While big name celebrities might draw media attention at company parties, a great event doesn’t require a famous face to be amazing and make an impact.
In fact, having a star on hand can pull away from the real star of the show – your product or brand.
That doesn’t mean it can’t work, but if you’re like most companies and on a budget, spending your cash to make an incredible experience for guests in other ways can be just as effective.
Here’s how:
Get A Good Fit First
Everything boils down to you and your customer in the end. When you’re thinking about your party or event, think about these two things first. Then, work that around your budget versus the other way around. This will better enable you to get a sense of what is going to make an impact and where to best save or spend.
When It Comes To Venue, Consider The Unexpected
I’ve been a to incredible events held at completely unexpected places. A benefit for a major charity was held on the patio of a gorgeous rented house where restrooms were in an empty pool house on the property to avoid any damage. Adjoining rented suites at chic hotels versus the traditional conference room can be much cozier and stylish.
Local parks with catered foods and wait staff can as cool as any venue. Lots of companies have held events at their offices with great success. L.A. based startup Eventup lists venues for rent to help work around issues like location, budget, etc.
Focus on the Details
It truly is the little things that make a difference, so get creative here. Not only will it have the potential to make an impact, it can be done inexpensively. Candy stations with a mix of treats in cool jars have been common at a lot of fashion industry parties.
Servers with drinks or snacks waiting for guests upon arrival, unique treats and good music are little things that can make a big impression. Balloons are trending in a big way.
Tape the strings of helium balloons in your company colors to the floor at various heights along a wall, or buy in unique shapes and fill with regular air, then scatter on the floor along the edges of the space you’re in.
Have Fun
A lot of companies are hosting events at places like bowling alleys, or creating themed parties such as mini-carnivals, pampering suites and other unique ideas. Local museums, theaters, and other places often allow rentals for comparable pricing to other event venues and can be as cool (if not more) impactful. If drinks, food and seating areas aren’t provided, be sure to ask and accommodate on your end.
Do A Party Favor Or Goodie Bag
Everybody loves a little takeaway or something special. Party favors or goody bags can be easy to do and inexpensive. It doesn’t take an abundance of free items or anything elaborate. Something small that says ‘thanks for joining us,’ like a conversation heart cookie custom with your logo on it or some other schwag can do the trick.
Be Sure To Get Contacts
If you’re doing something that is not invitation only, like a party at a trade show or crawl event, have something on hand that captures attendee contacts such as business cards or emails.
For example, check-in at the door requiring a business card or sign in before entry, or getting take away schwag, can help you snap up attendee details from those on hand. Holding a contest that requires a registration can also work.
Patricia Handschiegel is the founder of Condiment, a digital magazine and marketplace about living a stylish life through little details.