Tag Archive for: interaction

Why hold an event?

Events are a great way to bring people together, and share a moment, message or idea with a captive audience. They do, however, take considerable time, effort and organisation to execute successfully.

When deciding whether to hold an event, the first step should be to ask why you’re holding the event. This will help you get to the heart of whether an event will be valuable and help you achieve your goals. Here are some of the common reasons organisations hold events.

To build brand awareness

Events bring people together at the one location at the one time, giving you focussed time you can utilise to build brand awareness around your business with target audiences. You might make a presentation highlighting your services, or hold a workshop that builds on your thought leadership, making you a respected and trusted person within your industry.

To humanise the business

It’s usually quite fun and interesting to meet the people behind certain brands, so make sure you give your customers or clients what they want by introducing yourself and letting them know that there are real people in your business. It’s also a good time to thank customers and clients for their support, and offer to answer any questions they have or help them in some way if you can. People buy from people, so make sure your business is real and authentic.

To provide networking opportunities

Events are a great way to expand your connections, gain new clients, customers or referrals, and also to show your existing customers or clients what else you can offer them. It’s also an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals in your industry, and you never know where those relationships may lead!

To fundraise

For not-for-profit and charity organisations events are a perfect way to do drive fundraising efforts. They offer a controlled and focussed environment for you to spread the word and incite empathy and curiosity in attendees.

To launch a new product or service

New products or services are a cause for celebration! Events can allow you to inform guests of this, offer demonstrations, or give away samples. It gives your potential customers a chance to interact with your product or service in person, and in a fun and upbeat atmosphere.

To recognise and reward

Awards ceremonies are a very common type of event to hold, and a fantastic way to recognise your team or others for their hard work. Recognition is always appreciated, and usually makes for a more loyal team.

To offer a face-to-face communication experience

Too often in this digital world, we lose that personal, human interaction. While the internet has opened up a world of possibilities, the feeling of being in front of someone; having a conversation and sharing a laugh, can’t really be replicated online.

So, now that you know some of the reasons and benefits of holding events, you might be wondering just what type of event suits your business. Events vary in style, size and outcome, but some common event types include a sit down dinner, a fundraiser, an awards ceremony, a cocktail party, or a conference. You might like to read more about which events really engage your customers or clients, or how to know which conference type suits your business.

Once you’re ready to start planning your event, ensure you have a solid timeline in place. For tips on this, check out how long it takes to plan an event.

At AVPartners, we love to help bring your event dreams to life! Speak to us today and let us know your ideas.

How attending events can impact your business

Attending an event can make such a positive impact on your business and brand. In this day and age, we often overlook the importance of being in a live environment, and interacting with people face-to-face. It’s important that while attending events, you utilise this time for your brand and business, and you’re not just a fly on the wall.

Being active at events can bring your business many benefits. Some of the most positive impacts from attending events include:

Networking

While networking can be a bit of a buzzword, the act hasn’t lost it’s charm. Most people attending events have similar goals and are likely to be interested in networking as well. It can be really refreshing to connect with people in your industry that you can help or who can help you in some way. You never know who you’ll meet or what collaborations may come of it!

Changing up your routine

Attending events and putting your business out there is a great way to shake things up and inject some life into your team. The day to day of business can get mundane at times, so it’s nice to let off some steam and change up your normal patterns.

Showing your brand to the public

Events are a great way to showcase your brand and services to the other guests. You may be well-known, in which case an event can be a great time to humanise your brand, or you may be just starting out, which means people can get to know you straight away. People do business with people, so show them that you’re real and that you have passion for what you do.

Educational opportunities

No matter how much you know about your industry, there is always something to learn, even if it’s in a general sense. A lot of events have fantastic educational components and can leave you with a lot of great ideas to implement.

Above all, don’t forget to have fun! The event may be business related but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy yourself. You’ll be far more approachable that way too.

Excited to plan your next event and impress your guests? Talk to us today.

 

How the right AV team can be the difference between a good or bad event

Audiovisual technology can add a special something to your event. Whether you use lighting elements to create atmosphere in the room, or require a stage to be set up with microphones and speakers, a good AV team will have you covered.

That’s not to say that sometimes, things just happen that are out of anyone’s control, like a lightning strike resulting in a power outage. But for the majority of events, choosing the right AV team can make a world of difference to your event outcome.

So, how do you choose the right AV team?

Focus on your event goals

A good AV team doesn’t just run the audiovisual components smoothly. They help you add value and drive engagement to maximise your results and increase excitement for your next event.

Figure out the message you want to send out at your event, and the impression you want your guests to walk away with. Sit down with your AV team and discuss all ideas and options. A good AV team will be able to help you visualise the event and all elements.

