Live Events Archives : Heroic Productions

Three Must-Address Focal Points for Event Pros: MPI’s Meetings and Events 2024

Posted on April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 by McKenna LaFave

Ready to level up your Meetings and Events in 2024? Meeting Professionals International (MPI) interviewed three event pros to discuss the three most important components on which people are increasingly focused. These are the three crucial areas that demand keen attention: staffing, inclusivity, and wellness. Let’s dive in and see how you can ace these focal points with flair and finesse.

Staffing: Working Smarter, Not Harder

While there seems to be a need for more staff, many don’t seem to have the budget or resources to onboard more personnel. Molly C. Marsh, CMP, Director of Education and Events at AMR Management Services states, “Our company has struggled to find, specifically, qualified individuals in the program development side of the industry. Those who work with speakers, planning committees, and do our event marketing have been hard to come by, while our events team that focuses on project management and logistical execution for meetings and conferences has remained very strong.” So, with rising hospitality costs and stagnant budgets, it’s time to get creative. Cue the “not so new” kid on the block, AI! Let’s tap into some “creative efficiency” and lighten the load without breaking the bank.

Inclusivity: It’s About People

When it comes to inclusivity, event professionals are being more aware and intentional. So, how do we shake things up? It’s simple: start with people. Jennifer Lazarz, Events Planner and Tradeshow Manager at Medical Informatics Corp says, “Our industry is poised to make a positive impact by ensuring that we work with each other to have inclusivity in our speakers and presenters event-wide [as well as] diverse representation in thought leadership to drive inclusivity and planning strategy.” Forget the RFP jargon for a sec and focus on fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Let’s make inclusivity the heart and soul of our planning strategy!

Wellness: Healthy Events = Happy Attendees

Thomas Counts, Director of Sales at GettinLocal, is preaching the wellness gospel loud and clear. “The meetings themselves should be part of a wellness plan,” he asserts. Imagine kicking off the day with a refreshing yoga session or organizing an afternoon team walking tour around the city hosting your event. These activities not only promote bonding but also contribute to overall health and well-being.

It’s no secret that many corporate meetings start off on the wrong foot with unhealthy breakfasts, followed by equally unhealthy lunches and dinners, topped off with cocktails after a long day of sitting. However, there’s a better way forward. Wellness initiatives like quiet rooms, designated workspaces, and offering healthy food options can help cut through the noise of these bustling events.

Thomas recounts a recent trade show experience where a booth encouraged visitors to unleash their creativity with watercolor. It was a simple yet effective two-minute break that left him feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Molly adds another layer to the discussion, noting, “With continuing education a primary focus for many association meetings and conferences, it is very difficult to get buy-in to take away a breakout room to use for a quiet space, or to have longer breaks to allow participants to decompress between sessions. But those are outdated ways of thinking that we really need to continue to chip away so that we can provide healthier experiences for all.”

Event Pros: Level Up for 2024!

In a nutshell, whether you’re harnessing the power of AI to streamline your operations, championing diversity and inclusivity from the get-go, or adding quiet rooms to your next meeting, change is on the horizon for the events industry. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get creative, and make 2024 the year of unforgettable events!

Download MPI’s full comprehensive Meetings and Events 2024 report by visiting their website.

To see how Heroic Productions can help you plan your next event, contact us.

To learn about marketing events in 2024, visit our blog.

Marketers’ Community at Heroic Productions for Transformation Talks: Creating Authenticity, Purpose & Fulfillment in Your Career

Posted on January 18, 2024January 18, 2024 by McKenna LaFave

On a frigid January 16 afternoon, Heroic Productions lit up STUDIO15 with the warmth of Marketers’ Community. This time taking the stage was Marketers’ Community founder, Laura King, with a keynote on creating authenticity, purpose and fulfillment in your career.

As 100 marketers filed in from the cold, they were met with light bites and refreshments including an NA bar dedicated to Zero Proof Collective and cofounder Jen Gilhoi. Flavorful NA beer and wine options for dry January? Count us in! Marketers drank and were merry as they networked with their fellow mavens at Heroic branded cases that were converted into makeshift cocktail tables! Inventive? We thought so!

