Knocking Your Next Event Out of the Park
Monday August 2, 2021
Planning an event is overwhelming and confusing on a good day, but after the two years we’ve just navigated… it could feel impossible. However, we see small businesses pull off interesting and engaging events every week. If you have an idea for a great event, this can be done AND it can be done this year.
Here are some expert tips and pointers to think about as you begin your event planning journey this year:
Prep Work is EVERYTHING
Expert Tip: Don’t just throw this together at the last second!
You’ll want to knock your event out of the park so the PREP IS THE MOST IMPORTANT! The work you do leading up to the event not only impacts attendance but also whether or not ticket holders enjoy the experience. The impression you make at your event will be huge and I can’t overstate the importance of sorting out every tiny detail as far in advance as possible.
Especially in a socially distant world, we’re relying on technology to make for a smooth event and testing should become a BIG part of your preparation. Hybrid events are the wave of the future so you’ll want to consider offering both an in-person and virtual option. This is going to require twice the work to ensure that both sets of attendees have a stellar experience and will be gossiping about how great your event is for years to come!
Focus on the Long Game
Expert Tip: Make a BIG Impression.
A great event lingers in the minds of the attendees long after the after-hours cocktail party. You may have many reasons for hosting events in the first place including getting more attention for your business, becoming a thought leader, or earning trust with your audience - but it’s the afterglow that truly counts. You want attendees to talk about your event once it’s over. You want them to tell all their friends and colleagues about the memorable experience they just had. You want this event to truly make an impact for the folks who said yes and took time out of their busy schedule to show up.
Bring on a Support Team
Expert Tip: Don’t do this on your own.
Want to hear the best advice you’ll get all year when it comes to executing an amazing event? HIRE HELP! Having someone who is removed from the heart of the mission, but experienced with running events and on board with the goal of executing a smooth event will be the best decision you make.
As the main presenter or host of an event, people tend to make irrational assumptions or decisions that don’t benefit the event as a whole. (Because no, you do not need to send everyone a personalized blanket with their dog’s face on it…) Not every idea is the best way to go and it can be tough to sort out the best path forward when you are in the trenches.
Hosting events is an excellent method of getting yourself out there as a small business owner and making waves in your audience and community. You will get more attention for what you do and build authority as an expert in your field. You’ll create powerful partnerships that could benefit your biz for years to come. The only downside to running events as a business is when they are poorly planned, executed or delivered.
Not to fret, though! What you need to pull off the big day is an experienced, engaged, and excited team to give you an Assist with planning and executing your event. Give us a call to discuss the possibilities.
abbeyharrison
Abbey Harrison worked in the corporate world developing and implementing processes for over 12 years before she finally said, “enough is enough” and decided to start her own biz in the marketing world. Her experience with business and office management lead her to develop strong skills in understanding the importance of organization, communication, processes and delegation. She started Assist for the Win to bring her “big-business” skill set to entrepreneurs and small businesses and give them the marketing assistance needed to have the same essential structures that corporations use every day. Her mission is to empower small business owners to realize they don’t have to run their biz all on their own and take the implementation of marketing off their plates, so they have one less hat to wear. She specializes in marketing behind the screen, on the screen and beyond the screen so that business owners can spend time focusing on what they do best!
Abbey is a Colorado native, loves rooftop patios, a great glass of wine, her husband, Chris and her 3 amazing boys, Ethan, Aidan and Deacon.