Trends

CVENT’s Event Data and Hospitality Insights: 2024 Key Takeaways for Event Planners

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

On September 18, CVENT hosted an insightful webinar on Event Data and Hospitality Trends, packed with juicy updates that every event planner needs to know. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of travel trends, sharpen your budgeting, or optimize event logistics, here’s a breakdown of the top highlights from the webinar.

Hospitality Insights: A Snapshot from CoStar Group’s Market Data

It’s no surprise that group demand has improved in 2024, but here’s where things get interesting: most of the top 25 event markets are still trailing behind their 2019 numbers. The exceptions? Las Vegas, Tampa, Orlando, Dallas, and Nashville, which have all sold more group rooms than they did in both 2023 and 2019! (We can thank Super Bowl LVIII for giving Vegas that extra boost.)

When it comes to where travel coordinators are spending their budgets, the trends are shifting. In 2024, more funds are being directed towards team meetings, training, and learning & development, while spending on sales meetings and client-relationship building has taken a noticeable dip. However, over half of budget owners report their teams are traveling more frequently, driven by conferences and client demand.

CVENT’s Hospitality Event Cloud Platform Insights: Data Breakdown for 2024

The CVENT platform insights reveal promising growth in 2024. Here are the key trends:

  • RFP Volume and Room Night Growth: Comparing Q2 2023 to Q2 2024, RFP volume is up 12%, and room nights have seen a 21% growth. Meanwhile, the proposed rate growth? Only a modest 0.5%.
  • Event Growth: While there’s been a 7% increase in events from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024, registrations have dipped slightly, down 1%.
  • Small Meetings Dominate: In Q2 2024, 36% of RFPs were for small meetings with around 30 attendees.
  • Late Bookings Trend: A whopping 67% of bookings are happening in the same year they’re held, signaling that pre-booking far in advance is losing favor.
  • Seasonal RFP Growth: Spring leads with a 17% RFP growth rate, followed by winter at 15%, summer at 11%, and fall at 10%.
  • Room Rate Hikes: The average price increase between weekday, weekend, and extended stays is around $61 per day.

International Events Are Back!

If you’re planning global events, good news! International meetings have made a strong comeback. More than 115 countries have received RFPs from U.S. planners, and over 1,300 U.S. planners have sourced venues internationally.

Planning Timelines & Booking Behavior

Timing is everything, and CVENT data shows us exactly how planners are approaching their event timelines:

  • Average Event Lifecycle: The typical lifecycle for in-person and hybrid events from creation to the event date is around 167 days.
  • Single-Day Event Trends: Thursday takes the crown for virtual and hybrid events, while Wednesday is the top choice for in-person events.
  • Multi-Day Event Start Days: For 3-day events, Tuesday is the most popular start day across all formats (virtual, in-person, hybrid). Meanwhile, Monday is preferred for events longer than 3 days.
  • Event Registration Patterns: Most registrations for in-person and hybrid events happen 4+ weeks in advance, while virtual events see the bulk of registrations 2-4 weeks before the event.

5 Key Takeaways for 2024 Event Planners

  1. Group Travel’s Comeback: While many top markets are still catching up to 2019 levels, cities like Las Vegas, Tampa, and Nashville are thriving with strong group room demand. Keep an eye on these cities for high-impact event locations.
  2. Shifting Budget Priorities: Expect to see more budget directed toward team meetings, training, and development, while sales-focused travel and client visits are taking a backseat. Plan your event offerings to align with these evolving priorities.
  3. Shorter Booking Windows: With 67% of event bookings happening within the same year, the trend of late bookings is here to stay. Flexibility in planning and a quick response to last-minute opportunities will be key.
  4. Room Rate Spikes: The average room rate has increased by $61 per day, so be prepared for higher accommodation costs when budgeting for events in 2024.
  5. Seasonal Surge: Expect the biggest RFP growth during the spring and winter seasons, with a notable 17% increase in spring 2024. Plan ahead to take advantage of these peak booking periods.