Eager to get started, the crowd was ushered into STUDIO15 for the main event. As they entered to take their seats, they were met with an enveloping sea of gorgeous blue and green illumination. Then, the anticipation soared as Kitty Hart took the stage to introduce Heroic, followed by the excited Abby Kelsey introducing Marketers’ Community and Laura King.

Marketers' Community in at Heroic Productions for Pursuing Your Purpose

How Did Laura Learn to Pursue Her Purpose?

Most of the faces in this crowd knew the illustrious Laura King, but few knew her story. She begins with a tale of the heartaches she suffered in 2023. From a stellar $900,000 sales year in 2022 to a humbling $35,000 in Q1 of 2023 – Laura had faced setbacks. Yet, in those moments of challenge, Laura found enlightenment.

Laura’s mantra? “To inspire, educate, motivate and love as many people as possible.” She reshaped her focus using three key competencies: gifts, passion, and values. But how do we grasp these? Through awareness, attitude and action. If you know your gifts, passions and values, and follow the three A’s, thus you are living in your purpose.

However, we know this is easier said than done. Here’s a checklist to kickstart your journey:

Gifts

1. Awareness: Do you know your gifts?

2. Attitude: Do you honor your gifts?

3. Action: Are you using your gifts?

Passion

1. Awareness: Do you know your passion?

2. Attitude: Do you honor your passion?

3. Action: Are you pursuing your passion?

Values

1. Awareness: Do you know your values?

2. Attitude: Are you being honest?

3. Action: Are you living by your values?

Finally, once you understand these three competencies, evaluate what is getting in your way, and align all three – congratulations, you’re living your purpose!

The crowd broke off into groups to discuss how they can better find alignment to live in their purpose. After hearing from a few audience members, you could say the room was inspired.

Afterwards, coats were donned and the Minnesota winter beckoned, a new energy filled the air. Armed with Laura’s wisdom, marketers stepped out, ready to embrace their purpose.

Curious about how we can add a sea of color to your next event? Contact us.

Read about what event tech you could be adding to your next event here.

Kitty Hart: Building Brands Through Events on Digital Velocity Podcast

Posted on December 12, 2023December 12, 2023 by McKenna LaFave

Our powerhouse VP of Client Brand Experience, Kitty Hart, recently stole the spotlight on the Digital Velocity podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Erik Martinez and Tim Curtis. They dove deep into the world of building brands through events that are not just memorable but downright life-changing.

Business development is the name of Kitty’s game. She currently sits in this seat selling experiential meetings and events. She’s got this knack for selling experiential meetings and events that are more than just gatherings – they’re highly architected experiences where nothing is left to chance. Why? Because connecting brands and people is both a science and an art. It’s about creating events that hit you right in the feels – engaging all the senses.

So, where does it all start? According to Kitty, it begins with a simple yet tremendously important question: “Why are we doing this?” Then, in a world where we’ve seen it all, the challenge for event and marketing teams is to ask, “how can we do this event differently from how we have done it in the past?” It’s important for returning audience members to look forward to the event year after year.

And here’s a nugget of wisdom – just because we live in a digital age doesn’t mean experiential marketing takes a back seat. Take Uber, for instance. Identifying super users, they crafted a unique dining experience on an Uber-branded bus for 12 lucky souls with a celebrity chef. The physical experience was intimate but the buzz those super-users created through social media was through the roof!

Now, creating buzz isn’t exclusive to consumer brands. B2B marketers, it’s time to embrace the buzz! Heroic’s corporate events aren’t just about meetings, education, and a bit of entertainment sprinkled in; they’re about creating experiences that people can’t wait to share.

In the world of Heroic, collaboration with brands is more than a partnership – it’s setting the stage, literally and figuratively. As Kitty puts it, “All the world’s a stage. We are going to help your brand show up on that stage in the very best way that it can.” Crafting the narrative is key.

