Revolutionizing Event Experiences in 2024
In our recent livestreamed conversation with Ron Graham of Willwork Global Event Services, key strategies emerged for revolutionizing event experiences.
Read on for Ron and the team from Gen City Labs insights into practical, actionable steps for event planners and marketers, including how to effectively integrate technology to enhance both in-person and virtual events.
“I would remind all the event planners, event producers, people in the industry…your primary job is to affect change. And the reason for that is that anytime that you’re getting people together to meet, there’s a cost to it. There needs to be a purpose to it…Whether that’s a profit, or a contribution to something charitable cause or if it’s simply adopting a new perspective…
How do you affect that change? That’s the challenge that requires both an art and a science and technology plays into that.
— Ron Graham
Embrace the Blend of Digital and Physical
Start viewing your digital and physical event elements as complementary, not competitive. Consider implementing creative technologies like AR and VR to add depth to physical experiences, or creating dynamic live-streaming experiences for virtual attendees that really make them feel like they’re part of the physical event, even if they’re a remote attendee.
Storytelling at the Core of Your Event Design
Develop a narrative for your event. Every aspect, from the registration to stage design, speaker lineup to meal breaks, should contribute to this overarching story. This approach transforms your event from a spectacle to an engaging, transformative journey that triggers the subconscious.
Utilizing AI for Enhanced Networking
In 2024, it’s time to explore AI-driven tools to facilitate effective networking. Event professionals should be preparing to invest in platforms that suggest connections based on shared interests or industry, making networking more intentional and meaningful.
Innovating with Emerging Technologies
Dedicating time to staying abreast of emerging technologies like blockchain or 5G and explore how they can be integrated into your events. These technologies are blank canvases that can be used in a plethora of ways, and having foundational understanding of them can enhance guest experiences or increase your bottom line.
Building Year-Round Communities
Many event planners are missing out on this key concept for growing their events. Use digital platforms to keep the conversation going post-event. Create online forums or social media groups where attendees can network, share ideas, and keep the event spirit alive throughout the year. Host small,regionalized meet-ups to foster key demographics. That core community becomes your evangelists on social media, participate in early-bird registration and are most inclined to bring a friend.
Designing for Transformational Experiences
Aim for each event element to evoke a change in the attendee — be it a new skill, a different perspective, or a valuable connection. Evaluate your event’s success on its transformative impact on attendees.
In summary: the goal is not just to impress your attendees but to leave them changed in some meaningful way.
To get in touch with our panelists, head to LinkedIn: Ron Graham; Mike Schaiman; MK Granados; Eric Arvai
Playback the livestreamed conversation:
About Gen City Labs: We’re a creative technology studio, crafting interactive experiences that captivate audiences and drive brand engagement. We collaborate with brands and agencies to bring their visions to life across both live and virtual channels. Our team of experts leverage the latest technologies to create showstopping storytelling within interactive pop-ups, activations, flagship retail, tradeshow booths, innovation centers and more. GCL is the trusted partner of choice for Fortune 500 brands and global agencies.
If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch at info@gencitylabs.io.