2024 has seemed to shape up to be a dynamic year for event planners, and staying on top of these data-driven trends will give you a competitive edge. Keep these insights in your back pocket as you plan your 2025 events!

To learn how Heroic can help you with your upcoming events, contact us!

For ideas on how to take your next event from drab to fab, check out What’s New in Event Tech.

Source: Tourism Economics STR

Source: CVENT’s Event Management Data

What’s New in Event Tech?

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

Hey there, tech enthusiasts and event planners! At Heroic Productions, we’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to make your events unforgettable. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to some groundbreaking technologies that are set to revolutionize the audio-visual scene. From mind-blowing Transparent MICRO LED screens to dazzling indoor drone light shows, splash-tastic digital water printers, and versatile LED foil technology, we’ve got it all covered. Buckle up and get ready to be inspired by these cutting-edge solutions that will take your productions to the next level.

Samsung’s New Transparent MICRO LED Screen

Transparent MICRO LED Screens

In January, 2024 Samsung released its newest innovation yet: the Transparent MICRO LED screen. Imagine being able to see right through the screen to whatever’s on the other side. With this amazing technology, you get vibrant images and stunning colors without losing any clarity. It’s a game-changer compared to the older Transparent OLEDs, which are darker and less sharp. Get ready for a whole new viewing experience!

Indoor Drone Light Show Event Tech

Indoor Drone Light Shows

Ready to swap out those outdoor fireworks for something even more spectacular? Try an indoor drone show! These shows are an audio-visual extravaganza that will dazzle your audience with vibrant colors, dynamic motion, and breathtaking designs. Unlike outdoor shows, indoor drone light shows aren’t limited by weather or time of day. There are no FAA laws for indoor drones, so they can fly over and around a crowd to create an immersive experience unlike any other! Plus, you can further customize the show by pairing it with awesome background music! For an average price of about $25,000 the experience is well worth the price tag. It’s a safe and unforgettable way to make your event shine and leave your crowd “oohing” and “ahhing.”

Digital Water Printers

Get ready for some splash-tastic fun with digital water printers! These interactive water displays create stunning falling images using touchable water droplets. How does it work? At the top, a bunch of tiny holes let water flow through, controlled electronically to form amazing patterns and pictures as the droplets fall. The water then collects at the bottom and gets pumped back up to start the show all over again. It’s an eye-catching, customizable decoration that’s perfect for any event and guaranteed to wow your audience! 

LED Foil Technology

Introducing IllumiWrap™ powered by LightnTec—the lightweight, ultra-thin LED foil that can do it all! This innovative product easily attaches to any structure with Velcro®, making setup a breeze. Whether indoors or outdoors, IllumiWrap™ shines bright because it’s weatherproof. Need a custom shape? No problem! You can customize it to fit your creative vision. Installation is a snap with its plug-and-play system, so no need for complex substructures—saving you time, money, and hassle. It’s no wonder IllumiWrap™ won Best of Show at the InfoComm 2024 awards in the Digital Sign category! 

And there you have it! From Transparent MICRO LED screens to indoor drone light shows, digital water printers, and IllumiWrap™ LED foil, the future of audio-visual production is brighter and more exciting than ever. At Heroic Productions, we’re passionate about bringing these innovations to life for your events, ensuring they are memorable, impactful, and truly one-of-a-kind. 

Ready to transform your next event? Contact us today and let’s make magic happen! 

Want to see more event technology that is piquing our interest? Check out our last event tech blog!

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

Posted on 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.

Event Pros 2024

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!

Event Pros Wellness in Food

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.

Meetings Today Event Industry Trends for 2024

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

Calling all event enthusiasts! Meetings Today has just dropped their “Trends for 2024” eHandbook packed to the brim with insights sure to help you plan for the upcoming year. The 2024 Meetings Today Trends Survey was conducted using Alchemer between 10/27/2023 and 12/18/2023 and includes 181 complete responses from meeting and event planners.

