Event Planning In 2020 – Everything You Need To Know
Event Planning in 2020 isn’t much different than what it was ten years ago – There’s still a great deal of coordinating and creativity that needs to go into each event, but now we also have the amazing power to share our experiences through social media. Events are experiences that we can now virtually share with others! For the sake of keeping this article refined to one industry of events, we will be focusing on how marketing techniques are utilized in the event planning process. So, what does event planning entail? Why are events the go-to marketing strategy for companies? Well, scroll no further as we have the answers for you!
The What
Events are a fun, immersive experience for your guests/ clients to enjoy. Think of an event as a commercial that will leave a lasting impression on your clientele. Being able to associate your product and brand with a great experience is a surefire way to keep a solid relationship going between you and your clients. Between the themed drinks and hors d’oeurves, the entertainment and product placement throughout the event – These are all creative ways to keep you consistently on your client’s mind.
Now, in 2020, we can keep the guest counts of events at a rational number, but still invite others in to experience what your guests are – Aside from those delicious cocktails and dessert bites, of course! We’re now able to livestream events and utilize marketing on a whole new level with Instagram posts that mimic print ads. Essentially, you’re broadcasting a marketing launch through social media platforms and encompassing millions of viewers to your event.
The Why
Why have events? Why deal with the stress of planning and coordinating every little minuscule detail when you can just do print ads and commercials for your marketing strategy? Well, it’s 2020, we are CONSTANTLY being blasted with ads and marketing as we aimlessly scroll through social media, so marketing teams need to liven things up a bit! Instead of having one model or brand ambassador reading a generic script, events can have hundreds of genuine ambassadors spread the word about their product or brand.
Consumers resonate with a human approach to marketing and want to be in on what’s trendy and cool, so when they can dive into events from the comfort of their own homes through social media, they’re no longer missing out – FOMO (fear of missing out) is a real thing, so having events that can utilize the technologies of 2020 to engage people worldwide is a way to keep people a part of the fun!
The Where & The When
The where and the when aspects of an event work together in harmony when it comes to planning.
Location, location, location! Where you decide to throw your event is a very important aspect to take into account when planning. What are you promoting and how can the space affect the theme you’re setting? Similarly, in real estate when purchasing a home, you have to take a lot of pieces into consideration – Will the space fit the guest count? Is there parking or valet? And when will all of this excitement take place – springtime sunshine to launch that floral perfume or a winter wonderland to showcase your new line of faux fur coats? When and where you decide to promote your event is imperative, as you want to make sure it’s convenient enough for a majority of your guests and it does not collide with another major event that could be competing for your guest’s attention.
One example that comes to mind showcasing both of the above elements, is the Tom Ford fashion show in LA right before NYFW – This shook the fashion industry and showcased a fun, eccentric vibe that went against the grain. That being said, Ford having his LA show the weekend of the Oscars was also a smart maneuver as a lot of his VIP guests would already be in that area during that time.
The “where” and “when” of event planning in 2020 is when the logistical back and forth comes into play with breaking into the foundational organization. These two facets matter a great deal, so being able to culminate an event with these two driving the ship will bring forward a successful event!
The Who
Now, to get more into the nitty gritty – When it comes to event planning in 2020, we often think of the intricate decorations and the delectable hors d’oeurves, but one overlooked asset that brings an event together is the people working it! You can have the most lavish event and if your staff are not top-tier workers that match the stunning esthetic, then all the innate details won’t be acknowledged.
Think of times when you’re at a restaurant – The ambiance is gorgeously lit, the food tastes better than anything you have ever had, but the service you receive is beyond sub-par. You’re not going to be completely enveloped in the wonderful attributes that that restaurant has to offer because the servers and staff of the place didn’t meet the expectations of the rest of the establishment. The same goes with events – If you don’t have an event staff that makes you feel taken care of, then you’re missing a key element.
Bartenders, servers, and tray passers do more than just make drinks and deliver food, they offer a friendly face to make you feel welcome – They can turn a glamorous event into something more personable for their guests and yet, they’re also the element that is typically planned last. Without a hardworking team of servers, managers, and other behind-the-scenes staff, the success of an event would fall flat.
These people are running and problem-solving behind the scenes and then walking out into the party with a content smile on their faces engaging with guests ensuring things are running smoothly. It’s the analogy of a swan floating on water – Underneath the surface, the swan’s feet are paddling like crazy to move forward, and yet above the water, the swan appears serene and as if it’s floating – That’s events at their core.
Book Your Next Event With Runway Waiters
With the advancements of 2020 on your side, events don’t have to be what you used to think of them as. Ensure that you find a creative event coordinator who knows how to integrate all of the above into your special marketing endeavor. Looking for a professional staff to represent your next upscale event? Book an event with us today!