Understanding Gen Z’s Perspective on In-Person Experiences:
Contrary to assumptions about their digital dependence, Gen Z consumers highly value in-person interactions. Vogue Business reports that 74% of Gen Z individuals prioritize real-life experiences over digital ones, a significant shift from the preferences of millennials. This insight lays a crucial foundation for reimagining event production strategies that resonate with Gen Z’s desire for authentic, tangible engagements.

Event Production Strategy 1: Elevating In-Person Experiences
In light of Gen Z’s preference for physical experiences, event production professionals must prioritize creating immersive and memorable live events. Incorporating sensory elements, interactive activities, and unique spaces can enhance the overall impact and appeal of in-person gatherings. By crafting experiences that stimulate all senses, we can captivate Gen Z attendees and leave a lasting impression.

Event Production Strategy 2: Fusion of Digital and Physical Worlds
While Gen Z values in-person experiences, their digital fluency remains unparalleled. Event production must strike a balance by integrating digital components seamlessly into live events. From interactive displays and AR/VR experiences to social media activations and live streaming, leveraging technology enhances engagement and extends event reach beyond physical boundaries.

Event Production Strategy 3: Authenticity and Personalization
Gen Z consumers crave authenticity and personalized interactions. Event planners should prioritize authenticity in branding, content, and messaging to build genuine connections with this discerning audience. Tailoring event experiences to individual preferences, from curated content tracks to customized networking opportunities, fosters a sense of exclusivity and relevance for Gen Z attendees.

Event Production Strategy 4: Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The Vogue Business article highlights Gen Z’s emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. Event production can align with these values by implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting charitable causes, and showcasing brands with ethical commitments. Incorporating sustainability initiatives into event design and operations resonates with Gen Z’s environmental consciousness and enhances event credibility.

Event Production Strategy 5: Multi-Sensory Experiences
To engage Gen Z effectively, event production must embrace multi-sensory experiences. Utilizing elements like scent branding, tactile interactions, live performances, and culinary delights enhances emotional connections and creates memorable moments. By appealing to multiple senses, events become immersive journeys that leave a lasting impact on attendees.

Event Production Strategy 6: Data-Driven Insights and Agility
Lastly, data-driven insights and agility are paramount in event production for Gen Z audiences. Leveraging analytics, feedback mechanisms, and real-time monitoring enables event planners to adapt quickly, optimize experiences, and meet evolving preferences. Flexibility and responsiveness to attendee feedback are key in creating dynamic and relevant events for Gen Z consumers.

Conclusion: Embracing Gen Z’s Influence in Event Production
As event production professionals, we must embrace Gen Z’s influence and adapt our strategies to align with their preferences and values. By prioritizing in-person experiences, leveraging digital innovations, fostering authenticity, championing sustainability, crafting multi-sensory journeys, and leveraging data-driven insights, we can create impactful events that resonate with Gen Z attendees. Let’s harness the power of Gen Z’s consumer insights to elevate the art of event production and create meaningful connections in the ever-evolving landscape of live experiences.

This blog post dives deep into the nuances of Gen Z’s impact on event production, offering actionable strategies and insights for crafting engaging and relevant events for this influential demographic. Learn more about the work we’re doing here.

The post Unraveling Gen Z’s Impact on Event Production appeared first on The Jenelle Group.

The start of a new year means fresh beginnings. For a business, this can involve rebranding organizational values, hiring more employees, launching in new markets or opening a new location. The new year can also mean planning out your business’s corporate events such as fundraising galas or company awards. 

A big part of ensuring you have successful events is picking the right venue. Whether it be local or global, choosing top event venues will let you give your attendees a brand experience they won’t forget. To help narrow your search, here are 2023’s top and upcoming global venues for corporate events.

The Globe & Mail Event Centre | Toronto, Canada

Let’s begin with 2023’s top global venues with The Globe & Mail Event Centre. Located just outside of downtown Toronto, this space is perfect for any business looking to give its next corporate event a sophisticated and modern look. The setting provides attendees with a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline, which includes the iconic CN Tower.

Located on the top floors of Canada’s leading news organization, not only does this hall work for in-person events but for those looking to host virtual functions. If you want to showcase presentations, trade shows, or conferences, the venue has the technology to provide a one-of-a-kind online experience for your guests.

Canopy by Hilton | Toronto, Canada

Making its grand debut on January 24, 2023 Canopy by Hilton will have its first location in Canada. Soon to be opening in Toronto Yorkville, this location will provide 184 guest rooms, 34 premium Canopy rooms, and 11 suites. For a business looking for a place where guests from different cities or countries can relax and be close to any meetings or conferences, then this location is built for you.