In-person events are evolving, now often accompanied by a virtual component. It’s like creating two different worlds – one for the in-person audience and one for the virtual voyagers. Holding the attention of virtual attendees is crucial; after all, distractions are just a click away.

Kitty brings up her Starbucks example. Describing how Starbucks must tailor experiences to different customers. Customers who go through the drive through, customers who come in, order and sit down, and customers who come in and order their coffees to go. Each of those customers need a different tailored approach.

“Event marketing is a tried and true method of marketing,” Kitty says. It is unmatched and worth every penny.

She leaves us with “the next big thing in your industry will come from another industry.” So stay on top of marketing trends! Identify things that can be applied to your business.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of brand-altering experiences? Connect with Kitty and let’s create some magic!
Need help planning a hybrid event? Download our Hybrid Event Planning Guide!

A Heroic Impact at Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe

Posted on December 12, 2023December 12, 2023 by McKenna LaFave

This past Sunday, December 3, 2023, was a day to remember as Be the Change shut down Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe theme park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The goal? Simple – spread joy and make a positive impact in our community.

Imagine this: an entire Winter Wonderland extravaganza exclusively for underserved kids and their families. Eight hundred students from Bethune Arts Elementary, Nellie Stone Johnson Community School, and Hall STEM Academy were invited along with 800 of their friends and 800 of their parents to spend a day of fun at the iconic theme park. Yep, you read that right – the more, the merrier!

The day was filled with loads of thrills! And no, we’re not just talking about unlimited ride wristbands (although those were pretty awesome too). The event also hosted local DJs, face painting, photo booths, and a free holiday store stocked with gifts for the kiddos! Santa even paid a surprise visit from the North Pole.

Heroic Productions at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America with Be the Change MN

The excitement didn’t stop there. Attendees dined on catered meals from local chefs as well as, the most exciting part, a giant donut wall!

Volunteer Power Unleashed

Kudos to the incredible partners who made this event come to life: Mall of America, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minneapolis Fire Department, The Minnesota Vikings, The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sue McLean and Associates, Event Lab, many Minneapolis elected officials, and Heroic Productions! Without their support, none of this would have been possible.

A special shoutout to our very own Heroic Account Manager, Miles Kipper, for spearheading the site logistics and day of execution to make sure everything ran like a well-oiled machine. Heroic is beyond proud to be a part of events that create lasting memories and smiles.

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Supercharge your next event with Heroic, send us a message.

Marketers’ Community at Heroic Productions Presents Navigating Marketing Leadership in an Era of Disruption

Posted on October 18, 2023October 18, 2023 by McKenna LaFave

Greetings, fellow marketers! On a crisp October 10th evening, Heroic Productions rolled out the red carpet to welcome the Marketers’ Community back into STUDIO15 for an event that delved deep into the intricacies of mastering chaos and navigating marketing leadership in an era of disruption.

Once again, we joined forces with the dynamic duo, Laura King and Abby Kelsey, to bring marketers an evening they won’t soon forget.

Sip, Savor, & Socialize!

The night kicked off with a bang, or should we say, a clink of glasses. Over 65 enthusiastic marketers gathered in Heroic’s lobby for a solid hour of networking. Our bar was stocked to the brim, and we had delectable NA options thanks to the magic touch of Jen Gilhoi from Zero Proof Collective. Attendees savored delectable drinks, nibbled on scrumptious bites, and engaged in some good old-fashioned chit-chat.

In the meantime, behind the scenes, the Heroic team was busy setting the stage for an evening of important conversation. Our ripple wall was bathed in a mesmerizing blue hue, and the projection screens awash in the signature colors of Marketers’ Community.

Marketing Leadership with Marketers Community Event

Debbie Schwake Unveils Chaos in Marketing Leadership

Our keynote speaker, the illustrious Debbie Schwake, CMO at the Pedowitz Group, wasted no time in diving headfirst into the heart of chaos. She candidly shared her own journey navigating the turbulent waters of marketing leadership during these trying times.