Meet 2024’s Meeting and Event Planners 

Ever wonder who’s behind the magic of event planning? Well it turns out, almost half of meeting and event planners seem to fall between the ages of 42-57, consisting mostly of Gen Xers followed by the second largest group being 58+. More millennials and Gen Zers will eventually make their way up the ranks, but not anytime soon. Experience is the name of the game here, with more than half of our survey respondents boasting over two decades in the biz! Oh, and did we mention? The event management scene is rocking a fabulous 78% female power surge.

Meetings Today Event Industry Trends for 2024

Hot Button Issues

Politics and social issues may make headlines, but do they sway our planners’ destination decisions? When asked if a location’s climate on controversial political and social issues impacts destination selection, the majority of responders fell between “somewhat” and “has no influence on my destination selection.” And what about labor unions? Meh, not a deciding factor for 70% of respondents. In fact, when picking a destination for their meetings and events, the respondents said they mainly care about location! Accessibility, airlift, and weather play the next most important roles in decision making.

Meeting Logistics: Location, Location, Location

Picture this: bustling events, buzzing with energy, and attendees aplenty. That’s the vibe for 2024, with planners expecting a crowd of 101-200. And the fun doesn’t stop there—the majority of planners say they are planning to have 3-5 or even 11-50 events throughout the year! While, about 57% of planners say they will not be going international in 2024, 11% say they plan to in the future. 

Activities offsite are nothing new to the world of corporate meetings and events, but what type of options are planners considering when perusing local Yelp pages? It’s no surprise that restaurants came in at number 1. Planners are also considering historic buildings/landmarks, museums, and trailing not far behind are wineries/breweries and sports facilities. But what kinds of activities specifically are we talking about incorporating? Obviously networking is first, followed by more than one third saying that team building activities and wellness activities are on their priority lists. And let’s not forget the allure of a round of golf or a pampering spa day—because who doesn’t love a little indulgence?

When it comes to hotel selection, the majority of planners are picking based on, you guessed it, location. Room rates come in second, followed by food and beverage and then attrition policy. 

Meetings Today Event Industry Trends for 2024

Looking Ahead to the Future

The biggest foreseeable challenge for our meeting planner friends seems to be increasing costs. Hotel, supplier, and food and beverage costs seem to be skyrocketing along with inflation, and over 87% of planners see this as their biggest challenge moving forward. Staffing levels and navigating attrition policies also spark concern, followed by the perennial challenge of managing tighter budgets.

Yes, the events industry has bounced back with gusto, but it’s a journey sprinkled with both triumphs and hurdles. Embracing the blend of old-school expertise and new-wave innovations, about 32% of planners are still keen on hybrid events, keeping the virtual realm buzzing with possibilities. 

So, fellow event professionals, let’s tackle 2024 with excitement, creativity, and a dash of tech-savvy magic! Together, we’ll make every event an unforgettable experience.

To see the entire comprehensive report, visit meetingstoday.com.

Let’s turn vision into reality with stellar audio/visual production, contact us.

Want to learn more about event trends in 2024? Visit our Marketing Events in 2024 blog.

AI: Event Marketing’s New Superhero

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

If you’ve been keeping your finger on the pulse of the marketing world, you’re likely well aware of the seismic shifts AI is causing in the B2B landscape. But let’s zoom in on one exciting area: the events industry. Brace yourselves, because generative AI is here to shake things up in ways we’ve only dreamed of before!

How exactly does this nifty tool come to the rescue, and what magic does it hold for the future of events? Let’s begin by uncovering the gaps in event marketing, shall we?

