Putting on a corporate event is a huge undertaking, and just because the office manager throws a great company potluck doesn’t mean he’s the best person to plan an important event. Even “complimentary” event services that are available when you book certain venues can fall short when it comes to delivering the type of service your event deserves.
To pull off a top-notch event that will have the industry buzzing you need to bring in the professionals. A corporate event production company will provide you with the type of expertise and service that will make your event stand out. If you’re on the fence about hiring an event coordinator, take a look at the customer service you can expect from a reputable corporate event production company.
One of the downsides of organizing a big event is having to take employees off their regular projects to help plan and execute. With a professional event production company your staff won’t miss a second of productivity working on the event. Keeping tasks on deadline will keep your customers happy while the production company takes care of all the event planning.
Nothing is more important to a corporate event production company than your event. Your needs receive top billing every day. If you choose to work with a part-time event planner from your venue you will just be one of many clients they’re juggling at the same time they take care of managing the actual event space. If you want your event to receive undivided attention there’s no better way than hiring a professional event company.
When you bring in the pros, they’ve already been there and done that. They know exactly what to do to make the vision you have for your event turn into a reality. Because they work with a variety of different organizations putting on various events throughout the year, top event production companies use their past successes and connections to deliver exactly what you want. Plus, if a problem does come up, they’ll know exactly how to address it and will be able to get things back on track quickly.
Whether you want a replica of the Vegas Strip or an interactive, ramified keynote address, a corporate event company will know the right people to get the job done. Years of experience producing events puts them in the perfect position to know who the best vendors are for everything from catering to hi-tech wizardry. They’ll also know who to steer clear of. You won’t risk getting bamboozled by a sub-par lighting tech.
Chances are you don’t have unlimited resources to make the event of the century happen. That’s where your event production team comes in. Because of their experience and connections, they’ll be able to stretch your budget without compromising the overall vision for your event. It’s their job to get you in on (or under) budget, and they know how to make it happen.
One of the best reasons a corporate event team is so much better at sticking to a budget is that they know how much things should cost and they have collective bargaining power because of how many events they produce each year. Even if your event is on the smaller side and there isn’t an existing relationship with the desired vendor you can still benefit from group-size deals because the event production company is doing the negotiating and they offer the promise of a long-term relationship and several more clients.
It’s just as important to know what pitfalls to avoid as it is to know the shortcuts to success. Corporate event production companies have been around the block a few times. They already know everything that can wrong with a chocolate fountain or scavenger hunt that involves 2,500 participants. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, let a pro take care of things for you and steer you clear of potential disasters.
You might be planning a company-wide retreat, an industry conference, or an anniversary celebration. Whatever the reason, your event deserves world-class service. Guarantee a happy ending—and avoid a lot of headaches—by taking advantage of the expertise of an experienced corporate event production company.
In The Event™ could be the best corporate event production company for you! Click HERE to check out what one of the top event production companies in Utah has to offer.
In The Event™’s wireless LED lighting was our first and favorite claim to fame. In the world of modern events, it has become more important than ever, and not just because it looks beautiful in any event space. If you’re still wondering whether wireless is the right fit for your next event, here are four of our favorite things about wireless lighting to convince you.
Safety should always be your top priority when planning any type of event. If not for venue-imposed restrictions, you should always keep an eye out for potential safety hazards at your events. With wireless lighting, you can set your mind at ease. No guests tripping over wires, exposed plugs, or blown circuits. There is so much else to think about during an event, don’t let simple lighting issues get in your way of hosting an amazing experience your guests aren’t likely to forget.
Pro tip: Want to know more about why safety should come first at your events? Click here to read more!
Event design is an artform, so don’t let the distance from an outlet hinder your creative spirit! Having wireless lighting as part of your event decor will always allow for more freedom to design your event exactly how you envisioned it. Lighting is especially tricky at events, as you always want to make sure you’ve got that perfect angle. With wireless options, you are free to highlight what you want, where you want, without worrying about outlets and cords in your event space.
Looking to lower your cost for your next event? Wireless lighting is the perfect solution for any event budget. As mentioned before, being limited by outlet placement isn’t just taxing on your event design, but also on your labor costs. Instead of an easy setup, your event staff will have to put in the extra time and effort to accommodate all of those wires. You might also avoid high energy costs at your venue. Using rechargeable batteries instead of the venue’s power will give you more space in your budget for that extra dessert on the catering menu.
Pro tip: Looking for more tips to save on your next event? Check out our 5 Event Planning Tips To Save You Time, Money & Stress!
Going green at your next event has never been so easy. With wireless LED lighting, not only are you investing in equipment that is saving you from a large electric bill, you’re also avoiding negative impacts on the environment. With our rechargeable batteries, you can enjoy your next event knowing that you’ve done your part in keeping energy costs down, and old batteries out of the landfill.
Pro tip: Here are some of our favorite sustainability tips from BuzzFeed!