Even a seasoned marketing leader like Debbie couldn’t escape the whirlwind of change sweeping through four crucial areas: generational shifts, evolving team dynamics, shifting consumer behaviors, and the transformation of leadership itself.

Four Keys to Mastering Chaos

Debbie’s wisdom? To successfully navigate this era of disruption, we need to adapt in four critical areas:

Generational: Get to know your audience inside out and tailor your approach to resonate with their unique generational values.
Team: Embrace the evolving dynamics of work and prioritize that ever-elusive work-life balance.
Consumer: Map and enhance customer experiences to reduce friction and emphasize impeccable service.
Leadership: Revamp your fundamental marketing leadership strategies and give due consideration to the impact of stress on decision-making.

Then came the interactive part! In small groups of 4-6, marketers dove deep into these four key areas. They brainstormed, shared insights, and got creative in deciphering how to chart a path through the chaos.

Insights Galore!

The feedback was nothing short of enlightening. One group pointed out the importance of catering to each generation’s unique concerns, like Gen Z’s passionate stance on climate change. Another shared a CEO’s approach to letting employees choose when and where they work, likening it to a “pick your own adventure” at work.

Consumer trust was another hot topic, exemplified by Bombas, the sock company that replaces your Bombas socks free of charge if they garner any holes.

One group highlighted the idea of leadership tailoring itself to each individual within the company and shaping the company culture around individual needs. The conversations in the room flowed with brilliant insights.

The Party Continues

As the presentation wrapped up, the energy in the room remained palpable. Marketers were buzzing with excitement, eager to continue the spirited discussions with their peers.

It was a night to remember! One of insights, connection, and ideation. Stay tuned for more fun in STUDIO15 from Heroic Productions. Until next time!

To learn more about what Heroic can do for your next event, visit our website.

Interested in learning more about STUDIO15? Reach out to our VP of Client Brand Experience, Kitty Hart, here.

Perfecting Event Logistics: A Proven Plan for Seamlessly Moving Your Event Attendees

Posted on October 18, 2023October 18, 2023 by Heroic Guest

Moving your event attendees from one place to another to support your event’s goals and schedule can be a big challenge in event logistics, and sometimes, it feels a bit like herding cats. However, I recently attended the Raise conference hosted by OneCause in vibrant Nashville, TN, and there I had the pleasure of meeting Matt Newsom, a nationally renowned benefit auctioneer and fundraiser. In his enlightening session titled “Back to the Ballroom,” Matt shared a foolproof strategy for effortlessly guiding your event attendees between different spaces and activities. I’m excited to share Matt’s top tips, combined with my own experiences, to ensure your guests move with purpose and enthusiasm.

Mastering Event Logistics: 4 Tips for Guiding Attendees

1. The Grand Unveil: Make It Spectacular

The first trick is to turn the transition into a show-stopping event itself. Give your guests a compelling reason to want to move to the next space or activity and reveal it in a captivating way. This can be as straightforward as using dazzling lights and uplifting music, or as extravagant as having aerialists suspended from the ceiling and stilt walkers roaming the area (both of which I’ve used to great success, receiving a chorus of “oohs” and “ahhs”). Regardless of the approach, make the reveal a performance – consider stationing volunteers at all entryways to open doors in a choreographed fashion, parting curtains to unveil the next space, or using lighting to transform a dim area into a vibrant one. When done right, the transition itself becomes a form of entertainment!

2. Communication is Key (Repeat, Repeat, Repeat)

In marketing, there’s a well-known rule that people need to hear a message at least seven times before taking action. While you might not have the luxury of repeating your message seven times, use every available tool to ensure your attendees know it’s time to move. This could involve sending automated text messages to attendees, using pre-recorded Voice of God announcements, or updating screens around the venue with pre-designed slides, reminding everyone it’s time to transition and where to go. Evaluate the tools at your disposal in terms of space and technology and put them to good use!