This top event venue will be home to some of the best restaurants and cafes around, like Dia and Virtu Social House. In addition to delicious food, wellness areas such as a yoga studio and a gym are available to help your guests de-stress from long days. With natural light and terrace space in meeting rooms, your attendees can enjoy collaborative corporate events hosted by you. 

The Vasper | New York City, U.S.

Looking for a place to host a casual corporate event with delicious food and wine, then The Vasper is the restaurant for you. Located on Park Avenue in New York City, this restaurant pays homage to fine dining in New York. In their modern space, The Vasper gives its diners a simple and clean experience with dishes such as seared halibut, oysters, or beef tartare.

As one of New York’s top event venues, the location of the restaurant gives you a chance to show off some of the city’s famous landmarks, like the Empire State Building and Times Square. This venue will be a big hit at your upcoming event if you want a night full of laughs and tasty food in one of the cities that never sleeps.

Hall des Lumières | New York City, U.S.

Let your guests get lost in the world of art and technology in the Hall des Lumières. Built between 1902 and 1912 in the traditional Beaux-Arts style, the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank is a prominent site in New York City. Within this historic building is the Hall des Lumières, a multi-sensory experience powered by video canvases.

This top event venue is completely transformed with various backdrops and cutting-edge technology that stimulates your senses with light and sound projected on walls and floors. Combining modern design and technology, this space is perfect for hosting cocktail parties, wellness getaways, or celebrating the launch of upcoming products.

Villa Inkognito’s Sommerro | Oslo, Norway

A year-round destination with sweeping views over Frogner and the Norwegian capital, Sommerro is another one of our favourite top event venues for 2023. Located in the heart of Frogner in Oslo, Norway, Sommerro boasts a library, a small private cinema, and the city’s first rooftop pool, sauna and terrace. Additional amenities include a living room, dining room, library, and meeting areas.

When hosting a getaway for your employees or other stakeholders, your attendees will be able to enjoy the perks of the villa and the services offered at Sommerro, such as meeting rooms and event spaces.

Veles e Vents | Valencia, Spain

Finally, we have Veles a Vents. Located at the edge of the Balearic Sea in Valencia Spain, this modern building embodies the Mediterranean. This iconic site not only offers a picturesque view of the sea but also has award-winning fine-dining restaurants. When it comes to hosting events, this spot will give you nothing but the best.

From indoor space to outdoor space that can be covered or semi-covered your events will be a hit among your guests. Whether you’re planning a product launch or a conference, the venue has equipment like audiovisual screens to make it happen. Lastly, Veles a Vents gives you the chance to host team-building activities like sailing. This is a great location if you are looking to host team retreats, social gatherings, or major corporate events.

When planning your corporate events for the year take the time to find venues that will give your attendees a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Let your events help tell your brand story.

To make this process easier, our experts at The Jenelle Group are here to help. From offsite retreats to conferences to social gatherings, we are prepared to ensure your future corporate events are top-notch. Our team will source, conduct analytics for different venues and do on-site visits.

To learn more about the services we offer and how The Jenelle Group can help you choose a venue that’s the right fit for your brand and your event, contact us today.

Featured image of The Globe and Mail Centre courtesy of Daniel et Daniel

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ROI (return on investment) is part of analytics that can be used to understand different aspects of a business. For example, you might use it to see how your audience behaves, or to set benchmarks for future strategies. 

For a business to flourish, each aspect of it must contribute to positive returns, including corporate events. But how do you get ROI from your event? Whether you are hosting a virtual, hybrid, or in-person function, here are 5 ways to get ROI from the next event your company holds.

Before You Begin: State Your Goals

Before you begin to learn how to get ROI from your upcoming event, you’ll first need to figure out how you’re going to measure it. Take the time to consider why you’re hosting the engagement and what KPIs you’ll need to track. 

There may be a variety of reasons for your business to host, including the following:

Brand Awareness

When you’re planning an event to increase brand awareness, monitor social media engagement or brand recognition after the occasion. You can also track website traffic or branded swag given during the function.

Lead Generation and Sales

For events aimed at generating leads and/or sales, measure how many people inquire about a product or the number of new customers you gain. 

Education

When the event is for educational purposes, look at the number of sessions participants have signed up for and their engagement level throughout the program. 

Revenue 

If you want to track the revenue earned from an event, track the number of tickets sold, the number of new customers you have acquired, or sponsorship revenue.

5 Ways to Get Return on Investment

Once goals and KPIs have been set, measuring the ROI of a program becomes simpler and clearer.