According to a report done by Forrester, our fellow B2B marketers have been grappling with some age-old event planning woes. The report shows 63% of event marketers underutilize the event content they create, 55% are not maximizing the value of data they capture at their events, and 53% are struggling to give attendees that special, personalized touch. And guess what? That’s just the tip of the iceberg! We’re talking about challenges like targeting the right audience, flexing those cutting-edge content creation muscles, and nailing the post-event follow-up dance.

Pre-Event AI Superpowers

With all these challenges, how can AI help? In the pre-event stage, AI improves efficiency and productivity. AI can help improve audience definition and targeting, so you are getting the right people to the right event. It can help enhance content creation, making content better and more engageable. It can also help simplify event management by optimizing event budgets, automating routine tasks, and assigning those tasks and timelines appropriately. Plus, AI is streamlining the RFP process with bots! Allow them to take down your event information and watch them fill in forms for you. 

AI: Event Marketing's New Superhero

At Event AI Awesomeness

AI is all about serving up personalized and inclusive experiences on a silver platter. Think highly personalized attendee journeys and a big warm hug of inclusivity for everyone involved. But wait! Personalization doesn’t only come from the event experience itself. Pre and post event AI can sprinkle its own personalization magic all along the way.

Post Event AI Brilliance

Once the confetti settles, post-event AI steps up, helping you squeeze every last drop of ROI from your event with savvy analysis and content repurposing. For AI, it’s all about maximizing the value of event content, personalizing attendee follow-up, and improving event data analysis. Leveraging AI encompasses various metrics such as pricing strategies, estimating attendee numbers, website visits, sign-ups, social media engagement, post-event surveys, and social media reviews to gauge satisfaction. This comprehensive analysis not only aids in benchmarking events against each other but also signifies the democratization of data analysis facilitated by AI.

Overcoming Adaptation Hurdles

The biggest challenge? Wrangling the beast of implementation and navigating the murky waters of change in corporate settings. Another common hurdle faced is finding legitimacy and authenticity with the resource. Generated content may not always stand out from competitors and isn’t unique to the brand. Good, thorough prompts are a must when using the tool. And oh, let’s not forget about those pesky ethical and legal issues. But fear not, with the right focus on security, risk mitigation through governance, using the tool as team upskilling, and partnering internally with all teams, you’ll be surfing the AI wave like a pro in no time!

How Should Marketers Dive In?

In the same survey taken by Forrester, less than half of B2B event marketers claimed to have a grasp on AI, and only a cool 28% were investing in AI training. And for the marketers using AI, over 70% said they are not revealing how they are using AI for events. But hey, the good news? Event AI usage is on the up and up, with 2024 shaping up to be a major milestone in the events industry’s AI journey.

Use Cases: What’s Hot?

The top current 3 use cases seem to be:

1.    AI powered captioning/translation/interpretation.

2.    Chatbots/IVAs delivering pre, at and post-event support

3.    Automated distribution of secondary event assets

The top 3 planned use cases in the coming year:

1.    Data driven and automated post-event attendee follow-up

2.    Automated production of secondary event assets

3.    Personalized attendee recommendations

In a nutshell, AI isn’t here to replace marketers—it’s here to amplify our superpowers! Good creative continues to come from humans. It is all about writing GOOD prompts and importing GOOD data into this scary, new tool.So hey, if you’re not already riding the AI train, what are you waiting for? All aboard!

To learn more about the future of events, visit our website.

To see how Heroic can help spice up your next event, contact us.

Kitty Hart on MVP Experience With Steph Silver: Creating Your Brand Experience

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

Welcome to a lively discussion featuring our very own VP of Brand Experience, Kitty Hart, who recently appeared on MVP Business with Steph Silver. Their conversation revolved around the captivating world of creating a brand experience that truly resonates with your audience.

Selling Brand Experience

Steph shares a powerful insight right off the bat: “Sales is marketing and marketing is sales; it’s just a different way of communicating.” Kitty wholeheartedly agrees, stressing that the synergy between these two facets is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Historically, the age-old rivalry between sales and marketing has been a challenge.

