Over the last 18 months, how we deliver events has shifted dramatically. Event organizers have had to throw out their budgeting plans and sort out new ways of understanding the costs and benefits of their event spend. We’ve seen a lot of change and have helped our clients navigate this shift over the last two years. As we look to the future, change is not going to subside. Understanding how to budget new formats and content delivery will go a…
With the easing of lockdown restrictions and reopening of borders worldwide, hybrid events are expected to return in a big way. In fact, a new research study revealed 58 per cent of organizers are running hybrid events in 2021, and another 17 per cent have already committed to do so in 2022. That same study showed organizers are feeling confident about the return of in-person events, with 71 per cent saying their attendees expressed readiness in meeting face-to-face this year.…
Even before COVID-19, event organizers had a laundry list of items to tackle when planning an event. The pandemic has added a whole new host of considerations to ensure the health and safety of all involved. As someone who always strives to learn new things, challenge ideas and provide value to our events team and clients, I decided late last year to pursue Pandemic Meeting and Event Design certification. Developed by the Event Leadership Institute in partnership with Meeting Professionals International, the…
Online events, specifically webinars, have seen immense changes over the past 18 months with the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief among them has been the increase in the number of people and businesses who now see how webinars can be used to engage prospects, delight customers and communicate with the world at large. But which webinar platform should you be using? There has never been more choice, which only adds to the confusion of selecting the right one. Before you move ahead, consider your…
A recently published study by EventMB found an overwhelming majority of event organizers (81 per cent) believe they have to design and execute separate, dedicated experiences for in-person and remote audiences when hosting a hybrid event. Fortunately, with the right production technology and expertise, you don’t have to plan two separate events when going hybrid. Here’s how. Focus on Content Hybrid formats allow you to produce one event with two outputs. Take Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The five-day event…
With provinces in various stages of re-opening, in-person events have resumed in some parts of the country. Now is the time to turn everyday people into purchasers and reward loyal customers. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by implementing a brand ambassador marketing strategy. But how do you find brand ambassadors and promotional staff? To start, connect with a staffing agency. At their very core, a staffing agency is a company that provides its clients with…
In a matter of days, the Alberta government will lift all remaining COVID-19 public health restrictions that have been in place for most of the pandemic. As of Aug. 16, masks will be completely optional except in certain settings like acute care or continuing care facilities, and people who test positive for COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine anymore. Isolation hotels and quarantine support will also no longer be available and by month’s end, COVID-19 tests will only be…
Creating an event budget can be challenging. After all, there is a lot to consider. In addition to necessary costs like the venue and event staff, you want to allow for unexpected expenses, hidden fees that will undoubtedly crop up and an emergency fund. Here are eight tips to help you prepare for the unknowns and set your event up for success. 1. Identify Goals and Primary KPIs Budgeting for your event usually occurs after the main objectives have been…
As hybrid models gather momentum, many event planners are becoming increasingly concerned about one issue that has no clear answer: pricing. Here are five key questions to help you determine how to price your next hybrid event. 1. What is the hybrid event makeup? When producing a hybrid event that combines in-person and virtual attendees, you can choose where to place the emphasis on pricing. This will be determined in part by your communications strategy and what level of profit,…
As pandemic restrictions continue to lift, many trade shows are committed to returning to in-person operations. This is exciting not just for attendees but also exhibitors. There is a lot to coordinate before you hit the show floor for your next big event. Given it has been quite some time since large face-to-face gatherings have been allowed, this guide provides a refresher to make the experience seamless and minimize stress. It’s also a great tool for first-time exhibitors. Pre-Show In…
