How do we Have FUN at this point???
Until recently I had not done any of the virtual “fun” events work related.
Someone had asked me about them, so when Joy Jansen, CEM invited me to the South West IAEE event I jumped on---and had so much fun!
This was centered around food (and drink!). They sent a shopping list for both, including ingredients and tools and equipment you would need. No directions, just ingredients. Although I did not get to run out and get it beforehand I enjoyed the lesson both from the bar, and the kitchen! Chef Trees, from Esther’s Kitchen in Las Vegas, taught us not only how to make Rigatoni Carbonara, but so much history behind it. An example is this is a basic, salt of the earth type food—it was created for very hungry miners, with what was standard supplies in any Italian kitchen. What he emphasized is that we should make it with what we had—that’s the idea behind these basic foods. The chat and video interaction was great, and some people were actually cooking it as they went along and showed pictures of theirs at the end.
That inspired me to make it the next night ---with what we had on hand which included whole wheat pasta and turkey bacon. I took his directions to heart and here is a picture! And it was simple and awesome---of course pasta is one of my favorites.
Then a few days ago I was on a Trivia competition with MPI-NJ and Caesar’s. They have a cool app (web based) that you download to use and they have all different topics they can do. There were about 20-25 of us on the Zoom call, the questions were read to us, the options for answers popped up on our phones, we chose and got points based on accuracy and time. No teams so super easy. ( I came in second if you are interested—knowing the translation of the word “karaoke” helps.) Good option for industry associations getting together.
Do I think there are things out there we can do with our clients, customers, and members? Yes.
Before you start booking one, know…wait for it…what are your
goals and objectives
? Just like any event, if you build it with strategy it will be more successful.
Y
ou have probably seen posts where meetings and events have sent out “gift boxes” or as part of the experience---champagne classes for celebrations, food, books and other learning materials, swag, games, toys…everything. And doesn’t everyone love to get a present? How may of you have gotten overly excited in the past 3 months when the mail carrier, UPS, FedEx, Amazon who someone else, delivered a package to you? They are always fun, but now so much more.
Associations Now wrote this article on subscription boxes taking the place of some member benefits that people would normally get in person---with associations it is so important to maintain that relationship.
It is also a key way to retain clients, and possibly attract new ones. You can create your own boxes and/or subscriptions, or there are many options out there. The promotional products company I work with, will custom design, pack and ship for you.
A couple of months ago I wanted to send thank yous to a team who supported me through my first virtual keynote. It happened to be three men, and I just was not feeling the cookie/candy/flower choices were the best. This one showed up on my Instagram and I ended up using them--Soft pretzels with gourmet salts that you bake at home! I haven’t tried it personally yet, but those who go it said it was fun and good ---which are two of the important elements!
Can’t afford a gift box? One of my favorite card options is Send Out Cards. So easy and so personalized. Here is the link of the person I use, but you can go directly to their site too.
Message me and let me know what fun (or not and why---we can learn) virtual events you have been part of!
