You’ve selected the perfect location for your next conference, trade show, or meeting – maybe you selected it for the history, the culture, warm weather, or family activities. Now what can you do to bring the location into the conference experience?
With jam-packed programs, there isn’t always time for attendees to venture far from the venue, unless they come early or stay a few extra days after.
One option is to host an offsite event in keeping with the conference theme. While it may seem that this option can be more expensive or logistically challenging, local representatives are often eager to help you bring your coveted attendees to local sites and businesses.
For example, a conference on sustainability at a university venue in Cleveland, Ohio offered an evening tour of a sustainable brewery followed by tastings. Attendees were able to meet and network in a relaxed setting, and they also had an opportunity to see parts of the city, including the lake, while riding to and from the event.
If leaving the venue during the program just isn’t an option, then bring the location alive with onsite offerings.
Consider some of these options:
- Look for opportunities to tie the conference theme to the location. Invite the local businesses such as a brewery, a prominent local attraction, or even the areas natural resources to the venue. If you can’t get to them, bring them to your attendees.
- Regional cuisine can be served and sampled at planned meals and receptions – local seafood in coastal area, barbecue or Tex Mex in Texas. A little tip, be sure it’s authentic, try to avoid chains and truly “go local.”
- Have local musicians perform during the program – jazz in New Orleans, Native American flute in the southwest, country music in Nashville. Truly incorporate the sights, sounds, and tastes of the local culture into your planning and program. Attendees will be thrilled and excited to see where the next event will be held.
- Welcome your attendees, speakers and other guests the moment they walk in the venue door with the feel of the area. Bring decorations to registration and continue the vibe throughout the program and conference space. Get your attendees ready for your program by engaging their senses.
Your event is a valuable learning and networking experience. By bringing in the local tastes, sounds, and feel you will not only appeal to their interest, the real reason they are attending, but you will delight their senses as well. With some fun and creativity, you can bring many elements of your location history and culture to your attendees for a memorable conference experience.