No matter the event type there are a couple of must haves if you want to ensure your guests have a memorable experience – in a good way.

When it comes to events the saying “any press is good press” does not apply. The last thing you want is people mentioning your name in the same breath as complaining about the food being cold or the wait staff being rude. In order to avoid embarrassing moments keep these 5 things in mind when you plan your next event.

1. Space

When choosing your venue you need to factor in enough space to allow your guests to move around comfortably, but not enough that you end up looking like you skimped on the furniture.

Creating a basic floor plan can really help you get a feel of what you will need and where to place it. Be sure to factor in clear pathways to the exits and bathrooms.

2. Food

Simply opt for the best you can afford. Catering should be the largest part of your budget if you are providing your guests with a meal. If time allows get a taste test from at least two comparative suppliers. Most caterers are more than happy to work with you to create a menu to suit your theme or budget so be sure to ask if you have something specific in mind.

3. Lighting

Have a really good think about the mood you are trying to create. Do you want an intimate feel, are people networking and reading name tags? For any event with live music or speeches it is always a good idea to get input from the onsite or local AV team. Sometimes a string of fairy lights can make all the difference.

4. Music

No matter what kind of event you are hosting, music can play a very powerful part. Have you ever sat in a small, silent meeting room waiting for a workshop to begin with a group of people you have never met? Having some innocuous background music playing can not only mask the awkward coughing but catapult your guests into a positive head space.

Technology has changes the game when it comes to providing top notch musical entertainment. A killer Spotify list can take you from dinner to dancing paired with decent quality speakers.

5. Temperature

You seriously cannot underestimate the importance of providing a comfortably heated/cooled space for guests to mingle. I am not just talking about the temperature of the air con but also advising guests of the conditions prior to the day. Providing an array of shaded areas at an outdoor event and having cool water on hand at all times is essential, while some well placed baskets of blankets and a coffee station during cool weather can be the difference between a 9pm and 12am departure.

There is a list of at least 50 others I could go into but this is enough food for thought for now.

Personalisation and automation are the way of the future. 2019 turned AI and chat bots into the norm and catapulted influencer marketing to the top of the MUST DO list. If you have heard these words thrown around the office and have been nodding along while silently wishing someone could explain them… well never fear here is an overview of the top 5 key trends you need to start getting your head around.

Personalisation

No, this does not mean addressing a bulk mail out to a person’s name instead of Madame or Sir. This means sending RELEVANT information to your clients based on their purchase or browsing history.

Artificial Intelligence

This is not nearly as scary as it sounds. I grew up with technology and for me it sounds a little futuristic. Sorry to break it to you guys but doing business without AI is soon going to be a thing of the past. For most of us anyway. Whether you realise it or not you are interacting with artificial intelligence every day. You can save your business money and learn a lot about your customer base by introducing some basic AI technology behind the scenes.

Chat bots

Those pops ups on the bottom right hand corner of your computer screen saying “Can I help you with anything today?” – yep, those are chat bots. Your 24/7 customer assistants. Chat bots provide instant answers to queries you would otherwise be hiring a person to respond to, when they get the chance, and with an instant reply you can be sure you are not losing that customer to a different website that was able to answer immediately. This technology is earmarked to be not only the norm but expected by 2020.

Video marketing

In the age of instant gratification your company cannot afford to fall behind on visual marketing. Just as infographics provided us with a quick and clear way to present new or complex information the rise of the short video gives you the opportunity to get intimate with your customers with live promotions or product demonstrations that in the past would have cost a fortune to produce. All you need is a smart phone, a willing participant and a well planned script.

Influencer Marketing

You no longer need to spend large sums of money marketing to large groups of people if you have access to your target markets key influencer/s. From celebrities to bloggers to CEO’s and individuals at the top of their industry you can instantly access their online following with a simple endorsement. Start networking and see who your clients are looking to for answers.

In a word, yes. But it will take a lot of planning or investment in technology to get the best results. Businesses who are able to engage with their clients on a more personal level are definitely reaping the most rewards.

You need to learn to tell a story. Build a brand that means something, that pulls the heart string or promotes authenticity. The time of over-produced jarrgon has passed. Embrace it. Have fun with it. Your client base will reward you for it.

A cohesive and visually appealing feed is a must if you are selling a product. Make the time to interact with your customers on social media, or at the very least respond to questions or compliments. Each comment that you don’t address could very well result in lost revenue.

Do your research and choose a platform that sits well with your branding and will highlight your companies best features. Don’t try to do it all. Even if you enlist the help of technology that enables you the one post to all platforms option what works for Instagram does not work on LinkedIn. So choose wisely, stick to what you know and engage your customers with relevant and valuable content.