Modern online tools not only help event producers ensure events come off without a hitch, they make it easier for clients to build on the benefits of hosting an event.
There are a lot of details that go into planning a successful corporate event. No wonder so many event producers have embraced online tools to help them connect and communicate. Social media is rapidly becoming an indispensable element for a successful special event.
Facebook offers features that are a perfect fit with event production. We always recommend that events should be managed from a company page rather than a personal profile. Facebook’s ability to collect and organize attendance information, post pictures, and seek feedback through online polls helps clients and their event producer fine tune an event right up until it’s time to open the doors and welcome the guests. And you can continue to communicate with your guests long after the event is over.
Your LinkedIn account is another great place to leverage social media for successful events. Chances are your best clients are already contacts and an invite to an event is a great way to turn potential clients into contacts. You can also use the Events feature on LinkedIn to publicize your special event to others in your industry.
Google+
If you prefer the Google+ social media platform, its ability to group people in circles such as the ‘work’ category makes communicating with only the clients or guests you wish to include more convenient. It’s easier because you don’t have to weed out friends, followers, and even competitors who might ‘like’ your company’s Facebook page, before you send out an invitation or announcement.
Encouraging guests to ‘tweet’ from your event also creates a positive profile for the company that’s hosting. Consider creating a hashtag (#youreventname) and encouraging people to use it, so that all the tweets from your event can be organized into a single list for those interested. This tactic is especially useful for creating an immediate buzz around events where you want the public to show up, such as a product launch or grand opening.
It’s hard to guess what’s next when it comes to social media as its purpose is really unlimited. But if it’s useful for organizing people, information, and dates, it’s easy to predict it will be welcomed by the special event industry.
What’s New at Bright Ideas
What’s going on at Bright Ideas?
Media mentions, award nominations, a new website, and best of all, your chance to win a $1,000 spa package at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa!
In the News
Our profile of the awarding-winning Simulcast of Synergy event (Best Corporate Teambuilding Event – 2011 Canadian Special Event Meeting Expo West), is featured in Northwest Meetings and Events magazine.
Bright Ideas’ advice was also included in an article published in the Management section of the April issue of BC Business magazine; with tips for would-be office party planners.
Awards Nominations
And, we are proud to say we were nominated in two categories for the 2012 Star Awards, the Canadian special events industry awards, for our buffet table design for our Fairway of Flavour event and in the best team-building event category, for the Simulcast of Synergy.
Coming Soon
On May 22, 2012 we will be unveiling our new and improved website – with a blog, even more event and theme descriptions, lots of pictures to inspire you before you book your next special event, and added functionality and resources for visitors who need a price quote. As part of the launch, we are offering an amazing $1,000 prize of a spa getaway at the luxurious Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
Enter now to win!
Staff Event Pick of the Month: Julia Hieber
My most favorite event with Bright Ideas was the Speakeasy Event. Right away I was involved in a bright, hectic, fun and extremely busy event set up. We transformed the whole venue from a Titanic Luncheon to a Speakeasy Casino night in only 4 hours. This was a big challenge for everyone.
We built the most beautiful centerpieces with a team of 28 staff. The decor was just stunning! Everything was perfectly planned and we paid attention to every single detail. The guests arrived in their Speakeasy costumes and the casino night started. People were staring at the dramatically transformed venue where they just had lunch a few hours before. It was nice to see how appreciated our effort was. Later that night, the event turned out to be a crazy dancing party with people having so much fun in a customized jail.
I want to say thank you to the great team and their hard work. A big thank you to Sharon – she opened up a door for my future in the event planning world. She will always be my number one contact person in my career decisions. Definitely a magic and emotional moment in my life I will always remember!
Speakeasy photo gallery.
Ask An Event Planner
What event should I be planning right now?
The blooming flowers and budding trees have most people thinking of spring and dreaming of summer. But in the event business it’s time to think about the Christmas/New Year holidays and the countless corporate events held at that time of year. Many of our clients have already begun planning their 2012 winter holiday party. Our September newsletter has useful information to get you started.
What’s the first step?
The size of your guest list is almost always the first consideration. You need to ensure your venue will be big enough to accommodate, without being so large that the room only feels half-full. We can suggest suitable venues for any size of event. You can also check out our August 2010 newsletter for Six Steps to a Perfect Venue.
Where can I find ideas and inspiration for my event?
One of the latest trends to hit the online world has been Pinterest. The online equivalent of a bulletin board of your interests and inspirations, event producers are creating private pinboard style-sheets for their clients to review, browsing public pinboards for new trends in cuisine and décor, and sharing their own expertise with suggestions, recommendations, and creative ideas.
Have a question for Sharon?
Find the answer before your next event. If you have specific questions, or want to know more about event planning best practices, email Sharon with the subject line ‘Ask an Event Planner’ and we’ll answer your question in an upcoming edition of our newsletter.
Top Three Summer Themes
Crazy Carnivals
Every kid loves a carnival. Even big kids! With the fun of old-fashioned midway games, the guilty pleasures of mini-donuts, and roving entertainers to delight young and old, a Carnival theme is a great family-friendly option for events such as a product launch or employee appreciation.
Western Round-ups
Guests feel right at home on the range with a Western theme. Barbeque cuisine lets you tailor the menu to your budget without sacrificing crowd favorites, while cowboy-themed activities and a little country music foster a casual atmosphere – the perfect ambience for a summertime corporate event.
Mini-Olympics
With the 2012 Games taking place in London this summer, it’s a great time to capitalize on the buzz with a mini-Olympic theme. The parade of nations, complete with flag-bearers, makes for great team-building, and you can customize the games with a variety of fun, slightly silly competitions. Our July 2011 newsletter has some other excellent team-building ideas.
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Market your Corporate Event for Maximum Impact