3. Identify “Pushers” and “Pullers”

Before your event, pinpoint individuals who can help convey your message effectively. “Pushers” (often event staff or volunteers) will move through the room, politely encouraging attendees to wrap up their conversations and head to their seats or the next area. On the other hand, “pullers” will serve as in-room influencers, showing others precisely what they should do. Speak with your board, event committee, volunteers, staff, or other key leaders in advance, and ask them to watch for visual, auditory, or verbal cues. When it’s time to move, they can gather their table, friends, or other attendees and lead the way to the next location.

4. Timing is Everything: Closing the Bars

Closing the bars might not be the most popular move, but it can be effective when done strategically. Position a staff member or volunteer at the end of the line about 10 minutes before you intend to close the bar. Kindly direct guests trying to join the line to enjoy a cocktail, dinner, dessert, or the next exciting thing in the next space or at a designated time. When that designated person reaches the front of the line, seal the deal by physically removing the bartender from the bar.

Embrace the Fun in Event Logistics!

So, the next time you find yourself orchestrating an event and facing the logistical challenge of guiding attendees from one experience to the next, don’t dread it. Embrace it as a chance to dazzle, engage, and entertain. By following these strategies, you’ll not only keep your event on track but also turn the transition moments into unforgettable highlights of the day.

With a little creativity, a lot of communication, and the right team, you’ll not only avoid “herding cats” but will have your guests purring with delight as they smoothly flow from one memorable experience to the next. Happy herding!

This post was written by Sarah Kier, Events Manager at Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

For more event planning tips, download our Corporate Event Strategies Guide. To dive deeper into event logistics, contact us.

How to Do a Corporate Event Right: The ‘Please Welcome’ Series

Posted on April 12, 2023October 31, 2023 by KHart

A corporate event, when well executed, is a vital tool for corporations to connect with stakeholders. Interactive experiences have the power to create lasting and meaningful connections, and in-person events present endless opportunities to engage and motivate attendees.

We offer various tips and tactics for successful corporate event planning on our blog, but to really show rather than tell, we’re spotlighting Heroic’s own ‘Please Welcome’ event series. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at our planning process for a memorable event. We want to show you how much fun we have planning and executing this series.

Define your goals

An event’s purpose should determine format, content, audience, and just about every other element of event planning. Whether you’re launching a new product, celebrating a milestone, or providing a learning opportunity for your team, every aspect of your event should connect to that purpose.

Heroic’s ‘Please Welcome’ event series is designed to showcase speakers and entertainers who are changing the landscape of corporate events. We want to inspire attendees with an impactful, live studio production experience. We achieve that with a stellar studio, engaging speakers, and our team of seasoned experts.

Choose the right venue

The venue is a critical aspect of a corporate event. The atmosphere sets the tone and provides an opportunity to elevate attendees’ experience. When choosing a venue, consider the location, capacity, accessibility, amenities, and event tone. If you’re planning an in-person event, make sure the space is large enough to accommodate your guests comfortably. If your guests would benefit from an immersive event experience, consider using a studio with an LED wall or green screen capabilities.

Heroic’s STUDIO15 is the perfect venue for our event series, as it provides a prime seat for attendees to enjoy our show, either in the studio or via seamless live streaming. Because we do everything in-house, we know that the lighting, sound, and design of our event will be cohesive. A well-prepared team makes for seamless transitions, synchronized cues, and a harmonious atmosphere for our audience. Venues with an in-house team of capable event production professionals make all of the difference to attendees’ experience.

Strategize the content

Corporate event content is a crucial aspect of driving audience engagement because it’s often what motivates your audience to attend an event in the first place. Plan your content around your event’s goals and audience’s needs.

If you’re planning a celebration, consider entertainers that delight and inspire. If you’re planning an educational event, consider inviting industry experts or thought leaders to share their knowledge and insights. Don’t hire just any entertainer you think people will like. Remember your corporate event goals. How do you want attendees to feel during and after your event? Strategize content from there.

Heroic Productions’ Please Welcome event series features dynamic speakers and entertainers who are changing the landscape of corporate events worldwide. We also provide attendees with opportunities to meet the featured talent, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and network with other attendees.