Now let’s look at how your organization can get ROI from its next event.

Market and Plan in Advance

Any event, whether it be virtual, hybrid, or in-person, has the potential to reach a broad audience. Simply put, the more people that attend your event, the greater your return on investment. 

The key to increasing registration is to start marketing the event in advance. There are several ways this can be done, including:

• Creating a dedicated event landing page that includes all relevant details 
• Advertising the event on your organization’s social media, website, and newsletter. 
• Getting in touch with industry influencers and doing cross-content collaborations such as giveaways. 
• Building content like blogs, videos, and/or ads that will be valuable to your audience. This will help you build trust with your followers and establish yourself as an industry leader.

Charge For Your Event 

A simple yet effective way to get ROI from your event is to host a paid event. Your ticket price should reflect the value the audience gets from attending, along with covering your business expenses.

One way to increase sales and add urgency to your event is by creating a sales ladder/plan. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Offer early bird or group discounts. Your customers will appreciate this because it will allow them to purchase tickets early and encourage them to spread the word. 

• Have ticket tiers. A tiering system is a simple way to let you create various access levels at different prices. For example, top-tier tickets can give customers access to exclusive meet-and-greets, whereas bottom-tier tickets can give them branded swag. With this method, your shoppers can attend the event within their budgets and/or according to their needs. 
• Promote any well-known speakers or influencers that your audience may know, inviting them to register for the event.

Secure Sponsorship Deals  

Whether your event is in-person or virtual, sponsors are key. They can boost your brand’s credibility and bring in new shoppers. Additionally, they can help lower your business’ costs when planning such events. Through sponsors, you can have the ability to invest in other aspects like accommodations for your attendees, a larger venue, or creating PR kits.

One way to win over sponsors is by telling them about how they’ll get exposure and awareness for their brand through your event. For example, you can add their logo to your event banner and create digital advertisements for the event. Encourage them to give attendees swag bags or put together customized backgrounds.

Maximize Participant Data

Take advantage of technology and maximize participant data. Consider using various tools or methods to gather useful information about your participants for building relationships and setting up sales calls. Some data you can try to collect is:   

• Attendee personal information and preferences
• Demographics 
• The sessions they attended
• Registration vs attendance 
• Did they participate in sessions? 
• Did they visit any booths? 

Details like this can help you figure out what worked and how you can make your event better next time. Information like this can be useful to help segment your audience into groups such as those who liked it, those who didn’t, and those who could be persuaded. In addition, live feedback can be used to create real-time or future changes to the program. 

Repurpose Content

Don’t be afraid to repurpose content. If used strategically, an event that you have hosted can bring in returns even after it has ended. You can do this in a few ways:

• Share recordings of the event with attendees so they can revisit the session at their leisure. 
• Turn some sessions into gated content. Ask your participants for their email, then give them to access certain content. Furthermore, this will give you a list of leads that can be used for future events.
• Use the content from this event to promote any business functions in the future. 

Whether you want to host an event online, or in person, our team of experts here at The Jenelle Group can help you get ROI for your next business function.

From setting goals to finding sponsors to coordinating speakers, we’re here to make sure your event is a success. To learn more about how The Jenelle Group can assist you in getting ROI for your upcoming event contact us here.

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2023 is undoubtedly the year events are coming back with a bang. However, integrating digital into your in-person event is the best way to ensure your event will exceed attendees’ expectations.

As a result, event planners like The Jenelle Group are prepared to expertly manage these interactions for clients. Our mission is to provide experiential creative and event solutions for brands and agencies worldwide.

Here are seven ways The Jenelle Group can expertly integrate digital into your in-person event in 2023.

#1. Use a QR code system for event check-in and registration

QR codes are the perfect tool for streamlining event check-in and registration, and these days, it’s how people are expecting to turn up and navigate your event.

Gone are the days of waiting in long queues with physical tickets that need plentiful numbers of staff to check over and confirm. 

QR codes are a safe, fast, and efficient alternative when it comes to capturing vital data while providing a modern and convenient user experience. But don’t think this is a simple entry pass – they can do so much more.

• QR codes help reduce lines and avoid the hassle of manually processing attendees
• Track when attendees arrive in real-time, helping you monitor numbers precisely
• Log any payments or donations made at the event
• Make it easier to track everyone in case of an emergency

All of this combined means greater security for everyone attending your events. What’s more, setting up a QR system takes next-to-no time to set up; all you need is some software, and you’re good to go!

#2. Create an app for your event that includes a schedule, map, and social media integration

Planning a successful event can be tough – one of the most important tasks is ensuring all your guests have easy access to the vital information they need throughout the day. 

