Open Forum

 View Only
Expand all | Collapse all

Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

  • 1.  Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-18-2023 07:56

    Ever wondered what makes an event truly stand out? It's all about the event experience: how attendees interact and connect with every aspect of your event, regardless of its format or type.  The pandemic was a game-changer for events. It forced the industry to switch to hybrid and virtual event formats, and this shift isn't going away anytime soon. 

    But now, there's a new challenge as in-person events pick back up: How do you create spectacular experiences for both virtual and in-person attendees? How do you bridge this gap?

    Tips and Strategies for Creating Immersive Event Experiences

    1. Interactive Installations and Gamification 

    The key is to get attendees out of their seats and actively involved. You create vivid and lasting memories by letting them dive in and interact rather than simply observe. 

     
    2. Networking Like Never Before 

    The goal is to facilitate connections in ways that get attendees mingling, sharing, and bonding beyond surface-level interactions. 

     
    3. Add Personalized Touchpoints 

    Don't treat every attendee the same. Recognize attendees as individuals by tailoring aspects of the event experience uniquely to each person.   

    4. A Sensory Spectacle 

    Thoroughly captivate your audience with visual wonders, acoustic energy, aromatic delight, tactile textures, and flavorful tastes all working in sync to create a spectacular event.

    5. Tech at the Forefront 

    Don't let technology be an afterthought. Embrace technology like virtual event platforms or mobile event apps to enhance experiences in meaningful ways.

    6. Moments of Wonder 

    Integrate party favors, prizes, or treats into activities. These left-of-center surprises are the moments that will truly wow guests and be remembered long after the event.  So, find ways to sprinkle in the unexpected! 

    7. Enlist Your Brand Enthusiasts 

    Reach out to loyal customers who positively engage on social media. Compensate them with free admission, swag, and VIP access rather than a strict ambassador title. Their real excitement will come across vividly in interactions with attendees. 

    Remember, events aren't just about the spectacle or the tech dazzle; they're about forging memories, creating bonds, and building communities. 

    Questions for you: 

    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? 

    #CventTip


    #Creating/ManagingEvents

    ------------------------------
    Megha Jetley
    Manager
    Cvent Marketing Department
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-19-2023 15:12
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? #2 because to me networking is still the most important thing and the reason why planners and suppliers attend events, coming up with more interactive/immersive ways to network is super important
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? Making sure #1-#7 above is included in the event, people get invited to SOO many different things so your event has to stand out and be worthy of their time


    ------------------------------
    Virginia McCoy
    Sales Associate
    Visit Savannah
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-19-2023 15:17

    Questions for you: 

    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? #6: the Moments of Wonder. This is the stuff that guests remember and will make your event stand out from "just another event". I love this idea!
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? Hands on staff support and quality signage. I know that sounds lame, but there is nothing to dampen an event experience like not knowing what is going on or where to go. Having supportive and friendly staff easily available to provide direction and keep things flowing makes a difference. Remember, people will remember how you treat them.


    ------------------------------
    Cate Liverman
    Director-Constituent Relations
    UVA Medical Alumni Association and Medical School FoundationUnited States
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-19-2023 17:37

    "Networking Like Never Before." Facilitating meaningful connections and interactions among attendees is a fundamental aspect of a successful event experience.

    Effective networking can lead to deeper engagement, knowledge sharing, and the formation of valuable professional and social relationships. To ensure we provide and exceptional experience we...

    • Offer structured networking sessions or opportunities for attendees to connect with others who share similar interests or goals.
    • Utilize technology to create virtual breakout rooms or discussion groups, allowing attendees to engage in focused conversations.
    • Encourage interaction through features like live chat, discussion forums, or social media engagement.
    • Try to plan Excursion events to encourage networking outside of the usual training sessions
    • Provide guidance and tools to help attendees initiate conversations and follow up with new contacts.


