What a start to the year! CCC kicked off 2020 on the road at client events, and we feel like we’ve been recovering ever since. Whether you’re hosting an event or exhibiting at one, we picked up some important tips to make sure attendees remember you—in a good way.
Create an Immersive Experience
Experiential marketing is hot, because it invites your customers or attendees to become part of your brand experience. Instead of just telling attendees about your products or services, show how they can be used. Then, your customers or attendees will be able to picture themselves using your products or services—and understand why they need to buy. In today’s connected world, experiential spaces also provide a backdrop for selfies and Stories that will spread your brand’s message across social media.
The immersive experience you create will depend on your products and services, your budget and your brand’s story. What type of experience do customers expect from your brand? What benefits do your products and services deliver? How does your brand improve your customers’ lives?
Once you create a strategy, think about your budget. If budget isn’t an issue, go crazy! If you’re trying to operate on a smaller scale, think big in more creative ways. Instead of building a structure, create a space like basecamp did (pictured above) to showcase its outdoor and lifestyle products. Don’t be afraid to get creative! It’s amazing how you can transform a space when you think outside of the box (or booth or room).
3 Big (Affordable) Marketing Ideas for Your Small Business
Hosting an event? Seek sponsors to help with costs of experiential spaces. How can you incorporate the sponsor’s company or brand, so they see a return on their investment? Or partner with fellow companies or brands that make sense, so you can dream bigger together.
Always Be Educating
Explain how attendees can use your product or service in terms your audience understands. Perhaps you’ve come up with novel product applications someone wouldn’t think of from looking at your product, or there’s more than meets the eye. Demonstrations help showcase hidden or overlooked features, novel uses or complex services.
Can your products or services be bundled with others to create a more complete user experience? Show the finished kits or bundles to your attendees, so they can see it for themselves instead of trying to picture it. If your service is frequently used with other services, demo them together to show a more extensive solution to your guests. This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with companies that sell products and services that enhance yours to split costs and pursue larger opportunities.
Selling a complex solution to a business market where buyer’s journeys tend to be more complex? Events are the perfect opportunity to talk to buyers face-to-face or answer targeted follow-up questions after attendees watch a video or live demonstration. Drum up interest by scheduling appointments or meetings ahead of your event and offer incentives to do so. You’ll be assured a steady stream of prospective buyers instead of hoping that attendees will stop by. If possible, offer walk-in demos in order to take advantage of floor traffic. You could leave some time towards the end of the event for attendees who expressed interest onsite, even offering a last call group demonstration before answering questions one-on-one.
Offer Unexpected Value
Make your event memorable by offering value at every turn. Set the tone by welcoming attendees with a special surprise in their room or an event survival kit when they check in. Set up a relaxation station or recharge zone with a coffee bar, free WiFi, quick massages, seating areas, phone chargers, nature scenes/sounds and/or animals to play with. It’s amazing how puppies or llamas can lower your stress level!
4 Ways to Add More Fun (& Productivity) To Your Events
Sound out of your budget? Talk to a local animal shelter about bringing adoptable dogs to your event. The dogs will receive some love and attention, and the shelter will be able to show some of its animals, pass out its information and possibly even find some forever homes for its furry guests. Can’t build a Starbucks? Rent some Keurig machines so attendees can brew their own coffee. Look for a local massage school to work your event. The students will gain experience while they’re working toward their certifications, and schools are typically less expensive to work with than experienced professionals.
End your event with a celebration to remember, and tie it into your event theme. Sure, first impressions are important, but make sure attendees leave your event (or booth) on a good note. When attendees are enjoying themselves, they’ll get more out of your event—and spread the word about the wonderful experience they had. After all, what happens in Vegas now ends up all over social media!
Looking for help planning your next event? We can create a plan that works for you.
Event Feedback
What feature or amenity have you loved at an event?
How have you created an immersive experience for your guests or customers?
What tips would you add to make your event experience more memorable?
On the road again,
Jaime
Let’s chat (about your event needs, marketing ideas or when spring is coming):
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