Otherwise, you need staff set up all over your event to fill people in on the schedule, who’s talking when, when the special events are, and where everything is. The larger your event, the more problems this can cause.

Instead, creating an app for your event that includes a schedule, map and social media integration makes things much easier. 

Your guests will have up-to-date info, such as changes to the timetable or location, and when the food’s being served, right in their pocket, with no complicated instructions to follow. If there are any changes along the way, you can send a push notification to ensure everyone’s on the same page.

Plus, an app allows attendees to link their favourite accounts, easily sharing your event’s activities on social media and keeping everyone updated in real-time! 

Fewer headaches when it comes to planning an event? Count us in!

#3. Live stream or recorded sessions for those who can’t attend in person

Livestreaming and playing recorded sessions for those who can’t attend in person is a great way to stay up to date with the latest developments in any given field. Nowadays, many people expect this from an event, and it’s a great way to take your event to a global level.

For working professionals, being able to access content whenever they have time can be incredibly helpful, even if it means attending an event virtually. 

Live streams and pre-recorded sessions also remove any distance barriers that may have previously been present. 

Digital events put the entire world at your fingertips, meaning anyone can attend, no matter where they’re based. They are also useful for those who may not feel comfortable attending in person, providing a limitless platform for learning and growth. 

Overall, live streams or recorded sessions offer many benefits for everyone involved!

#4. Use drones to capture your event space

Okay, if you’re looking to add a bit of pizzazz to your event, why not get a drone or two in to capture the joys of the day from a new and exciting angle?

Using drones to capture aerial footage of your event space is an incredibly exciting way to document your event. 

Not only will you be able to capture stunning visuals from a unique perspective, but you can also showcase your venue in all its glory from the skies above. This is absolutely perfect for having promotional content for marketing the event the following year.

The footage captured will provide an impressive demonstration of scale and will allow viewers to gain an appreciation for the intricate details of your event space that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 

Furthermore, it’s a cost-effective way to make sure you have the best shot possible!

You only have to watch drone footage from a music event to see exactly how the final product feels.

#5. Use digital services to streamline sign-up campaigns

Digital services are quickly becoming a must-have for businesses and organizations looking to streamline their sign-up campaigns. This is all before the event has even started, and anyone who’s organized an event before will know how painful it can be to handle everyone’s queries and the sign-up process manually.

Digitizing and automating everything saves you time, but it can also make the process more efficient. For example, online forms and automated emails simplify the process of receiving contact information from users and make it easier to store and access data quickly. 

Plus, digital tools like CRM integration and segmentation allow you to learn more about your customer base and target your marketing campaigns more effectively. By taking advantage of these powerful digital services, sign-up campaigns can be completed in less time with better results.

#6. Offer live translation services using state-of-the-art tech

Hosting an event with international speakers or attendees can be difficult, but with state-of-the-art technology, offering live translation services to bridge any language barrier has never been easier. 

With just the touch of a button, every word spoken in real-time will be translated, so everyone in attendance is able to experience the same meaningful discussion, no matter what language it’s spoken in. 

To ensure you’re making the most of the technology available to you, hiring a qualified technician to operate and manage the tech equipment during your event is strongly recommended. 

Empower yourself and your guests by providing a platform for communication regardless of geography or native tongue. Invest in modern technology to offer live translation services and make sure everyone can participate in all aspects of your event.

#7. Make use of hologram technology

This tip might seem a little out there and crazy, and you may be struggling to even think of ways that you could use hologram technology in your upcoming event. 

However, this tech is becoming more versatile than ever, and it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a great way to give your event an extra wow factor. 

From product demonstrations and marketing campaigns to displaying 3D visuals of speakers – holograms can take any event to the next level. Not only do they create an immersive experience for attendees, but they also provide greater engagement through their interactive elements. 

Furthermore, this type of technology is relatively easy to deploy and cost-effective, making it an excellent option for those looking to add some extra spark to their event. With holograms, the possibilities are endless! 

Integrate digital into your in-person event

Technology continues to evolve, giving us new and more efficient ways to share content with event attendees. 

From in-app polls and surveys to live-streaming content, opportunities for integrating technology into your event are endless. Not only will it provide an immense benefit regardless of the size of your space — it can also help you build new relationships and strengthen existing ones by taking advantage of modern networking platforms. 

Looking to bring your upcoming event to life?

The team at The Jenelle Group are seasoned event management professionals who have a wealth of experience when it comes to creating hybrid experiences. We strive for excellence when it comes to delighting our clients and exceeding expectations.