Also ask your AV team any questions you may have, as this will give you a good indication as to their level of skills and passion. The right team will be able to explain the features and benefits for different audiovisual elements, and help you to make decisions. If you ask questions that they can’t or won’t answer, that might be a red flag for you.

Get techy

Ensure that your AV team have the right technology. For example, a lot of events now incorporate access for virtual attendees, or you may need multiple cameras on a stage. Make sure they are experienced to handle a variety of technologies.

Build trust

The relationship between you and your AV team is extremely valuable to your event. You want a professional team who has seen it all, who are experienced and who you can trust with your event.

Make sure that your AV team has a solid reputation and that they have your best interests in mind.

While all events are different, the overall theme of people coming together to share an experience is something to be celebrated. Contact us today to find out how we can make a difference at your next event.

How to improve brand exposure at your event

Regardless of the type of business you are in, holding an event can be a great way to improve brand awareness and get some attention on your message. Whether it’s a holiday party, an awards night, a launch or a fundraiser, holding an event gives you personal interaction with your guests and can work wonders for brand exposure.

Here are some ideas on how you can improve brand exposure at your next event:

Use subtle brand placement

From having your logo printed on napkins, to making special drinks with you brand colours, to using lighting techniques to blanket the room in your brand colours, the options for brand exposure and a unique event experience are endless.

Give guests a gift

You might want to offer a promotional bag for guests to take home with them, as these branded gifts can be a great way to say thank you and leave your guests feeling spoilt by your brand.

Create an event website

You don’t necessarily need a specific website for your event depending on its size, but you should at least have a dedicated event page on your website that is updated regularly. Not only will this ensure that people have the most up-to-date information regarding the event, but a decent webpage can speak volumes when it comes to brand perception. You can also use the page for photos after the event.

Use social media and an event hashtag

You can use your social media channels leading up to, during, and after the event to create a buzz, build brand exposure and keep the excitement going.
Before the event, use social media to tell people about the exciting things they can expect at the event. During the event you can post updates and photos, and afterwards you can use it to keep your event’s message and your brand in front of people. Creating an event hashtag is important so that you can engage people, and if they are searching for your event, they can find all posts under that hashtag, for example #AVPfundraiser2016
Incorporate audiovisual technology

There are so many different ways you can use audiovisual technology to increase your event’s wow-factor. At AVPartners, we can use lighting techniques to project patterns or your logo on the walls and floor, along with using your brand colours in a variety of ways.

You could also have a digital social media screen where your guest’s social media posts get chosen to appear on the screen. This encourages people to post more social media updates at the event in the hope that their post will be shown.

Have an event photographer

Having a photographer at the event is a no-brainer, as you will want to have the guests and their enjoyment captured. You can add the photos to the event’s website or page, and this will encourage people to visit the website after the event to see the photos of themselves. If you allow them to download the photo, you could have it watermarked with your logo so they can remember your brand positively.

If you’d like us to help build your brand exposure at your next event, contact us today!

Predictions for event trends in 2016

Wish you knew what was around the corner for event planning? The next big thing to captivate your guests?

While there is no magic ball to tell us the future, we can offer some insight into what lies ahead in the events industry, based on what is happening around the world and emerging technologies.

Some of our predictions for event trends in 2016 are:

An increased use of event apps – while event apps aren’t new technology, they have been building momentum and clients have seen the overwhelming benefit of their use with attendees.

Virtual reality & augmented reality – this includes the use of 360 degree video and photos for mobile devices; really wowing attendees!

iBeacon technology and wearables – smart watches, wrist bands, name badges, smart goggles/glasses and lanyards will become a bigger part of events.

Bespoke pop-up concept events – this refers to customised events created for unique locations.

“Experience” based events – creating unique memorable experiences to engage audiences will become more popular this year.

A shift to mobile devices instead of laptops – this makes event communication much more portable and accessible.

Periscope app – this app is a live streaming video platform for mobile devices and integrates with social media platforms such as Twitter.

LED video wall panels – again not new technology, however we will see an increased demand in LED video wall panels for screen content and virtual backdrop effects.

How to expect the unexpected at your event

Planning an event can be both exciting and stressful. You need to make a great, lasting impression but you also need to be poised and ready to spring into action should something unexpected happen.

The best way to expect the unexpected at your event is to be prepared. As a general rule of event planning, it’s a good idea to checklist everything and double check items at different intervals leading up to your event. Give agendas and timelines out to everyone that could benefit from it.

On the day of the event, arrive early. This will give you extra time should something happen and need immediate attention. There’s no such thing as being over prepared when it comes to event planning!

