opinion of the event.
Think break out groups, workshops, live demos and interactive exhibits.
Location
If any of your events have been held in halls, auditoriums, conference rooms or other stuffy indoor venues, have you ever considered how the great outdoors might increase the quality of it?
Bringing people outside, especially during the summer, can be a great way to loosen up the atmosphere and give people a sense of freedom you just don’t get with other events. Rather than move from room to room, an open field or a private estate gives attendees the chance to wander freely through a scenic backdrop whilst taking in the event. Add in some corporate marquee hire and you’ve got places for entertainment, food and drink, seminars, workshops and more all under cover yet all outside.
Incorporate sustainability
Our green efforts help enhance the brand reputation and the way the business works but it’s not something that you can just serve lip service to. You have to act upon it. Consider eco-friendly practices such as using renewable energy, and recyclable materials and reducing event waste. Elevate those green credentials even further by swapping out printed materials for digital alternatives and you’ll see reduced costs but enhanced brand reputation.