Contact us today if you want to integrate digital into your next in-person event. Our specialty is executing authentic, diverse, and industry-leading virtual and in-person brand experiences.

The post How to Expertly Integrate Digital into Your In-person Event in 2023 appeared first on The Jenelle Group.

Corporate events are essential to a business. Events such as executive offsites, luncheons and company retreats help maintain, build and create lasting relationships that are key when it comes to the growth of an organization.

Hosting such functions allows you to strengthen ties with clients, partners, and employees. It can be used to show off a company’s achievements, demonstrate corporate values, and/or launch upcoming products.

Many companies host corporate events throughout the year, each with its own style. But how can you turn your next corporate event into an annual affair?

Choose a Venue That is Easy to Access

When it comes to event planning, picking a location is key because it will help you bring your vision to life, making you stand out. Though it might be tempting to select a location based on positive reviews or knowing that it may become popular, we don’t recommend it. In order to turn your next corporate event into an annual affair, choose a site that matches the purpose of your event. If you are hosting an in-person event, we recommend picking a venue that is central and convenient for most of your attendees. 

However, don’t forget about the possibility of turning your event into a hybrid or virtual annual conference. With either option, those who are unable to attend the event in person will have the chance to participate. In addition, this will give you to invite more people.

Give Your Attendees an Immersive Experience

If you have attended corporate events before, you know business events are not always about high-end venues. Attendees like to share their experiences during the function as well. To turn your next corporate event into an annual affair, it’s important to make your event stand out from the crowd.

One way to do this is by giving your audience an immersive experience. Using this method can help build brand credibility and customer loyalty. An immersive experience can be created through music, art, fashion, or even unseen technology. Remember, don’t oversell your product or brand. The more positive comments there are during and after an event, the more successful it is seen.

Engage Your Audience in a Unique Manner 

Maximize the engagement of your attendees through all their senses. Try to create an event that touches all their senses, not just one. Surprise people through great food, decor that matches/speaks to the brand, and by having branded merchandise. You can also have booths set up for customers to learn about different sponsors or get photographers to take fun photos you can use to promote future events. 

Make it Easy on Your Attendees from Start to Finish

Simplify things for your participants from start to finish. This can mean streamlining the experience by setting up a landing page with all the information about the event and a simple method to register. Keep communication channels easy and accessible such as posting everything on your organization’s social media or sending out information through emails. Have an online platform ready for those who can’t attend the event in person.

Trigger Emotions to Create a Memorable Event  

Go the extra mile to turn your next corporate event into an annual affair, and build an event that will have an emotional impact on your participants. Though it may not seem significant, however, it can play a substantial part in your event. Think of the event as a story you’re trying to tell. If you tell the story right, there will be a singular moment that connects with your audience emotionally. Having this moment can make your event stand out for them.

Showcase Your Company’s Branding Relationships

Business events are excellent advertising opportunities. Like any promotional opportunity, they can help build credibility when it comes to a brand, or attract new clients who are mid-search for something new. Take the time to showcase your business relationships, such as the influencers you have worked with or other well-known leaders within your industry.

Make Your Event A Place to Make Connections

When you are hosting an event, you are not just representing your brand but giving people the opportunity to network. Therefore, it is key to plan and invite your business partners, loyal customers, and special guests together. Create time and space at your event for people to learn and connect with each other. 

Maximize on All Your Social Channels 

Every corporate event needs social media hype before, during, and after it. Make people aware of what they’re missing out on. There are lots of easy ways this can be achieved:

• Create rich and informative content about your event
• Reach out to industry leaders and get them to support your event
• Get clients and attendees to post on social media that they’re attending
• Create hashtags
• Have people share their experiences during the event
• Reshare tagged content on your business’s social media channels. 
• Live stream parts of the function
• Build activities throughout the event encouraging attendees to share the event in real-time

With a rich immersive experience, attendees will be encouraged to share their thoughts related to the event through social media or other communication methods.

Keep the Annual Event Fresh

Keep the annual event you host fresh. A simple way to achieve this is through re-invention. Focus on your company’s growth and what’s to come in the future. Don’t be afraid to integrate your organization’s culture and personality. 

Turning an event into an annual affair can be a big task to take on. However, with the tips and tricks, managing this goal will become simpler and easier. 

At The Jenelle Group, we are here to make sure your next event becomes your business’s annual affair. Our strategic approach and passion for creating meaningful human experiences drive us to think like a participant in every way, executing events for brands such as The Wall Street Journal,  Globe & Mail, Cadillac Fairview, Ataccama, The Daniels Corporation, Vistaprint, and more! To help you plan your next annual affair, contact our team today.

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