Are you looking for a Utah event planner who loves wireless lighting? Look no further. Click here to download our rental packages, with some of our most innovative rental equipment at a great price.
Events are the Match.com of the business world. Vendors and consumers want to make the right connection to solve their problems and your company wants to find the right vendors and consumers to take your business to the next level. Corporate events involve hundreds – or even thousands – of people selling, learning, buying, and networking – and every single one of them is in search of their perfect match. But let’s face it, events don’t last forever, and your business needs to know how to maximize that experience. An experienced event planner knows how to construct your event so that participant matchmaking takes center stage. Take a look at three things event matchmaking can do for your next major function.
Better Attendee Experience
Experience is the name of the game when it comes to what participants are looking for in an event. Your job is to create the type of experience that not only makes an impression, but garners results. Matchmaking tools help connect attendees with the people and activities that will benefit them the most. It also makes gamification and social media tie-ins easier than ever.
Pro tip: turn to the expertise of an event planner who knows how to integrate matchmaking strategies or check into an event matchmaking app.
Improved ROI for All
The one thing everyone wants from an event is a return on their investment – whether that investment is time or money. Everyone that participates in an event, from the attendees to the sponsors, to the presenters, makes an investment and they all want it to be worthwhile. When you structure your event around matchmaking principles, you exponentially increase the odds on how worthwhile that experience will be.
The basic matchmaking principles that help couples find true love can also help your clients and/or attendees make their next profitable business connection.
With event matchmaking, gone are the days of guessing who will be in which breakout session or hoping to bump into target clients or vendors in the buffet line. Through pre-arranged meetings, speed mentoring sessions, and detailed participant profiles, matchmaking turns a pretty good event into a must-go. When participants know they’ll be able to rub shoulders – or bend the ear – of prime targets, you might end up on a search for a larger venue to meet the line that is suddenly forming around the corner just to get into your next event.
Increased Engagement
No one wants to sit in a sea of uncomfortable chairs while some “expert” at the front of the room talks at them. A successful event is not a performance in front of a staid audience – it’s an interactive experience that expands the perceptions, possibilities, and passions of everyone involved. Matchmaking lets participants check each other out in advance, schedule meetings, re-arrange meetings, and even cancel meetings. Best of all, they can get all of this accomplished before the registration table even opens.
Successful attendee engagement means your event will deliver more meaningful connections and participants will walk away with increased learning and retention. No one leaves a conference fondly reflecting on the time they spent silently listening to one speaker after another while they watched the clock. The right tools can help you incorporate matchmaking principles even throughout traditional presentations.
Facilitate real-time interaction where attendees can electronically comment and ask questions as they occur, rather than waiting for the end. You can even let them request a one-on-one or sign up for available consultations while the presenter shares their spiel.
If you’ve been searching for the key to creating a mind-blowing event that people won’t be able to stop talking about, it’s time to adopt an event matchmaking approach. To maximize the effectiveness of this technique, engage a professional event planner and get planning. Even you will be impressed with the outstanding results you’re bound to see.
Pantone released their official Color of the Year 2017, and we’re already looking forward to using it in our upcoming events. We sat down with our Senior Designer, Derek Anderson, to find out what he thought about the reveal, and to learn more about how event designers use color in their layouts!
Pantone’s new Color of the Year is Greenery! What do you think?
“Green is one of my favorite colors to incorporate into an event color palette. It is so versatile and pairs well with pretty much every color! Green is also our company’s primary branding color so we are kind of partial to it! For us, green represents sustainability and nature, which is something we strive for in our events and as a company.”
Pro tip: Want to keep up on other 2017 event trends? Check out our comprehensive guide for planning an event for the new year!
When you first saw the color of the year, what event for 2017 were you most looking forward to planning?
“I was excited to use it for upcoming spring events the most. I know that’s probably very predictable and cliché, but after a long, cold winter there is nothing like the the bright, cheery colors of spring. And what better color for spring than this green, mixing it in with bright yellows, oranges, purples, and pinks. I am also excited to use it in the fall/winter for holiday events. Greenery will mix great with the bright warm ambers and oranges of fall and bring a modern pop to the traditional red and green holiday colors.”
What is some advice you have for people who want to incorporate this color of the year into their events?
“Don’t overdo it. Think of using it as a napkin as opposed to a full linen or runner, or mix it into the centerpiece using a variety of foliage. If you have lounge furniture, accent the sofas with a colored pillow for a pop of green without it being too much.”
When presented with a color scheme or palette from a client, how do you go about implementing it into the design? What are your first steps?
“My first step is to look at the overall goal. What are they trying to accomplish with their event? What is the tone or message they are trying to convey? After this has been established, I move on to the overall design. What are going to be the key design elements in the whole look? (i.e. stage design, table linens, centerpieces, graphics) I look at these as the foundation to the overall look of the event, and use them as the staple pieces to tie in the colors that the client wants.”
