Getting The Best Return On Your Organization’s Event
Hosting an event of any size requires an outlay of time and money. For this reason, it’s important to consider what you hope to gain from your investment when planning a seminar or conference. Whether your primary motivation is to provide a venue for networking or to showcase a series of new products, always keep in mind that being the host will put your organization in the public eye. Plan ahead to make the most of it.
One often-overlooked opportunity is the inevitable creation of countless photographic moments. All too often, organizers find themselves after their event, hoping that someone took some snap shots with their cell phones. Don’t fall into this trap. Photography is an excellent, easy way to keep the excitement surrounding your event high even after it’s over, and to keep people talking about your organization. Post images on your website. Share them on Facebook. People who missed the big day will visit to see what it looked like. Those who were there will click over to see photos of themselves and their friends.
Unfortunately the days of newsmen from local papers attending events are long past (unless, of course, your line up of speakers includes the first lady), so the responsibility to make sure your event is documented is all yours. The best way to handle photography is to hire a professional, like those on the Tripepi Smith team, to spend the day in search of the very best shots. Resist the urge to hand your nephew twenty dollars to bring his point-and-shoot. You will not be able to recreate the event. You want it captured in high resolution from start to finish.
To make sure the photos you get will serve to promote your organization, spend a little extra time on signage. Create signs with your logo to hang on podiums and in front of long tables where presenters will be sitting. Have at least one large sign with the name of the event that you can encourage important people to stand next to for photo ops.
While you’re designing the printed material for your event, consider including a hashtag to engage the online crowd. Attendees can search Twitter for event-specific hashtags (for instance: #ccmfdinner) to see what others are saying about the event, and to share their own thoughts in real time. What’s more, anyone unable to attend can follow along with the events of the day virtually. It costs nothing and can have far reaching effects in terms of name recognition.
For more ideas on event planning, contact the Tripepi Smith team. We have talent on tap, ready to make your event a stellar success.