Here are some of the common mishaps we see at events and how to address them:

Weather Issues

At RACV Royal Pines Resort, we hold many events outdoors so when doing so, it is vital you have a contingency plan for the weather as it can be unpredictable. Depending on your event type, this could be as simple as organising large umbrellas for some light rain, or it could mean moving your entire event indoors, away from bad weather.

Timing Challenges

Giving your event schedule some wiggle room will do wonders for the minor overlaps that tend to occur. Leaving a little room before and after scheduled items will give you the flexibility you need to ensure your entire event won’t run late.

Supplier Issues

You may have a supplier cancel at the last minute, or a supplier may have resourcing issues. The best thing you can do is to make sure you are in direct contact with them regularly. Arrive early on the day and ensure they have everything they need for their work to run smoothly. Have a list of backup suppliers ready in case the unexpected happens.

Technical Glitches

Technical glitches can happen at the most inconvenient times, usually right when someone is about to give an important speech!

To minimise the chance of technical glitches and ensure you can address any issues that do arise, always make sure you are using a professional and reputable AV provider. Make sure your AV technicians offer onsite support throughout your event, and that they also have their own contingency plans in place. This way, you will always feel secure knowing the show can go on.

Venue Climate Problems

The temperature at your venue sounds like a small concern but can have a huge impact on your guests’ experience at your event. If it’s possible it may be too cold or too hot, it may be wise to consider hiring extra equipment such as heaters or air con units to combat this issue. Make sure you have access to quickly change the temp on the system too should it become uncomfortable.

Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies require fast reaction times and leadership. At a minimum you need to be aware of where the emergency exits, medical emergency kits, and fire extinguishers are located in your venue, ahead of your event.

Budget Issues

To ensure you don’t exceed your budget, it makes sense to keep an emergency fund. A lot of Plan B’s require extra funds at the last minute and if you have that available it just takes away so much stress and pressure.

No matter what, when faced with the unexpected at your event, react calmly and quickly. People will remember how well the issue was handled, or may not even realise there was a problem in the first place.

AVPartners is always prepared for the unexpected. To find out more or work with us, contact us today.

Will video conferencing replace face-to-face meetings?

New technologies are making it easier than ever before to stay connected with your colleagues or clients in different offices, states or countries. Video conferencing connects people in real time, through audio and video communication on laptops, TV screens, computers, smartphones and tablets.

Video conferencing has become the norm for meetings; saving travel, time, and money, and increasing productivity. It’s an effective way of communicating, especially if your organisation has a broad geographical spread.

But are we really getting the same benefits as in-person interactions?  Will video conferencing replace face-to-face meetings?

We took a look at some of the pros and cons of video conferencing.

Pros

Time and cost effective

The time and money saved when meeting virtually as opposed to investing in air travel and hotel stays can be a huge benefit to businesses. It can be faster to arrange these types of meetings because people only have to travel as far as their meeting room or even just reach for their smartphone to connect.

Meeting in real time with anyone across the globe

The convenience of discussing ideas in real time and not having to wait for email chain responses is an advantage when it comes to video conferencing.

Shared data

Depending on the software being used, people can be simultaneously working on the same document while on a video call on opposite sides of the world and easily share documents too. This ease of collaboration can greatly increase productivity.

Cons

Physicality

You can have the most high tech equipment available, but it is hard to replace the value of physically being in the same room as each other. There is so much communicating that is done through non-verbal gestures and cues such as handshakes and body language that is hard to replicate with someone through a screen.

Technology

In a video conference everyone is at the mercy of the technology. If the system stops working, or if there is a lack of knowledge about how to use it, it can throw a spanner in the works. This is why having an AV rep to assist makes sense.

Cost

While video conferencing is cheaper than flying people across the country for meetings, decent quality video conferencing software and services aren’t cheap, and other costs need to be considered as well such as high speed internet connections and perhaps a cost-per-user.

Although video conferencing offers an efficient way to stay connected, face-to-face interactions will always be the most effective form of communication, offering vibrancy and engagement within the meeting that you just can’t emulate via a screen.

How to hold an ‘immersive’ event

Immersive events are those which ‘immerse’ event attendees as deep into the event as possible, creating an atmosphere so far away from everyday life that they forget all else around them and are fully present in your event, moment to moment.

Here are our top ideas for achieving an immersive event:

Leverage technology

There are some great technological advances available these days that really give the wow factor. Speak to your AV specialist about how you can incorporate digital elements, lighting and sound to create a 360 experience.

Take advantage of social media

Most social networks have the capacity for ‘live’ coverage. You can invite attendees to use certain hashtags for the event and have a projection screen broadcasting tweets, posts or updates from people at the event. This gets people involved – sharing on social media and creating a bit of a buzz – ensuring your event is noticed before, during and after its debut.

