If you’re running an event, you want to make sure guests have a memorable experience and a fun, productive evening. You’re asking people to spend their free time with you, and you shouldn’t take that lightly.
Many people go to these kinds of events pretty often, and after a while, it can be hard to make one stand out from the others. Here are four things your next event shouldn’t be without.
1. Professional A/V Equipment
Handling the party’s fundamentals properly means getting professional gear for your event that doesn’t just work properly, but makes an impression. Yes, you’ll need lighting for atmosphere, or a spotlight to highlight and emphasize your guest speaker.
But lighting like 3D mapping can really knock your guest’s socks off! Imagine casting a light show comprised of video or images onto the façade of the building, so guests can walk through it upon their arrival.
Everybody has sat through those Zoom meetings that take a while to set up and run into other technical problems. If you’re live-streaming your event, or patching in speakers currently elsewhere in the world, you need it to work reliably. Leading AV rental suppliers not only have the equipment. They can also deliver it, set it up, oversee it, and take it down after the event is over. Whatever level of support you need, they have your back.
2. Food Matters
The slickest event in the trendiest venue will still feel lacklustre if guests are hungry, or if the food is bad. You don’t need to hire the most expensive caterer, but should put some thought into it.
If it’s a networking event, you want people to be in a joyous mood, so they’re relaxed and ready to schmooze. Nobody wants to make introductions or close deals on an empty stomach.
3. Drinks
Deciding to serve alcohol can define the event. Work conferences during the day likely won’t have any alcohol on tap, but an evening mixer or soiree might.
Just make sure you also serve food, so people don’t drink on an empty stomach. Encourage people to take cabs or public transit to the event. It’s essential to ensure nobody drives drunk.
The kind of alcohol you serve will dictate the event’s feel. Beers on tap establish a casual vibe, whereas cocktails signal something fancier and classier. There’s no one single path to take, but the drinks you serve should reflect the mood and the tone you’d like to set.
4. Venue is Key
When an event is held in a trendy, sexy space, people get excited to be there. There’s usually a higher price tag, but it could be worth it.
If you’re going to host it somewhere more staid and plain, that’s fine, but make sure the space looks great and has ample room for people to mingle. If it doesn’t have that “wow” factor, it has to be practical and tick off all the boxes.
The right venue depends on your budget, your guests, and the nature of the event.