Our last event featured Daryl Davis, a musician, author, and activist who is known for his work in fighting racism and promoting positive change. Daryl was a keynote speaker and entertainer all in one–inspiring attendees with his beautiful music and compelling testimony of his great work.

Invest in corporate event logistics

Corporate event logistics should have purpose and precision. Ensure all design elements are in place, and don’t make technology an afterthought. Look for ways to synchronize the various aspects of event logistics, too. The lights, the sound, the music, the staging, the branding–should all feel harmonious to the attendee. When done right, your attendees may not even notice how cohesive your production is, but they’ll feel the difference of your attention to detail.

At Heroic, our stage and LED wall create a stunning and visually striking backdrop for events. Our exceptional lighting and sound design further elevate attendees’ experience. For Daryl Davis’ keynote, we chose hues of stunning pinks and purples for the lighting, with his illustrious musical background in mind. From the music that played before he walked on stage to a subtle green light on Daryl’s piano–we considered every detail to set the tone for the night.

The results were beautiful, but logistics don’t stop at audiovisual capabilities. Good planning also means communicating all necessary details to attendees before the event, including the event agenda, location, dress code, and parking instructions. At Heroic, we also limit the studio’s audience to ensure a personalized, engaging, and comfortable networking experience for our attendees.

Pick a team that thinks of everything

Heroic is a one-stop shop for corporate event planning and production. We understand the value of an immersive experience and are ready to handle all aspects of your event–from strategy to execution.

The ‘Please Welcome’ series is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our next event will spotlight Dr. Luana Marques, an acclaimed psychologist and author who will provide attendees with insights into mental health and well-being. We hope you join us and experience firsthand the extensive benefits of Studio15.

We aim to make your event a success, and we work tirelessly to ensure that happens. Contact us to learn more.

Corporate Event Audience Engagement: How will your organization win its audience?

Posted on January 12, 2023January 17, 2023 by KHart

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then imagine the value of combining the sight, sound, and experience of an “I didn’t see that coming!” live performance at a corporate event!

World class entertainment, positioned correctly, will generate a buzz and improve corporate event audience engagement. It gets people excited about what’s coming next, and it doesn’t have to blow the budget!

There are lots of things to consider, but here is a great place to start:

The Triple Wow. Do you have the budget for all three “WOW’s?” Does it even make sense for your event? Let me explain.

What are WOWs and How do You Measure Them?

Triple Wow $$$

Your attendees realize who will be performing at your next event, and they say, “WOW, I can’t wait!”
They experience the performance live and say, “WOW! That was amazing!”
Once home, they tell others, “WOW! You’ll never guess who I got to see perform live!”

Double Wow $$

Your attendees realize who the performing artist will be. The artist is not well known to some. Your audience loves the performance, and you hear, “WOW, I had no idea! I am a new fan!”
Once home, they tell others, “WOW, eventhe entertainment was fantastic!”

Wow! $

Your attendees consider the event and unknown (but fabulous) entertainment a success, and say, “WOW! What a great event! It was fun, surprising, and memorable.”

It comes down to what you’re trying to create. Corporate event audience engagement should always be the goal, but budgets sometimes don’t allow for the “triple wow!” That’s okay, imaginative planning can still create those moments of surprise that inject energy and generate lasting memories.

Pro tip: If you are hiring a lesser known (but fabulous) artist for a final night celebration, find a way to tease the audience during a general session. This could be a short performance during the beginning of the show. For example, the right song to introduce the CEO as he takes the stage, or an unexpected interview with the artist about something relevant to the audience (their version of successful marketing, innovation, trends, etc.).

This will inject energy into the general session and will create anticipation for the performance. Many audience members are not big music/theater fans or have very specific taste, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy a great performance! Give them a taste of what they are in for. You’ll be surprised how much excitement you will create.

Get More WOW!

Entertainment can be more powerful than we often give it credit for. In an age defined by immersive and interactive experiences, how will your company drive corporate event audience engagement?

Call Kris or contact us for a few more great ideas that will most definitely WOW!