The landscape of consumer behavior has undergone seismic shifts. Kitty asserts that this transformation isn’t solely driven by technology but is deeply intertwined with it. “When sales and marketing work together” Kitty affirms, “there is a more seamless buying experience.” It’s essential to craft a journey that customers want to embark on before making a purchase. Informed customers now rule the roost, turning cold calls into relics of the past. This is where marketing steps up, evolving drastically to cater to this shift. Sales teams must relay customer queries to marketing, fostering the creation of relevant and indispensable content.

The concept of selling to humans, not just consumers, is pivotal. Experiential marketing hinges on a blend of science and experience. Kitty describes the captivating scent of movie theater popcorn that greets you as you enter a theater. These memorable experiences evoke emotions that spur us to share with others. It’s all about cultivating feelings.

Kitty shares a personal revelation about her relationship with selling: “I realized I wasn’t selling. I was simply finding people who had a need for what we did, really well.” This encapsulates the art of genuine salesmanship.

History of Experiential Brand Experiences

The ascent of experiential marketing has been a thrilling spectacle, with brands embracing and unleashing its potential. Interestingly, experiential marketing traces back to the 1800s, proving it’s not a new concept. Kitty delves into history, citing the iconic World’s Fair and how Wrigley’s chewing gum distribution was a prime example of a brand incorporating taste into their experience.

Redefining Corporate Events

Reimagining “corporate events” is next on the agenda. Just because “corporate event” has the word “corporate” in front of it, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Rather, they should rejuvenate employees’ love for their company and leave them feeling valued and inspired. This encapsulates the essence of creating a brand experience for corporate events.

As the world reopened post-pandemic, the allure of in-person events resurfaced, though virtual alternatives remain popular. Virtual components offer cost-saving advantages, widening the event’s reach. Yet, crafting distinct experiences for in-person and virtual attendees is paramount.

Innovation should take center stage. Kitty emphasizes the importance of having team members receptive to groundbreaking ideas. Ideas on paper are mere potential until brought to life. Steph chimes in, stressing the value of diverse perspectives in brainstorming sessions.

Steph provocatively prompts: “What’s your brand experience map?” This pertains to every facet of your brand, be it events, physical stores, or shipping processes. Feedback gleaned from social media holds the key to refining your brand experience. Kitty admits, “Surprising and delighting people is increasingly challenging.” Ultimately, it’s about the emotions you evoke.

Kitty Hart’s insights on creating brand experiences are invaluable, and her chat with Steph Silver brings a refreshing perspective to the forefront. In today’s corporate landscape, the marriage of sales and marketing, the allure of experiential marketing, and the meticulous crafting of brand experiences emerge as pivotal themes. The journey continues, shaped by a world hungry for authentic connections.

Creating a Meaningful Brand Experience With Heroic

Heroic Productions takes event management seriously. Our approach ensures the event’s message is not only seen and heard but deeply felt, all while aligning seamlessly with the company’s strategy.

To learn more about brand experiences and chat with Kitty Hart, visit her page and listen to more of her podcast episodes here.

To find out more about event strategy, download our Event Strategies Guide here.

Heroic Productions: New Home of the Proto EPIC Hologram Machine

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

On June 22, 2023, Heroic Productions hosted its first ever Event Planner Happy Hour! This intimate event, intended specifically for event professionals, in STUDIO15 with help from our decor partner Festivities, was planned to showcase the latest and greatest in event technology. As attendees sipped on libations and snacked on crudité, the Heroic team went to work showcasing what was sure to blow their minds!

Introducing the Proto Hologram Machine!

While virtual events, LED, and wearable technology were, of course, all topics of discussion amongst ongoing and up-and-coming trends, Heroic had something new and exciting to unveil: Proto EPIC Hologram! One of the only Proto hologram machines in the area, Heroic is proud to offer a home base for this very cool technology. When it’s not out “on the road” in use for our clients, it lives at STUDIO15 and is available for demos and ideation. 

