7 STEPS FOR THEMED EVENTS THAT ENGAGE GUESTS AND DELIVER RESULTS
In today’s crowded private event space, more and more planners are using themes to deliver a personalized experience that’s memorable and engaging.
A meaningful theme can set the tone for your event, convey a message, attract attendees and build a brand. Get it right and you’ll deliver a one-of-a-kind experience to your guests and more business to your doorstep.
PLAN YOUR THEME
Set, clarify and review your client’s goals as the first step towards picking the perfect theme. Ask questions about the purpose of the event, and consider the audience. These simple steps will help you land on a unique theme, or develop a new twist on a common one. Make sure that your client is absolutely in love with your theme, it will set the tone for the entire event. For inspiration, try Pinterest.
PICK THE RIGHT VENUE
Now that you’ve determined your theme, choose a unique venue for the perfect atmosphere. Is your event music themed? Book a concert or performance space. Is it a movie theme? Try an old theater for an authentic event experience. Your choice doesn’t have to be conventional - when it comes to themed events, the more unique the space, the better. Just be sure that wherever you choose has the catering, staff and production capability to wow your guests.
HAVE FUN WITH INVITATIONS
Your invitation is usually your first touch point with your guests, so make it count. Themed events offer an entire world of fun possibilities for your invitations. Decide what you want your guests to feel when they engage with your invitation, and set the emotional tone for the event before it even begins.
CHOOSE YOUR DECOR
You’ll want your guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into a different time, place or world. Transporting your guests to a new reality is a huge part of making your themed event a success. Don’t just stop at decor. Use all five senses to build a completely immersive event experience for your guests.
BUILD A BRAND
Weaving your client’s brand into the theme can be a fun way to create a memorable guest experience. Try reimagining their design, fonts, colors, taglines and any other style elements in the context of the theme. For example, if you’re doing a 1920’s theme, try a step and repeat with an antique folding camera. You can also use your theme to craft a personalized menu and signature cocktail that ties in the brand.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media platforms can enhance the experience and engage your guests throughout the entire event. For pre-event buzz, use Facebook to tease special attractions and create anticipation. During the event, use Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram to document the fun with stories or live streams. Post-event, use Instagram to share post-worthy pics and encourage your guests to do the same.
STAY IN TOUCH
Think of your themed event as an audition for more work from all of your satisfied guests. Keep the conversation going and invite more engagement by sending your guests photos or a quick “thank you” message for their attendance.