How important is color in designing an event?
“Color is key. It can set the entire tone and mood for the event. You can’t have red and orange hues if you are trying to design a ice/winter style event. It just won’t look or feel right. Colors can affect an individual’s mood and appetites in a variety of different ways, so it’s always important to consider color in tandem with the goal of the event.”
Are you looking to incorporate the new Color of the Year into your next event, but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got everything you need. From linen rentals to professional designers, In The Event™ can help you take your next production to the next level. Start here with our go-to rentals guide, or contact us to get in touch with one of our planners!
When it comes to your event, safety should be at the top of your priority list. Whether at a birthday party or a corporate event, there are always risks involved in renting and using event equipment. From loose wires to unreliable electrical equipment, anything that isn’t the highest quality has the potential to ruin a great event. As professional event planners who maintain an innovative rental house, we know the difference that safe event tech can make in creating a fun and secure atmosphere for your event.
To help with your next event equipment decisions, our team put their heads together to come up with the three most important reasons you should be investing in safe event tech for your next show!
Certified: At a professional rental house, like the one we maintain here at In The Event™, you’re guaranteed not only professional, top-grade equipment that has been certified for safe use, you’re also going to be working with a trained staff who strive to make sure that every piece of their equipment is ready to be used safely. A company that prioritizes staying on top of latest tech trends will be able to offer incredible design options for your event, which also means that you’re renting items at the top of their class in safety certification.
Cost Effective: A big concern for most clients is cost. Though we always work with our clients to make sure that they’re receiving the best value, it is true that better equipment means a bigger price tag. Some clients decide to go to a cheaper vendor, or look for a DIY solution for their event needs. What most don’t realize is that this poses a serious risk for the safety of your guests and the venue. If you decide to purchase your rental items from a design house that charges less, you’re likely to get equipment that isn’t up to the best standards, and isn’t maintained with the dedication of a professional rental facility. Hiring professional grade equipment may be a bit extra, but will be worth it in the end.
Carefree: Our favorite part about getting the best, safe event tech for your event? You don’t have to worry about guests tripping over exposed wires, or causing accidental damage to the venue and having to forfeit your deposit! Hosting any kind of event is stressful, and to add the possibility of an equipment problem is something you shouldn’t have to deal with. From basic party supplies to innovative event tech, you should always make sure that your rental provider is top of the line.
Pro tip: Check out all of our wireless equipment, the safest way to light up your next event!
Avoiding low quality equipment is crucial to hosting any event. It’s never fun to have spent time and energy creating a fun and engaging experience, only to have things go wrong with your equipment. If you’re putting in the time and effort, your equipment should meet your standards of excellence. Set your mind at ease and hire from a company you trust.
Hosting an event? Make it a safe event with In The Event™! Our professionally trained staff and innovative rental house are always ready to host an event designed to set your mind at ease. Get started here.
This post is the third in a four-part series about our most recent event for our clients at STIHL. Keep an eye out each week for more about our event production, technology, and partnerships that are making Utah the place to be for events.
The power of a brand is everything to the success of the modern company. Whether you’re a local artisan or a billion-dollar corporation, the strength of your brand will determine anything from customer loyalty to your visibility in saturated online platforms. Creating brand power is no easy feat, and comes with the challenge of adapting to a diverse audience in an age of individuality. Empowering your brand is crucial to surviving the increasingly competitive modern market.
So how do you create a strong brand that’s ready to conquer your target audience? Though some may direct you towards your digital marketing department, the online sphere often lacks the personal connection required to solidify the bond between customer and provider. The power of human connection and experience will always outweigh a clever tweet or post. Though your online marketing efforts are still important in crafting a powerful brand, it’s important to consider the road less traveled: live events. Time and time again, businesses report higher audience engagement and loyalty when they dedicate time and effort to hosting a successful event.
For our most recent production with STIHL we were faced with a unique challenge, as the purpose of the conference was to highlight their shift from gas to electric tools. Reinventing how a company is perceived as a brand is always a challenge to businesses big and small, requiring a seamless transition in order to keep a consistent and solid presence. Fortunately, enhancing a company’s brand is our specialty.
One of our go-to solutions for branding an event is to implement basic elements of a company’s brand into multiple aspects of decor. From graphics on our LED mods to the color we lit up the stage, we were able to reinforce brand power without overwhelming the design. The second step to encouraging brand development at an event is to craft the perfect atmosphere. STIHL is a company focused on power, and they wanted to make sure that their attendees left with that association. In designing the event, we considered how to best incorporate aspects of decor that represented both the shift to electric tools, as well as the level of power and ability that users have come to expect from STIHL power tools. To accomplish this goal, we brought in Tesla coils, which helped to create an atmosphere that was literally electrifying for everyone in attendance.
Pro tip: Check out some more of In The Event™’s interactive technology here!
