Corporate events that provide continuing education and team-building ideas are effective means for strengthening relationships among colleagues as well as for challenging outmoded practices. The problem, however, arises when the events themselves fall into a same old-same old pattern. What should be a refreshing shot of professional adrenaline can become just another offsite junket. This underscores the need for event planning that understands the client, its culture and its creed. Savvy planners make all the difference between a watershed event and an annual getaway.
A Menu of Venues
In the service of the clients, planners can begin with a wide range of locations from which to choose. Significantly, the site should have a wide array of rooms for plenary sessions, breakout sessions, networking mixers and down time. As the U.S.-based Wall Street Journal has recommended, gauging the intentions of the customers goes a long way toward persuasively advising them on venues.
Technology
How best to communicate objectives and ideas to employees and associates is, of course, a decision every event planning client must make, especially in 2016 with the widespread availability of lightning-quick technologies. In fact, many event planners see the coming year as pivotal when it comes to technology utilization. Smartphone science has made information instantaneous and organizers can now get minute-by-minute updates regarding client satisfaction. Advertising events will be increasingly done with email and social media, as will marketing products at trade shows. The most identifiable trends will be:
- Laptops recede while mobile devices advance
- Use of paper-based folders and binders will continue to decline
- Participant data can now be collected in real time as opposed to post-event surveys
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wristbands will proliferate, replacing tickets and credential documents
Networking
The lifeblood of every business conference, networking is easier in 2016 than ever before. Having evolved from the simple distribution of business cards and “I look forward to hearing from you,” the art of networking has expanded to high-volume methods like panel participation, hosting dinners and requesting interviews (as opposed to direct pitches) of attendees. These less obtrusive techniques are now preferred over traditional sales spiels. Getting your face out there and noticed is a greater draw than getting in the face of others.
Speakers
The technology mentioned above has afforded business enormous benefits. The flip side of this convenience, however, is found in shorter attention spans and greater impatience. It is essential therefore, that events booked in 2016 feature spellbinding keynote speakers and winsome panelists for breakout sessions. Professional speakers come from all backgrounds but the best are usually very high achievers whose life lessons add immediate value to the operation of a corporation or association. They include:
- High-tech innovators
- Former Olympians and professional athletes
- Best-selling authors and journalists
- In-demand humorists and comedians
- Celebrated business executives
- Former world leaders and statesmen
Of course, not every budget can afford one of these international superstars. Brian Smith, for example, founder of UGG Boots, is an Aussie in high demand around the world. A local real estate association may have difficulty bidding for him. That said, event planners should never skimp on this centerpiece of business conferences.
As the world grows smaller and time goes faster, conference planners will be hard pressed to keep up with the rapid changes. Expanding choices and constant feedback are musts in 2016 and beyond. Those planners that can give and receive these essentials are best positioned to thrive.