Event planners from all walks of life are often given a straightforward task: “Make this event great!” As if you were planning on making it a catastrophe. This directive is issued from the top, either from internal leadership or the head of client organizations, and is the one and only thing that you’ll be judged by when it’s all said and done. But what does it really mean?
Greatness in the event space is defined by many as a smooth, crisp operation where everything goes according to plan. The shuttle busses don’t break down. A hurricane doesn’t force a last minute site relocation. The tuna tartar doesn’t cause a salmonella outbreak amongst the Australian delegation. But what event planners define as success, attendees and clients define as minimum expectations. Of course the food will be great. Of course everything will run smoothly. These are their baselines. And they will not wow them, nor help them define the event as great. So, what will?
Great memories based on unique moments.
This is the time to break out the goodie bag of unique vendors, unique venues, creative applications and user-friendly systems that will make each attendee feel like a king and queen. Who do you know in the area that can make these people sing, dance and laugh in a way they never have before? What app developers can put something together that will make each person feel like Steve Jobs – with the ability to change everything with the click of a button?
You have these folks in your rolodex – now it’s time to use them. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. No risk, no reward. And if you knock it out of the park with one of these new, creative approaches, your ability to put these events on will be synonymous with greatness. Then you’ll have a whole new set of challenges to continually outdo yourself. But that’s a great problem to have, and one we suspect you’d enjoy quite a bit.
Tell us about some of the great memories you’ve created at your events…
Such an interesting post!
I completely agree with you: “Great memories based on unique moments”, especially when they are captured at right moment!
My last great memories were created with family celebration 🙂