Event professionals can do more than you think when it comes to branding your event. The power of a well-executed event itself is enough to leave your attendees with a good feeling about your company’s brand. Here at In The Event™, we’re committed to taking your company presence to the next level with custom design and years of experience. We’ve been working with audiences for over 9 years and have learned the best practices for creating a unique and innovative event that will leave you with a more loyal and engaged target audience.
Refurbishing your brand? Make sure you’re working with the best in the business. Contact In The Event™ today for a free quote!
In between breakout sessions, networking mixers, and scouring the event floor, attendees head out to refuel. The food and beverage choices available can make or break your event. Don’t get burned by lifeless menu choices that leave your participants wanting more. Today, attendees want food that tastes great and that they feel good about eating. Before signing off on the menu for your next gathering, take a look at these hot food and beverage trends.
Local & Small-Batch
The trend to go local has only gained more steam over the past year. You don’t want participants to have to look outside the venue for hardy, locally-sourced food. Give them a reason to stay by stocking your menu with a reasonable sampling of local fare. Whether it’s cheese, meats, or veggies, people will respond to your efforts to bring in food choices from local growers and farmers.
When it comes to beverages, offer local craft beer options or feature a regional wine selection. And don’t forget those who abstain – ask your local brewery if they offer non-alcoholic brews like root beer or ginger ale. This way all of your guests can experience the style and panache of local brewmasters.
Pros: Putting locally sourced food on your menu (along with a guide to the farmers, brewers, and growers that supplied your food and beverages) gives your event instant street cred.
Cons: Going local comes with a price tag. It will likely cost you a bit more than selecting a menu sourced from mass-produced, large suppliers; however, the respect and satisfaction of your attendees should offset the stretched budget. If you can’t afford to go local for all your food and beverage, select at least one or two items you can locally source. You’ll still get credit for trying and won’t blow your entire budget.
Healthy & Sustainable
Along with local fare, event attendees are also looking for food that won’t add to their midsection or give them a guilty conscience. Fast food-style food and beverage options are no longer the mainstays of conferences, events, and parties. Look for non-processed foods and be sure to offer some food choices that accommodate different dietary needs. Include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free menu items. Offer fresh fruit and veggies, and healthy protein alternatives like quinoa and beans.
The same goes for beverages. Forgo sugary sodas and juices for natural alternatives. Include various water options, such as sparkling or still. Provide limes, lemons, and oranges for participants to add to their water. When it comes to caffeinated offerings, look for coffee and tea from a sustainable source. The key to meeting this food and beverage trend is looking for food and beverage choices that are healthy, locally-sourced, seasonal, organic, fairly traded, and not processed.
Pros: If you’re already going local, you’re one step ahead of the healthy and sustainable game. It basically gives you two hot food and beverage trends from one smart decision. You can gain extra sustainability points if you arrange to donate leftover food to a local food bank. This shows attendees that you’re doing more than giving lip service to sustainability.
Cons: Once again, you’ll probably have to pay more for healthy options that are sourced from sustainable suppliers. However, if you encourage your caterers to incorporate imperfect fruits and veggies that may otherwise be thrown out, you might be able to save a few pennies (and make a big dent in reducing your event’s food waste).
Awesome Alcohol Alternatives
As people become more health-conscious, they’re taking a more moderate approach to their alcohol intake. With that in mind, provide swanky beverage options that make non-alcoholic drinks feel just as special as traditional cocktails. You can go as simple as waters infused with cucumber and mint, or blackberries and basil. Or you can create a full bar menu that features sexy, non-alcoholic cocktails. It provides attendees with all the fun of fancy drinks without any of the potential pain.
You can keep in step with the locally-sourced trend by looking for local soda makers or juicers. You might also choose to expand the coffee and tea bar with cold-brewed offerings or exotic full-leaf teas. With a little imagination, it’s easy to upgrade your non-alcoholic drink options – just make sure you serve more than the usual commercial sodas and flat, boring water.
Pros: Here’s where you can actually make up some of your budget. Alcohol is expensive, and by limiting (or eliminating) it from your menu, you have more dollars to invest in that local, healthy food everyone is clamoring for. Another bonus – no liability worries about people drinking too much before they head home.
Cons: If your event has been established for a while and people are used to having a bar, you may get some flak for cutting down on alcohol. Consider scaling back in stages – this year provide wine, beer and one signature cocktail and next year drop the cocktail all together.
Pro tip: compliment any beverages with a beautiful bar! Click here to see our selection.
Smoke & Fire
All the trends we’ve looked at so far focus on the type of food and beverage being offered, but this trend considers how that food and beverage is prepared. Fresh veggies charred on a grill are in high demand, along with blackened proteins and smoke-infused cocktails. As the chargrilled trend grows chefs are getting more adventurous, so why not add charred peaches or apricots to a fall menu?