Ask the audience

Surveying your attendees while at your event is a great way to drive involvement and feedback while they are immersed in the experience and can express their feelings in real time.

Include hybrid elements

Hybrid elements at your event combine virtual and live components, reaching people not only live at your event but online as well.

Change up the scenery

Holding the event at a ‘never before held’ location or venue or using audiovisual elements to create a whole new look and feel will definitely wow your attendees and hold their attention.

Surprise your attendees

Step outside of the ordinary and shake things up a little to give your event a unique feel. For example, you could consider incorporating photo booths, circus entertainers, or themed cocktails.

Ultimately, people want to be involved rather than be just a spectator at your event, and these options will give them a chance to do so. Immersive events are a great way to engage and excite all participants and can really make your events stand out.

5 ways to engage your audience at an event

When it comes to holding an event, it’s no longer enough to assume ‘if you build it, they will come.’ How do you make sure your event stands out, engages your audience, and leaves a lasting impression?

Here are five ways to engage your audience before, during and after the event.

Release advance teaser content to promote your event

If people are more emotionally invested in your event before it even happens, they are more likely to enjoy it, and pass on positive feedback to others. Your event might be months away, but you can start the engagement now.

Providing a sneak peek of the setup or planning of your event can allow people to become more engaged and start the event buzz as early as possible. This could include sharing new technology, clips from speakers, or photos of the venue or space.

Encourage audience involvement during the event

By giving your audience ways to participate and interact, it can help keep their focus and attention on the presentation.

More and more events are incorporating interactive tools such as event apps, real time polling, surveys and messaging so presenters, sponsors and event organisers can open up the dialogue, share information, and receive and answer questions instantly.

Display social exchanges

Whether your event is online, offline or a mix of the two, the full power of social media should be leveraged to engage your audience and spread event coverage.

People love to be engaged and share thoughts and images in real time via social media, helping develop a deeper brand connection with your audience. A social media display wall is a great way to enable this behaviour.

We suggest setting up with an event hashtag so that your audience can easily tweet or post about the event and have their tweet or other posts displayed on the big screen at the event for all to see.

Do something unique

It’s no secret that your event needs to shake things up and be different to cut through the noise. Creating unique and personal event experiences is a great way to target your event audience authentically. Clever marketing ideas such as personalised invitations or fun, branded theatrics can set your event apart.

Creating a special experience during your event allows more engagement with your attendees and hopefully, a positive lasting impression.

Keep people talking after the event

People love to share and relive their highlights from events, so providing content that they can easily consume and share will keep engagement ticking over even after your event. Blog posts, videos, images and social media posts relating to the event experience are great ways to get attendees to interact with your brand long after the event is over.

How to avoid Death by PowerPoint

Remember the last time you viewed a PowerPoint presentation? Was it engaging and inspiring or did it leave you feeling bored – eyes glazed over and counting the seconds until it was over? This is known as the dreaded Death by PowerPoint.

PowerPoint can be a fantastic presentation tool, but it is only a tool. The presenter makes or breaks the presentation! There are some classic mistakes presenters make which can lead to Death by PowerPoint.

These include putting too much information on slides, using poor images and fonts and reading directly from slides instead of engaging the audience with stories and ideas.

As a presenter, there are many varied ways to add some zing to your PowerPoint presentation to help your audience stay focused and interested.

Know your message – Consider your message and the reason for your presentation. What do you hope to inform others of? What is there to gain from it, or what do you want people to do with the information you present? Remember that you know your topic inside out, but this may be the first time your audience has ever thought about this matter. Make sure your message and presentation objectives are clear.

Make a good first impression – Make sure the first slide is attention-grabbing and on topic. Your presentation needs to stand out and be different from the start to pique interest.

Leverage visuals – Use visuals that make sense for the presentation subject and that can support your points. This can include graphs, infographics and photos. Often images are more memorable and interesting so will drive audience engagement. It is important, however, not to overdo it. Unrelated images will distract and confuse your audience and gimmicky animations can become distracting and seem unprofessional.

Know that less is more – Use fewer words on your slides and use bullet points where appropriate. This will allow your audience to quickly read and digest your words which makes a bigger impact than if they have to read lines of text.

Cut the number of slides – You want the content of your presentation to support what you’re saying, not act as a script, so use fewer slides and incorporate more discussions and ideas into your presentation.

Get funny and personal – Present your information with personal stories and humour to keep people interested. Stay on topic but keep it light where possible.

Involve your audience – Keep your audience engaged by asking them questions, undertaking polls or breaking into groups for discussions.

Talk to AVPartners today about how to take your next presentation from good to great.