The great, global engine of business events has finally started running again. Like all the companies in our industry, we couldn’t be more delighted (phew). But there’s no doubt that the expectations of our audiences have been forever changed by the last 3 years. If we want to deliver live experiences that inspire lasting change in our audiences, we can’t just go back to our old ways.
Here are my 6 top tips for making the most of the long-awaited return to IRL:
1. Make getting together an amazing experience
Delegates are excited to come back to live events, but it’s important to respect the time they’re taking away from the office and home. Pack your events with interactive experiences and opportunities to network with colleagues.
2. Think about the wellbeing of your delegates
This isn’t just about offering sunrise yoga and smoothies. Don’t ask delegates to sit in a dark room for hours on end with no breaks. In the virtual world, they’ve moved to shorter, more interactive sessions that deliver better engagement, and we shouldn’t lose that benefit. And make sure you carve out pockets of free time to answer critical emails or check in with colleagues.
3. Remember the event landscape has changed since 2019
When it comes to booking catering, venue, security and accommodation, there are longer lead times than pre-pandemic, so plan ahead as much as possible.
4. Think about sustainability from the off
Sustainability is an even higher priority for our industry and our clients in 2022, so bake it in from the start. WRG are early adopters of TRACE, a tool to help better monitor and reduce the carbon footprint of events.
5. Give delegates a choice
Offering a mix of digital and face to face content boosts interactivity. It also helps those still reluctant to return to large scale events feel part of the experience. We know that many clients, like us, are passionate about the face to face experience, but virtual content shows you’re really thinking about an inclusive experience for your delegates.
6. Event platforms aren’t just for virtual
Using event platforms (such as our own heddle), you can bring together functionality such as registration, communications and presentation interactions. More importantly, you can also move content that would have traditionally been presented at people in that dark room for hours, to on-demand. Then, you can focus on the discussions, innovation and group collaboration which are best delivered face to face. Some platforms can also gather insights for you on downloads and views, to ensure a lasting impact.
Both technology and the ways we work have evolved rapidly since 2019, but our need to interact in person remains fundamental. By combining great event technology with the white glove service a delegate experience team offers, you can make sure your event inspires lasting change in your attendees.
Talk to an expert about what the perfect delegate experience looks like in 2022 here, no strings attached.