Scorched bread and pizza, cooked on an open fire or in a brick oven are also popular choices. Some people are even grilling up greens to add dimension to salads. When it comes to beverages, highlight liquors that come with their own smoky flavors like scotch whisky, or add real wood smoke for extra flair. Other easy ways to add smokiness to beverages is to use a bacon or jerky swizzle stick or incorporate a smoky spice like paprika or chipotle.
Pros: Embracing a food and beverage trend that focuses on preparation instead of product can be more budget-friendly. Delicious, smoky smells in the air are also the perfect way to get every attendee salivating in anticipation.
Cons: Relying on smoke or char in your food and beverage selections may limit your catering and venue options. Before setting your heart on a giant outdoor grill, make sure your event space and caterer can accommodate your wish.
Whatever occasion you’re planning for – a company party, conference, or celebration – everyone always remembers the food. Look to these hot food and beverage trends to make sure your attendees walk away with a smile on their face and nothing but awe for the impressive spread you put together.
This post is the first in a four-part series about our most recent event for our clients at STIHL. Keep an eye out each week for more about our event production, technology, and partnerships that are making Utah the place to be for events.
In The Event™ is dedicated to crafting innovative event solutions for every client, and now we can say that we’ve taken our award-winning event production to the next level. On our recent show with STIHL, America’s #1 power tool production company, we had the opportunity to create an entire production from the ground up. From designing the space, to the closing reception, the team at In The Event™ took over every stage of this extensive event.
STIHL planned to unveil their new line of electric tools at this corporate event, and commissioned our team to reflect the innovation and progress of their products in the design and production. In The Event™ took on the challenge, and went above and beyond in finding ways to introduce this new line with all of the pomp and circumstance it deserved.
The event began with an opening party catered to the corporate audience in attendance. Our impressive rental inventory and production experience allowed us to craft an amazing and unique experience that helped STIHL give a great first impression. From stilt walkers and other interactive entertainers to an experiential, hands-on STIHL trailer, there was plenty for everyone to enjoy.
For the general session, not only did we go all out with our own rental inventory and production team, but we were also able to coordinate with other professionals to create a world-class event. Guests were led into a fog-filled tent before being exposed to the open event space, filled with lasers, Tesla coils, and drones, which were recording full HD video that was broadcast in real time.
The following days consisted of breakout sessions, trainings, obstacle courses, time trials, and product testing on trees brought in for the event, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the new product line for themselves. After the corporate events, attendees were also given the chance to explore the surrounding area, going for hikes, fishing, and more, enjoying the unique outdoor opportunities that Utah has to offer.
The four day event concluded with an awards ceremony and reception. In addition to the dinner, we called in a custom cigar roller, and the High West Whiskey Distillery, which brought along connoisseurs and some of Utah’s finest whiskey for tasting. These unique additions helped employees feel like their hosts were focused on providing them with a positive experience, and left them with a memorable impression of their time in Utah.
Being able to create a stunning event from the ground up, in addition to crafting a unique production that encompasses the innovation of the company is what sets In The Event™ apart. Not only are we making strides as the number one LED rental house in the western United States, but we’re doing it in tandem with the expansion and development of our production team. Since 2014, ITE has almost doubled their staff, partnered with local venues and clients, and have started working with global companies to create bigger and better events in Utah.
Keep an eye out for the remaining three blog posts to learn more about our event production work with drones, Tesla coils, and our efforts to bring bigger business to Utah!
To learn more about event production from In The Event™, visit us here.
Utah is recognized as a leader when it comes to innovation in general, so it’s no surprise that the Beehive State also has a reputation for putting on some of the most cutting-edge, innovative events anywhere. From the Outdoor Retailers Show to the first-ever Thin Air Innovation Festival, business and social leaders from across the world flock to this mountain state to exhibit, share, explore, and expand their personal and professional perspectives.
Sure, there are states with bigger populations, bigger business, and definitely bigger diversity, so what makes Utah events so attractive?
Everyone is SO Nice
It may seem like a cliche, but this one is completely true. Utah is one of the most welcoming states in the nation. In fact, Condé Nast ranked Park City as the friendliest city in the country in 2015. With the huge Sundance Film Festival and a variety of international winter sports events (including the upcoming 2019 Freestyle and Snowboard FIS World Championships) each year, there’s no question that Park City is definitely under the microscope when it comes to how they throw an event and how they take care of visitors.
If that weren’t enough, “Forbes” declared the western suburb of Tooele as the 10th friendliest town in the U.S. last year. Big smiles and a willingness to help out, whether you’re a stranger or a neighbor, are hallmarks of any visit to Utah. The friendly atmosphere extends to small business and tech innovation as well, making Utah a desirable location for everything from Adobe’s 2015 Summit to timely, industry-leading events like the first annual Women’s Entrepreneurial Conference.
Big City Amenities with Small Town Flavor
Reno may have claimed the “Biggest Little City in the World” title, but we think Salt Lake City is the “Biggest Small Town in the World.” Utah is one of those rare places where you get world-class culture, restaurants, and shopping without feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace and crowded streets of a big city. Even though the Wasatch Front is home to more than two million people, it’s easy to feel like you’re part of a Norman Rockwell painting while strolling through the city’s many parks and well-maintained city streets.
