Many meeting planners want to add a “wow” factor to their events that not only makes them unique, but also further engages their attendees. One of the best ways to create an event that will impress is to hold it at a unique off-site location. Consider an alternative approach to your typical meeting and plan an event that will be remembered for years to come.
One of the goals of any meeting planner is simply to encourage attendees to make the trip and attend the meeting. With an intriguing and appealing off-site event on the agenda, you are sure to ramp up the excitement and increase interest among attendees, thus increasing attendance.
There are numerous unique venues to consider, no matter where your event is located. Perhaps your event is in Las Vegas, Nevada, and you treat attendees to an experience at the Sphere. Or maybe you are in New York City, and you reserve a dinner or networking event at the Empire State Building. If your event is going to be held in London, suggest a museum, such as the National Gallery, or in Abu Dhabi, visit the unique theme park, Ferrari World. The possibilities are endless, and with special experiences weaved into your event agenda, it’s sure to help encourage attendees to make the trip.
One of the keys to a successful meeting is to have your attendees fully engaged in the daily and nightly events. An off-site event can help energize attendees and get them excited about experiencing a new, fun setting.
Giving attendees something to look forward to that is a special element to your program can help generate buzz around your entire event and encourage them to attend all activities on the agenda, even if they are optional. When attendees look forward to a unique experience, they are likely to share it with others, further boosting engagement around your event.
No matter how lovely the host property is, rarely do attendees like to be cooped up in the same place day after day. An off-site event adds some much-needed variety to your attendees’ visit. After a long day of meetings or conferences, an off-site event is a great way to allow attendees to relax and have some fun.
Changing the scenery of your event can also help eliminate distractions and encourage attendees to be more focused on your program. Finally, offering a novel location can promote networking, get the creative juices flowing, and may entice attendees to think outside of their typical box.
Provide an off-site experience that attendees can’t get at home or at the host property, and they’ll be talking about your event long after it’s over. For example, if your meeting is in California, send your attendees to one of the many theme parks, such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland Park, or Universal Studios Hollywood. Visiting a theme park is an easy and fun way to get attendees excited and add a “wow” factor to your agenda.
A successful off-site event should leave attendees feeling energized and inspired. Allowing your attendees to create unique memories will help ensure they remember the event for years to come and may even give them a fresh outlook for when they return to the office.
Another way to incorporate off-site activities into your meeting agenda can be through volunteering. Many organizations offer hands-on opportunities for attendees to get involved in giving back. Explore organizations in your event’s city to see if there are any local charities that resonate with you and your attendees.
Off-site volunteering activities may include trash cleanups, packing of supply kits, meal deliveries, animal shelter volunteering, and more. These types of activities not only give your attendees a change of scenery, but also make a difference in local communities.
While off-site venues can be a great asset to your meeting agenda and there are numerous benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your event. Remember to avoid completely filling your attendees’ daily agenda. This will facilitate a better balance and ensure attendees don’t get burnt out during your meeting.
In addition, choose an off-site venue that successfully correlates to your meeting and agenda. Whether it’s fun, networking, relaxation, or teambuilding, ensure your off-site venue has a clear and measurable objective that ties to the overall goals of your meeting.
Hotel ballroom cocktail receptions and appetizers by the pool are great, but why settle for surroundings that attendees can find anywhere when you can hold an off-site event that will be a part of your history forever? Keep the “wow” factor in mind as you plan your next event and you are sure to create buzz, excitement, and lasting memories.