This 54”x87.5”x28.5” box is used for professional hologram “beaming” with high fidelity speakers, 4K video, and a touchscreen. Beam a 3D version of your logo, a product, or yourself from Proto to impress your event attendees. Whether your content is premade or live, using this technology makes it simple for you to capture whoever you choose to turn into a hologram for your next event!

Now, back to the June happy hour. Guests were jazzed to try the Proto hologram machine for themselves and jumped at the chance to see themselves as holograms! The room buzzed and ideas flowed freely as the discussion surrounded the endless possibilities of what this technology could provide in the events industry. From meet and greets with celebrities, to trade show activations, to keynotes delivered by renowned speakers – Proto invites a sensational and cost-effective way to interact with event guests with a WOW factor. 

photo using the Proto hologram machine
photo using the Proto hologram machine

Bring the Magic of the Proto to Your Next Event

To discuss ways in which you can incorporate this cutting-edge hologram machine into your next event, contact Kitty Hart.

To keep up with Proto, follow Transcend Media on LinkedIn and stay connected!

4 Types of Trending Hybrid Events

Posted on by McKenna LaFave

The ever-so-popular word “hybrid.” You’ve probably heard this word used in a number of ways. Hybrid cars, hybrid golf clubs, and of course, hybrid events.

But what exactly is a hybrid event?

A hybrid event is the combination of an in-person experience and a virtual experience. However, this broad term doesn’t quite explain the breakdown of the variety of hybrid events. To help, we’ve compiled a list of our definitions on different types of hybrid events.

Continue reading “4 Types of Trending Hybrid Events”

No Filter Needed: How to Add an Instagram Museum to Your Event

Posted on by andrew

Creating an engaging experience that attendees can share on social media platforms is crucial to the success of your event and future attendance. And what better way to invite your attendees to engage with the event than by installing an Instagram museum, where they can snap selfies and post to social media!

Continue reading “No Filter Needed: How to Add an Instagram Museum to Your Event”

Use AV to Create Emotional Appeal for a Successful Event

Posted on by andrew

08-27-19_Emotional LightingEmotion is all about the senses. No matter the size or purpose of your next event, its emotional appeal is what will draw attendees in, keep them engaged, and give them an experience they won’t soon forget. Yes, your content is the foundation. But the way you highlight it and create an atmosphere around it make all the difference.

The pros do it in movies all the time. We don’t know the people on the screen, but somehow, we’re invested. Sure, there is a script and acting, but lighting plays a huge role in creating an environment that feels real.

Continue reading “Use AV to Create Emotional Appeal for a Successful Event”

Want Massive Impact at Your Event? Try Storytelling.

Posted on by andrew

event storytellingStorytelling. It’s not just for bedtime anymore. Now it’s all grown up and ready to wow guests at your next event. Telling stories can be a compelling way to massively boost your event’s impact and make it more memorable because it has multi-sensory appeal. Storytelling is the all-inclusive technique to deliver that extra wow factor! Continue reading “Want Massive Impact at Your Event? Try Storytelling.”

WOW Factor at a Zero Waste Event? It Can Be Done!

Posted on by andrew

zero-waste-eventsEvery event planner’s goal is to wow their audience. While you can always do more to impress them, you can also do less. Nothing, to be exact!

Zero Waste events are a big deal these days, for both event hosts and attendees. Announcing “This is a Zero Waste event” is a great way to attract and enthuse the audience, and your event will positively impact the environment, too. But can you get the wow factor you’re looking for in event production and be sustainable at the same time? You bet!

Continue reading “WOW Factor at a Zero Waste Event? It Can Be Done!”

