Event planners spend the majority of their efforts planning and executing corporate events such as annual conferences, fundraisers and new product releases.
As they plan for an effective event, there are many things to consider. One of those options includes a live event where attendees have the opportunity to interact with others, and/or with the products being demonstrated.
So just how important are those live events?
95% of marketers agree that live events provide attendees with a valuable opportunity to form in-person connections in an increasingly digital world. (Bizzabo, 2017)
91% of event professionals stated that increasing engagement at their events was an important priority for their organization. (Event MB, 2016)
65% of attendees said live events helped them have a better understanding of a product or service. (EMI & Mosaic, 2016)
70% of users become regular customers after an experiential marketing event. (EMI & Mosaic, 2016)
84% of event attendees say that they have a more positive opinion about the company, brand, product or service being promoted after the event. (EMI & Mosaic, 2016)
Let's bottom line the benefit of live events:
Increased attendance
Building Relationships
Better understanding of products/services
Increased brand trust
Repeat business
Examples of Live Events
What type of live experiences can you include in your next corporate event? While there are many types, here are just three that you might consider:
Industry Round Table
"Industry roundtables are a get together for knowledge sharing between professionals on a given topic. The majority of the activities presented at this kind of event include discussion sessions and expert panels."
An alternative to this live event is to include in your program a round table portion where each table is a different topic that relates to your industry. People can chose to move from topic to topic, sharing ideas, asking questions and offering suggestions to corporate leaders to effect change in the future.
The set up is simple, but the take-aways of listening to participants, imparting best practice ideas and building relationship is priceless.
Team Building Exercises
"Team building events are meant to bring employees together to collaborate and form relationships they otherwise wouldn't have the chance to on a day-to-day basis. They're often fun and motivational, focusing on particular skill building activities like the one in this example."
Team building events are especially effective when employees are spread out over a wide geographic-area and rarely have the opportunity to interact in person. These events help build relationships across corporate disciplines as well as those stationed around the country such as regional managers or field sales agents.
Team building events don't have to be crazy physical challenges. Check out this article offering team building ideas that people actually enjoy.https://bestcorporateevents.com/team-building/
Fund Raising Gala
"Fundraising galas are a more formal take on garden variety philanthropic events. Guests at this type of event include former donors, corporate sponsors, leaders within the community, board members, and perhaps a celebrity or two." (bizzabo.com)
Live events for the purpose of raising funds is a great way to help people connect with the cause. Speakers that provide valuable back-stories and examples of how the money will be used helps to increase giving. Additionally, the opportunity to ask questions of the leaders helps to dispel myths or misconceptions. Add to that the opportunity for there to be a competition between donors helps to increase the funds raised.
You may also want to consider a virtual component so that those who can't attend the event can still view presentations, ask questions and donate money.
Check out these 16 ideas for your next fund raising event.
Once you have created your event plan and determined your live events it will be time to loop in the experts in corporate event visuals.
E&E Exhibit Solutions is the boutique company to help you meet your marketing goals. We help you build brand awareness by creating successful corporate events.
For more ideas for your next corporate event, call the award-winning exhibit specialists at
E&E Exhibit Solutions.
