What Makes an Event Memorable?
September 25, 2023
The fall event season is underway, and our team is preparing to execute a number of events and programs over the next month. Even when our schedules fill up, it is important to remember the things that make one event stand out from the rest.
Every event should make guests feel special in their own unique way and leave them with at least one impactful memory from the experience. So, we asked our team of planners, “What Makes an Event Memorable?” and here’s what they said.
What a Feeling
Our team was unanimous that the most memorable part of an event is how it makes you feel. If you can appeal to people’s emotions, generate excitement, invoke a sense of nostalgia, or some other strong feeling, guests will remember that. A great place to start when creating a specific feeling for an event is to consider the 5 senses. How can you incorporate lighting or music to generate a feeling? Does the type of food you’re serving at the event align with the event’s theme and mood? Think through the process of arriving at your event and experiencing it as a guest. If the overall event design makes you feel the way you intended, chances are guests will feel that way too.
It All Starts with Registration
The registration process for an event can leave a lasting impression on guests before they even walk through the door. Everything from the invitation to the event website, to the name badges guests receive will set the tone for the entire event experience.
An invitation or Save the Date should have an enticing design that hints at the event theme or activities. Perhaps it is also memorable in its delivery – is there a fun animation when the email is opened? Does the invitation come with a box of goodies delivered directly to your doorstep?
A registration website or app should be efficient and user-friendly. Give guests all the information they need to know for your event, all in one place. Any way you can make someone’s life easier is sure to be remembered!
Let’s Get Personal
Going the extra mile to include personal touches throughout an event will make things more memorable for your guests. Can the swag gifts they take home include each guest’s name? Is there a way to place a company logo on cocktail napkins? Little nods to the guests and their company throughout an event will show that an extra level of thought was put into the overall event execution. For DMC programs, think about whether guests need snacks and water on long bus transfers or sunblock if they will be outside on a sunny day. Showing guests you care can go a long way!
What’s the WOW?
Whether it’s musical entertainment, a powerful keynote speaker, or some other custom performance, every event should have a WOW moment for guests to remember. Try replacing a well-known form of entertainment like fireworks with something guests have never seen before, a drone show! One of the other wow moments our team executed earlier this year was a human ball drop for a client’s New Year’s Eve Party this year.
For nonprofit events and conferences, an impactful speaker can sometimes be all you need to leave a lasting impression on guests. For example, choose someone who has a story that appeals to people’s emotions or who can share expertise that will make guests rethink a certain aspect of their job. Words can be a powerful tool in creating a memorable experience for your event.
Give the People What They Want
Our team agreed that every great planner must take into consideration what guests actually want out of an event. Are you planning a corporate event where guests are going to want to network throughout? Perhaps your floor plan includes soft seating arrangements and other semi-private areas for guests to engage in conversation and make meaningful connections. Is the main goal of the event for guests to let loose and enjoy themselves? Make sure entertainment, fun activations, and quality food and drinks are your main priority!
Cultivating exceptional experiences and lasting memories for guests is at the core of what we do as planners. Even in the height of busy event season, set aside time to think through the ways in which you and your team can go above and beyond to make an event as memorable as it can be.
Photo Credit in Order of Appearance: CE Team, Samuel Andrade Photography, Eric Dush Photography, Jeff Pinette Photography, Maura Wayman Photography
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