Impressive Event Swag Ideas to Keep Your Business Top of Mind

Posted on by andrew

swag ideas Staying top-of-mind after an event is important for businesses. And what’s the best way to do that? Provide free swag to event attendees. After all, who doesn’t love free stuff? But beware, there’s stuff, and then there are really great swag ideas. A bag full of “who cares?” won’t do anything to identify your business as innovative or memorialize your brand.

So, what can you give away that will really impress your guests and keep them thinking about you long after the music stops? Two critical factors to keep in mind:

6 Ways to Get Out of Your Event Design Rut

Posted on by andrew

event designIt’s every event planners goal to make things go as smoothly as possible at your event. So it’s easy to follow a tried-and-true formula of branded colors, logos, and speeches from the CEO — no surprises there! But, think about it from your audience’s point of view. No one wants to attend the same event over and over again. So, if you’re focusing on efficiency instead of your attendees, it’s time for a change!

Here are six ways you can get out of your event design rut, freshen it up, and reignite excitement. Continue reading “6 Ways to Get Out of Your Event Design Rut”

#EventOfTheYear: How to Create a Socially Shareable Event

Posted on by andrew

You want to attract the largest possible audience to your event. After all, you plan to deliver some truly impressive event experiences. But not everyone can attend. So, how can you take those experiences to non-attendees? Through social media, of course! By creating shareable moments throughout your event, you can reach a larger crowd than is physically possible and inspire even greater participation next time.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is one of the strongest motivators ever. A socially shareable event plays on that worrisome FOMO, by building pre-function anticipation. Your event is all the buzz — clearly, it is a must-attend. Sharing also eases FOMO by enabling non-attendees to benefit vicariously.

A socially shareable event allows you to take the experience to those who cannot attend, and to bring them in as participants. And if you’re thinking social sharing is only for millennials, think again. No matter your type of content or target audience, you can bet your people are using social media.

Continue reading “#EventOfTheYear: How to Create a Socially Shareable Event”

Eco-Friendly Event Planning: 8 Ways to Host a Sustainable Event

Posted on by andrew

ways to host a sustainable eventSustainable living keeps getting more and more popular with many people, whether that’s opting for reusable shopping bags, organic cotton clothes, LED light bulbs, or composting food scraps. So, it’s no surprise that making events eco-friendly is becoming more and more popular, too. Doing your part to conserve our natural resources can boost your event’s appeal and give attendees more ways to engage while they’re there.

If you’re not yet an old hand at the Three R’s – reuse, reduce, recycle – don’t worry. There are lots of easy ways to started, and every step you take makes a difference.

Continue reading “Eco-Friendly Event Planning: 8 Ways to Host a Sustainable Event”

How to Host Hybrid or Virtual Events for Multi-City Involvement

Posted on by andrew

Heroic Productions_Hybrid or Virtual EventThanks to evolving technology, you can host an event that attracts audience members who aren’t even on-site. Virtual events and hybrids that serve both in-person and remote attendees are a hot commodity these days, and growing fast in popularity. Why not? Everybody’s a winner if you do it right.

Hybrid and virtual events allow you and your sponsors to deliver your messages to more people, on a local, national or even global level.

Continue reading “How to Host Hybrid or Virtual Events for Multi-City Involvement”

6 Must-Know Tips About Live Streaming Events

Posted on by andrew

Heroic Productions_Live Streaming TipsToday, you can live stream just about anything — from a fundraiser, birthday party, or vacation to a cooking lesson, wedding proposal, or corporate event. It’s an excellent way for those who cannot attend in person to enjoy the experience in real-time. For companies hosting corporate events and concerts, it’s a great marketing tool, as well. That is if you do it right. And do it well.

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Large-Scale Event Trends that are Turning Heads in 2018

Posted on by andrew

Heroic Productions_Large-scale event trendsIf you’re putting on a significant event such as a national or international conference or a multi-day festival, it’s your outstanding array of “content” that will attract attendees. But, let’s face it. Today’s attendees expect a comprehensively exceptional experience — one personalized for them. And the hottest event trends reflect that.

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