There are plenty of unique neighborhoods to explore and hidden treasures to find, just minutes outside the capital city center – and you can easily explore them via Uber or the city’s progressive bike sharing program. That special combination of big city perks and small town intimacy make Utah a top pick for major events like the seasonal Outdoor Retailer Shows, which bring tens of thousands of retailers and outdoor product innovators to the state from all over the world.
It’s Affordable
Budget is a huge concern for events of all sizes. Utah stands out as a more affordable option than other similar cities like Denver. Not only is Utah attractive to budget-conscious organizers and companies, but it makes attending a conference or convention more doable for attendees. Reasonable airfare to and from the Salt Lake International Airport and plenty of budget-friendly hotel options make Utah-based conventions and events accessible to more people.
Nobody Works Harder
It’s not called the Beehive State because it’s known for producing honey. Utahns are busy little bees. From entrepreneurship to innovation in tech, medicine, and green products, Utah is always hard at work making things bigger and better. No wonder giants like Adobe have looked to Utah as the right place to call home.
The stimulating business environment in Utah has also attracted the attention of other groundbreaking companies like Google. The Internet behemoth selected In the Event to represent Utah in their 2014 Economic Impact Report. The event production company was highlighted for sustained annual growth of 50 percent and using Google’s tools to spur that growth. In the Event is dedicated to providing innovative event solutions in Utah and across the country, and it looks like their hard work and web savvy are getting the job done.
It’s true that we have the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” but our natural beauty and recreation are not limited to the winter months. In addition to world-class skiing, Utah is also home to five national parks, the Tour of Utah, and, yeah, we hosted the Olympics. When you’re putting on a major event you need more than a hot lineup of speakers to attract strong attendance.
The close proximity of abundant outdoor recreation is one of best things a Utah-based event has going for it. When event sponsors find out that attendees can make it from the airport to the slopes in around half an hour, it ups the mass appeal of even the most staid conference.
Safety First
Between Temple Square and Brigham Young University, Utah has a reputation as the wholesome home to the Mormon church. Even though that association brings things like polygamy and tee-totaling to mind, it also makes people feel safe. And that feeling is not misplaced.
Utah was ranked as one of the safest states in the country for 2016. Wallethub placed Utah in the ninth spot after taking a look at factors including home and community safety, financial security, road safety, and workplace safety.
Passion, Passion, Passion
One thing Utahns can’t be accused of is having a lackadaisical attitude. Whether it’s the predominant religion, politics, social issues, or dressing up like a comic book hero, Utah residents where their hearts – and their passions – on their sleeves. That passion has given rise to a number of unique conventions and events that would never have grown to such phenomenal sizes without the strong convictions of those who call the Beehive State home.
The state is home to one of the fastest-growing Comic Con events in the country, one of the largest Pride celebrations, and game-changing events like the Thin Air Innovation Festival, which brought together tech-savvy business leaders from around the nation to tackle business’ biggest challenges. It’s clear that more companies are starting to recognize the benefit of tapping into that Utah passion when it comes to pulling off a world-class event that is anything but business-as-usual.
When it comes to innovation Utah is a clear leader, and companies that hitch their wagon to that innovative star end up with unforgettable events that attract headlines and break attendance records. If you want to experience a little bit of that Utah magic for yourself, let In the Event show you around. We’d love to use our experience, expertise, and creative Utah minds to transform your next big shindig.
We aren’t certified financial advisors, but what we can advise is action based on a scientific fact: investing in experiences is worth every penny. The researchers at Cornell University* have our backs on this one, saying that “consumers derive value from anticipation, and that value tends to be greater for experiential than for material purchases.” They also found that the happiness derived from experiential purchases “provide[s] more enduring happiness.” This concept of lasting happiness is easily applied to life experiences, such as that trip to London, or laser tag with the kids; however, we also believe that it has ties to our industry! The culture of events, meetings, trade shows, galas, or anything meant to provide experiences to attendees has potential to provide guests with the satisfaction that simply won’t come from a goody bag full of sugar and notepads.
Many people believe that investing in a professional event planner or renting out quality event decor is not only outside of their budget, but unnecessary. Here at In The Event™, we believe that not only is quality service and equipment worth it, but necessary to create an experience that will drive attendees to your brand, support a cause, or just send a powerful message of inclusivity from a company. We may be biased, but we’ve helped with so many events and have really seen the difference between someone who invests in making the experience something to remember, and someone who doesn’t.
