It’s no secret that the event industry is booming. The business of hosting, planning, and executing events has never been more lucrative or in high demand. Yet every day, companies are faced with a sinking feeling- “What can I do to stand out?”
It seems like everyone else is doing the same thing you are: renting space, hiring caterers, setting up tables and chairs. What makes your company different? How can you make your next event special? Fear not! There are plenty of ideas for how to make your next event one remember. Whether it be an intimate affair or a grand gala–these six notable suggestions will inspire your creativity and refine your vision for the perfect event experience.
Do Something Different
We don’t mean this in the sense of doing anything random. Rather, you want to do something different from everyone else. Think about what will make your event special, one-of-a-kind, or memorable.
If you want to inspire employees, you can create a unique event that encourages wellness. Or if your goal is to boost morale, an escape room or scavenger hunt can be a fun way for coworkers to connect with one another. There are countless ways to make your event special, but they all have two things in common- they are memorable and they stand out from the rest.
By changing up the event space, you can give your guests a new experience and a fresh perspective on the company culture. If your events typically take place in a boardroom or conference room, consider hosting them at a local gallery, museum, botanical garden, or outdoor venue with beautiful scenery. What can you offer that no one else can?
The Theme Can be Based on Guest’s Experiences
The theme is another one of those notable event ideas. Many professionals opt for a generic theme like “Comedy Night,” but that doesn’t really inspire your guests or give them an event to remember! That said- if you are looking for a way to make things memorable, basing the theme around what your guests are interested in can make a real impact.
In the same vein, certain industries tend to have a specific type of event. If your guests work in media, try a trivia night! Where do you get the party products? Star Party Hire in NSW can help install what you need for the party so there’s no need to worry. Themed parties are a great way for people to bond and connect with each other.
Network With Other Professionals
Networking is one of the most influential ways to grow as a professional and as a person. It’s not just about handing out business cards or making new connections- it’s about establishing real relationships with people in your desired field. Your event is the perfect opportunity to do this. Whether it’s one-on-one or a group conversation, your goal should be for attendees to leave with more knowledge about their company and themselves.
You can also host an educational seminar that will enlighten guests on some relevant industry topics. Don’t forget about food and drinks! Treat your guests to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while they learn, network, mingle and enjoy themselves. At the end of it all, you want them to feel excited about networking again. And maybe even having a new contact or two they can call for advice in the future! And since networking is so natural, why not let it lead to an event?
Treat Your Guests With Unconventional Meals
Speaking of networking, one way to make your event different is with food. Maybe you’ve hosted events in the past where you picked up a few sandwiches from Panera and called it a day. We know- we’ve done it before too! But the truth is that it isn’t a memorable experience for guests, so there’s no real incentive to attend.
Ever heard of pop-up restaurants? They are all the rage lately, and for good reason. People want food that is fresh, unique, and different from anything they could make themselves at home. Why not host a pop-up restaurant within your event? It can be difficult to achieve if you’re strapped for time and resources, but it’s certainly doable.
If a pop-up restaurant isn’t in your budget, you can still be creative. Since the event industry is booming, chances are there are loads of incredible photographers or bakers who would love to sell their wares at your next event. Many professionals even offer wedding cakes, cupcakes, and other tasty treats as a side business- you never know who might show up at your door.
It’s always a good idea to brainstorm event ideas ahead of time. The more you think about the kind of event you want, the easier it will be for your planners and vendors to plan out what they need from you in order to make your vision come alive. Now that we have some great inspiration here, all we can say is: get planning.