    ------------------------------
    Steven King
    Operations Manager
    Children's Advocacy Centers of MichiganUnited States
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-20-2023 08:07

    Hi Megha,

    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?
      • Tech at the forefront, moments of wonder, enlist your brand enthusiasts
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? 
      • All of the above! Plus... our sales team and others value relationships, which brings a personal touch like no other


    ------------------------------
    Lori Wildman
    Marketing Director
    lwildman@dmainc.com
    DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc.United States
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-20-2023 16:22
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? #5 because i feel that tech sets the tone for the event.
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? Stay updated in content, make it usefule and interactive, as well as most current tech.


    ------------------------------
    Mary Ann Hall
    Event Specialist
    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago(CRSO Department)
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-22-2023 14:41
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? 
    1. Interactive Installations and Gamification 

    The key is to get attendees out of their seats and actively involved. You create vivid and lasting memories by letting them dive in and interact rather than simply observe. 

    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? 

    Think about the attendees experience throughout the planning process and plan ahead.



    ------------------------------
    Kayla Sisco
    Program Manager
    Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc.United States
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-23-2023 14:31
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? 6
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? We try and ensure we create memorable experiences and things they may not get to experience otherwise. For example rather than networking around a table, we set it up for them to network doing local activities, taking advantage of the location and getting out and finding an opportunity to bond while also discussing businesses and issues. 


    ------------------------------
    Rachel
    NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-24-2023 09:29
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? #3 personalizing the event in any way that you can. Tie that in with #6 and have more personalized gifts or takeaways is truly above and beyond and really inclusive.
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? We try to make them feel like they are the sole purpose we are here. In our hospitality events, we make sure they are the primary focus. We always ensure there is proper client to colleague ratio so that they get the attention they deserve.


    ------------------------------
    Beth Vriesen
    Events Registration Admin
    Associated Bank Corporation
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-24-2023 10:25
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful? A Sensory Spectacle
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience?  Continuously monitor feedback surveys for what they want and attend events to see what works well (it helps to see things from an attendee's perspective)


    ------------------------------
    Julie-Michelle Davis, CMP
    Meetings Manager
    Amex GBT - USA
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-29-2023 19:51
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?
      Personalized touchpoints.
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? 
      Variation in the activities and schedule. As well as making sure energy level stays high.


    ------------------------------
    Chris Townley
    Marketing and Communications Associate
    National Council Of State Housing AgenciesUnited States
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-30-2023 08:31
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?  #1 For me if I'm at an event and it has some interactive features it makes you feel more a part of the event, not just a spectator.
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? Keep your audience involved, just talking to them all day with speakers can make your event stale and boring, mix up speakers with interactive activities, ice breakers, team building sessions, etc.


    ------------------------------
    Denise Slee
    Meeting Technology Specialist
    World TravelUnited States
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-30-2023 17:13
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?  I find the suggestion, Add Personalized Touchpoints most useful 

      Don't treat every attendee the same. Recognize attendees as individuals by tailoring aspects of the event experience uniquely to each person.   

    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? Build excitment prior to the event, embracing technology, and giving rewards.  


    ------------------------------
    Susan Harrison
    Meeting & Event Manager
    Atlas Travel Meetings & IncentivesUnited States
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 10-31-2023 06:10
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?
      • Gamification, networking, and moments of wonder
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? 
      • Using a mobile app for interaction and gamification, and having social activities that are fun and unique.


    ------------------------------
    Tori Martinez
    Event Technology Specialist
    Direct Travel
    United States
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Tips and Strategies for creating immersive event experiences

    Posted 11-17-2023 14:46
    • Which of the above tips/strategies do you find most useful?  
      A Sensory Spectacle 
    • How do you ensure to provide your attendees with an exceptional event experience? Our meeting spaces have all water views of Tampa Bay.  Floor to ceiling windows that can change the mood in the meeting.  Sun and water energize and relax attendees at the same time. 


    ------------------------------
    Colleen Beck
    Director of Sales & Marketing
    The Westin Tampa Bay
    ------------------------------