From my experience attending and producing various events, the following things are sure-fire ways of making events fail…
- If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. In other words, having the same old (boring) structure. Nowadays, you need to figure out new ways of engagement. Hybrid events such as Event Camp Vancouver are a new and innovative way of keeping your participants checked-in and engaged. Having a powerful concept will do wonders for your event. My newest obsession, Pecha Kucha, is a great example of this.
- Being wasteful. It’s more important than ever to produce sustainable, environmentally friendly events. Find creative ways to re-use decor, signage, giveaways from event to event. Source local vendors and products whenever possible to reduce your event’s carbon footprint. Limit your food wastage (some great ideas at Engage365).
- Ignoring new technology. Technology is such an integral part of our daily lives that it is a MUST for integration into your events. Everything from using social media to build communities and market events to creating mobile apps to Skyping in speakers to using new software for registering participants are all great ways of incorporating technology. Events need to seamlessly marry the online and offline worlds.
- Poorly defined goals/objectives. Unless you and your team are absolutely clear on what your objective and goals are for a particular event, how do you expect to successfully achieve it?
I know these things seem pretty basic and obvious but you’d be surprised at how many events fail because of one of these reasons.
How about you? Is there anything else you would add to this list?
Priscilla Chan 