Event Success

I’m by no means an event planner and I admire those who are. Having recently completed planning a party, I can imagine the work that goes into planning an event. As an attendee, however, I picked up a few things that I thought worked well and others that didn’t work so well. Events can be trade shows, conferences, festivals, exhibitions, expos, conventions, training.
* Web site: Having a web site with event information makes a difference and helps attendees feel more prepared before they go.
* Hotel information: Are there deals? How do you get the deals? How far are the hotels from the event? How would the event planners rate each hotel? Give attendees an idea of which are more expensive, average priced, and low-priced. Do they offer airport, city, and event shuttle service?
* Transportation: How can attendees get around? Avoid car rentals is a plus — one less thing to pay for.
* City information: Unless the event is held in the middle of nowhere, tell people about the city, its famous places, great restaurants, good shopping. Enhance the event experience with a great city experience. This will get attendees talking and adding buzz (word of mouth marketing) for your event. Even if the event is one of those where people won’t have the opportunity to see the city during the event, they might arrive early or stay later to see the city.
* Merchandise (“swags, baby!”): Make it possible for people to buy goods before coming. Save time, line and frustrations plus promote your event as they’ll wear it or carry it before, during, and after the event.
Miss anything? Please share in comments.
Here is a feature on designing event web sites. Much of the information here can also apply to print and direct mail.