Here are four main reasons people looking to host an event should really invest in making it an experience for their attendees:
1. Attendee Satisfaction
Easily one of the most simple answer to the “Why?” question. Why invest? Because your attendees will thank you for it. If you’re hosting a conference and think that people will leave thinking “wow, those folding chairs and 3 hours of keynote speakers was really fun!” it’s likely that you might be a little too optimistic. Investing in a professional will not only give you the chance to enjoy your own experience, sans managing caterers and AV equipment, but will also give your attendees a positive vibe surrounding your company and how it feels about its employees.
2. Smarter Spending
Investing in an event is not only good for employee morale, but it’s actually a smarter way to spend your money. Sure, white plastic table cloths and your daughter’s boombox are cheaper, but when you take into account the countless hours of planning, managing, and stress before, during, and after an event, it’s worth it to invest in professionals, and let the event be an experience for you as the host! In the words of Red Adair, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” Quality event production will always be a smart choice when it comes to making your event budget.
3. Anticipation
As we’ve said before, no one will look forward to sitting on folding chairs for 3 hours, or walking a trade show floor made up of white dividers in an old conference hall. The power of experiences over material things is in the level of anticipation that events naturally bring. If you’ve invested in good event advertising, and have made your event worth getting excited about, we guarantee it’ll be a hit.
4. The Aftermath
It’s no question that a good event will please attendees before, during, and after the big show. If you’ve taken the leap and made your event something to remember, trust us: It will be remembered. Good reviews about the company after that conference, positive association with your brand after that trade show, word of mouth about the cause you were promoting after the gala, are all benefits on top of the fact that you provided a great experience so many people in your audience!
So now that we’ve given you every reason to believe us when we say that investing in your next event is the best option, take the next step and call In The Event™! Not only have we created packages of our unique event decor for less, but we also provide our clients with professional and experienced event design. We are ready to help you increase employee satisfaction, spend smarter, create anticipation, and help spread the word about your brand, company, charitable cause, or whatever else you need. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime!
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Millennials (those aged 18 to 34) are now the largest segment of working Americans—comprising 33 percent of the workforce. They’re the first generation to grow up online and with a cell phone in their hands. Millennials are more connected, more educated, and more tech-savvy. And when it comes to business meetings and conferences they demand more than a series of lectures and cocktail reception.
Engaging millennials at events takes strategy, planning, and a willingness to take some risks. And knowing what they want from a meeting is the first step. The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has invested in research to better understand what the millennial generation expects from meetings, conventions, and other corporate events. Here’s a summary of what they discovered.
It’s time to start designing events with millennials in mind. As the largest portion of the American workforce, they are the future of every industry. Changing up the way you promote and execute corporate events is the key to harnessing the attention of this generation. If your meetings have been falling flat, here are some ideas to help you engage and inspire the millennial workforce.
One of the first things you need to do is build an effective, exciting website for your event. People—and especially millennials—will look for information online. Create a simple, bright homepage that makes people want to learn more. Keep information brief (focus on what attendees will get out of the event) and make it easy for people to register or request more information.
Go social with the website. Embed social media widgets that keep people in the know about new speakers and other event news. Invite speakers and other influencers to post blogs that whet the appetites of potential participants.
If you choose to engage participants, make sure your blog is monitored. Millennials like to be part of the conversation, so responding to questions and comments is important.
Think TED talks. The hard-hitting, abbreviated style of these story-laden presentations is the new standard for public speaking. It’s also the best way to reach, engage, and mobilize your millennial audience. The short format—talks need to stay under 18 minutes—is designed for maximum impact. By the time your participants start to lose interest, the talk is concluding with its hard-hitting take home message.
Rather than scheduling a 30 or 45-minute lecture, break up your presentations into smaller segments and cut out all the fluff. In the world of Twitter and blogs, people desire a one-two punch when it comes to information, rather than an in-depth analysis.
Millennials have grown up in the world of social media, mobile devices, and instant gratification. Utilizing an an app as part of your next conference, trade show, or meeting gives millennials an easy way to get involved—but it can’t just be white noise. Make sure your conference or meeting app gives them more than general information.
“It has to engage and lead somebody to action,” Jeff Barrett, PR guru and one of “Forbes’” Top 50 Social Media Power Influencers in 2013, said. He encourages event organizers to use mobile apps to help facilitate networking, create sub-conversations among participants, or conduct live polling during a break-out group or keynote address.
Seventy-three percent of millennials want to be part of live polling during event sessions. They want to share their opinions, ask questions, and feel like they are part of what’s happening. You can facilitate real-time participation through social media, texts, or apps designed specifically for this purpose.
Gamification is another way to make your event interactive. This uses the mechanics of a game, such as points, challenges, badges, and completion bars, to encourage attendee participation and engagement. It ties into millennials’ intrinsic desire for recognition, accomplishment, and feedback. Apps like Colossi are making it easy to add gamification to your event with their “turn-key” integration.
However, beware of using gamification for its own sake. Make sure you have clear outcomes in mind that are tangible and beneficial to participants.
Pro tip: Incorporate interaction into your next event with ITE’s interactive tech!
