Monday Mashups: 4 Tips for Boosting Attendee Engagement at Events

An engaged attendee is a happy attendee. But with all the other challenges of putting a conference or exhibition together, from food and beverage details to attendee registration, how do you focus on improving engagement as well? Though it may feel impossible, we're here to share four strategies to help with engagement at events. From cutting-edge technology to a program designed for first-time attendees, check out these tips to get your event-goers going!

1. Design dynamic networking spaces
When it comes to spurring engagement, promoting attendee-to-attendee give-and-take is critical. So as you plan your next event, take the time to create designated areas—and programming—for attendee networking, including designing inviting atmospheres that make connecting fun. Consider having the space be a central location with specific scheduled activities. You can hold an array of mini-sessions like Millennial Mimosas, Females Entrepreneur Meetup, Makers’ Bazaar, Bookkeeping Buds, and more that will speak to your audience and attract attendees.

2. Make your content relevant and useable
While that may sound like conference planning 101, how often have you been to shows where programs and speakers are extremely broad in focus or provide inspiration instead of tangible guidance? Instead of being so vague, consider having your speakers instill your audience with concrete steps like starting and growing a business for instance. Educational breakouts can be designed with the specific audience types in mind in order to provide relevant learning and takeaways.

3. Tempt them with tech
While attendees today expect networking and education opportunities, there’s also an expectation they will experience cutting-edge technology. Consider providing breakthrough tech tools—including virtual-reality art and “emotion detection”. Include descriptions of devices and invite attendees to interact with technologies and ask questions. Some technologies you can highlight include: Google Tilt Brush, a VR art experience; Google Earth VR; emotion detection using Microsoft Cognitive Services API; a “smart mirror”; and a Microsoft HoloLens to demonstrate mixed reality.

4. Focus on first-timers
Each year incorporate “improvement actions” based on feedback from the previous year. This will help you improve the experience for first-time show-goers.

Of course the design of the entire event will contribute to the overall experience but with these tips to boost attendee engagement you'll surely devour the details of you next conference or exhibition!