How can you adapt your event post-pandemic for maximum success?

It’s been a long two years where everyone has their own story to tell. Some businesses flourished throughout lockdown, while others are just beginning their shaky ascent back to pre-pandemic levels. And while we might feel like we are finally out of the pandemic, many of this year’s events are set to be driven by the impact it had on businesses. The last 24 months or so have been interesting to say the least and companies have been forced to adapt and innovate. Zoom has become a buzzword and virtual events are the norm. While in-person events are finally coming back (and we couldn’t be more excited) the landscape will undoubtedly be a different place from the one we left back in 2019. Here we explore why you need in-person events, what you can do to elevate these, and just how it will be planning corporate events and conferencing in 2022.

Why run in-person conferences and how can you engage attendees?

While there is added flexibility with the way you run events (with the introduction of hybrid), there is just nothing like running a corporate event in-person and the benefits it can bring to your business. You can get creative, meet delegates face to face and create genuine connections with attendees. You can promote your brand goals in person, get direct feedback or suggestions and also increase your brand awareness. In order to do this, you will need to consider just how you will engage your audience. One of the best ways to do so is with LED, enabling you to immerse and inform attendees with breathtaking visuals. Whether displaying marketing materials, event information or video content, LED screens go above and beyond with their graphics, capabilities, and benefits.

When deciding to utilise LED for an unforgettable customer experience, remember to plan: 

• What you will place on the screen and how you will display this – will it be a mix of promotional video and information? Will it be an interactive screen? Will it show photos that people are tagging you in on social media in a live feed? Consider what will gain you the most traction or bring the most benefit to attendees. 
• Think about the size of your exhibition stand, venue, or space; you want the screen to be big enough to attract attention but not so big it looks out of place. Be sure to liaise with your production partner (bigaboxproductions.com) who can advise
• Consider the technology you will integrate, will you opt for a mobile LED screen or integrated wall screen? You could even have a video floor for added impact!

There is nothing that can compare to an in-person conference or event and the value it offers to your business, it’s just vital you execute it right. You want to provide something memorable with maximum impact.

How can you adapt your event post-pandemic for maximum success?

Have guest’s health and safety considerations in mind

While the laws around mask-wearing have relaxed, many still have their safety concerns regarding Covid-19 and it’s vital you cater for this. Consider implementing things such as contactless check-in, information they can see on screens or phones as opposed to leaflets, and hand sanitising stations. It’s important to show you care about attendees’ safety as for many, your event could be the first in-person conference or event they have attended.

Be sure to make it more impressive than ever before

After so long without attending events and the fact that it’s now easier than ever to stay in the loop from behind a computer screen, it’s vital you give people a real reason to attend your event. Make it worthwhile, memorable and show how you can innovate. You could add things such as interactive video walls where attendees could find out information or enter their details. Use lasers and other special lighting to highlight certain information or key areas and be sure to have the top technology kit for speakers to use on stage. 

Cater for hybrid events

While in-person events are now officially back, it doesn’t mean you need to leave the virtual world behind. Instead, cater for hybrid events where you sell tickets both for those that can come to the location and for those that are unable to journey in. This enables you to broaden your reach and makes it much more accessible for everyone that wants to attend, to be able to do so. It’s also a good idea to record speakers at your event that you can use in the future, either to send to delegates that were unable to attend, or for future marketing, training and business purposes. 

Be conscious of sustainability

Sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint has become increasingly important and every business needs to do its bit. In 2022, event and conference attendees are going to want to see the ways you are working to make it more eco-friendly. Try to avoid giving out leaflets or bits of paper that are just going to get thrown in a bin and instead display information on screens and tablets. You could have QR codes for people to scan, or send out information in an email. When it comes to catering, consider plates, cups and utensils that can be recycled and provide plenty of recycling bins for these to be disposed of into. At the end of the event be sure not to give out unnecessary marketing materials that won’t get used and instead think of items that are either good for the environment (some businesses now have business cards that when planted, grow into flowers) or will genuinely be appreciated by the recipient.

These are just a few differences that you can expect to see when planning corporate events and conferences in 2022. As the events industry bounces back, it’s guaranteed to be bigger and better than ever before and you want your company to be at the forefront. Get in touch with us at Bigabox today to find out how we can help your company elevate its next corporate event.