Pre-function space is the name of the game when it comes to venue. Millennials crave more non-linear education experiences, which is transforming the look and feel of meetings and conferences.
One stage with one speaker and breakout sessions in separate rooms behind closed doors are becoming a thing of the past. A more casual, open format makes it easy for attendees to come and go and encourages more spontaneous conversations and interaction.
“With the open format, people can take a few minutes of content in,” Kelly Peacy, Senior Vice President of Education and Events for PCMA said. “They’ll take what they need, and if they don’t like it, they’ll walk away from that space and go someplace else. That’s the beauty of open space learning. You can come and go as you please without offending a speaker or other people.”
Conclusion
Changing up the way you plan and execute corporate events such as training meetings and conferences can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Tap into the expertise of a corporate event planner to help you incorporate these ideas into your next big event. It will be well worth it when you see an engaged audience full of millennials who can’t stop tweeting about the innovative meeting they just attended.
Host your next millennial event with confidence. Contact In The Event™ for innovative event solutions at every selfie station.
Last time we checked, being an event planner was ranked as one of the top five most stressful professions of 2016. Event managers need to coordinate what seems like a million different things and between linens, lighting, and lists, something is bound to go wrong. Sometimes a vendor will fall through or event attendance is double what you expected; no matter what happens, professional event planners are always expected to keep their cool and take control.
As we can attest, hosting amazing events never gets easier. Thankfully, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks from our years of experience, and we’re letting you in on our secrets for stress-free event planning!
We all know it’s not a good idea to loose your cool on show site. Blowing up at a colleague or staff member won’t look good for you, or your company. Unfortunately, people often fix this problem by bottling up anger, which can lead to problems with friends and family who have to deal with your breakdowns.
Instead of harboring an aggressive attitude, find a productive way to deal with anger or frustration. For some people, that’s writing it down. Get your frustrations out on paper and then toss it in the trash or type it out on your phone and then delete the draft. It’s important to express what you’re feeling if you want to be able to move on.
Another way to combat any frustrations or stress build-up is to learn a few breathing exercises. If you can take a minute or two to yourself, try these breathing exercises that expel anxiety and then re-energize you.
Here’s some of our favorites: Start with an abdominal breathing technique to relax. With one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, take a deep breath through the nose so that your diaphragm inflates. Take six to 10 slow, deep breaths.
Re-energize using the Nadi Shodhana or “alternate nostril breathing” technique. Hold your right thumb over the right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. At the peak of inhalation, close off the left nostril with your ring finger and then exhale through the right nostril. Continue this pattern for 10 breaths.
Pro tip: Preparation is key to managing event stress. Make sure you’re prepared for a new year of events with our free, downloadable 2017 Event Trends Guide!
Simply smiling has been scientifically proven to make us happier and less anxious. Although smiling may be the last thing you want to do when things are going wrong, you can give yourself a little boost by making the effort.
Furthermore, smiling helps you relate with others. By smiling when things get tricky at your event, you don’t only convey confidence to your team, but also encourage them to connect with you and help you with whatever you need.
As an event manager, you have to deal with stressful changes all the time. If you find yourself having a hard time coping, you may want to find an uplifting mantra or short, meaningful phrase that you can repeat to yourself when it’s time to overcome a challenge.
If mantras are really your style, try listening to music. Music has been proven to have the power to physically calm us down, or excite us. Find a “pump you up” song you can listen to when you need a boost, and an “everything will be okay” song to keep you calm when things go awry.
When it comes time to problem solve, don’t put all of that pressure solely on yourself. Event managers and control freaks have a tendency to do this, usually because they think it will be faster to do it themselves than to assign the task, but it isn’t the most efficient way to manage an event stress-free.
Delegate all of the responsibilities you can so you free up your time to deal with the big stuff and make sure everything stays (or gets back) on track. If there really is a task only you can do, take a coworker along to watch how you do it so they can take over that job next time.
Rely on your staff or event production company to take care of the small stuff. It might be hard to relinquish control, but it’s essential during crunch time if you’ve got a mess to clean up.
It’s easy to use words like “disaster,” “mess,” and “failure” when things aren’t going according to plan, but those negative words don’t help you overcome challenges, they just cause stress.
When we use negative words, our brain releases the stress hormone cortisol, which impairs our ability to think big-picture and has major impacts on our physical well-being like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Keep cortisol at bay by re-labeling challenges as “opportunities to get creative” or “learning experiences.” If you can change the way you think about difficulties, you not only keep yourself from becoming stressed, you may also find a new way of looking at the problem that allows you to solve it better.
Being an event manager is no easy job, but these stress relief techniques can help you keep your cool when it seems like everything is going wrong.
To avoid that feeling from the get-go, get In The Event™ involved. Our event production specialists are experts in producing seamless events, and our large in-house inventory of event rental furniture and technology can help you overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Check out how we solved the problem of boring, old events with one killer event planners secret with our free guide!