According to a survey of event and meeting strategists, events are a critical component of meeting top business goals. What’s more, 89% agree that in-person events are important to increasing revenue. That’s why planning an event—while often time-consuming, involving multiple checklists to ensure every task is completed and tied with a bow—is such a vital task. And while checklists are an important part of any successful event, they don’t always include ways to make a lasting impression on event guests. From backdrops for photo ops to keeping guests engaged during a speaking event or presentation, we have you covered with event gifts, décor and more to help your event shine.
Exciting backdrops to kickstart your event
In the world of social media selfies and group photos, creating the perfect backdrop sets the stage for unforgettable moments. According to a survey of event planners, 80% believe that their role involves more experience creation compared to pre-pandemic gatherings.
Start their experience at the door by using a floor display at the entrance to your event. Surround it with pops of color using various balloons to create excitement from the start. Imprint items at your entrance with an event hashtag for ultimate social media engagement around your brand. Depending on the size of your event, multiple backdrops may be a good idea to help avoid long lines. Use the same styles or create different experiences with two or three unique photo-op areas.
Event décor to dress up any celebration
Now that your guests have arrived in style, keep the excitement alive and well with purposeful event décor. Although not an exact science, you’ve likely heard of the decades-old rule of seven, where people need to see your brand at least seven times before becoming a customer.
In today’s world of information overload, keeping your brand top of mind is even more important. Whether your event takes place in a banquet hall or at an outdoor venue, pop-up banners, table and chair covers are great tools to share your brand. Place lanyards and nametags at everyone’s seat to wear during the event and keep as a souvenir. Generate engagement using creative tabletop displays. Capture their attention with a QR code that takes guests to conversation starters or a number they can text to continue the conversation after the event.
Drinkware for a refreshing touch
Drinkware makes a fun, yet functional giveaway. Bonus: 63% of people are likely to keep and use promotional drinkware for at least one year, solidifying its long-term impact (PDF).
Serve refreshments in branded barware that recipients can take home as a memento. If your event is hosted annually imprint the drinkware with the year to make it a collectible item. For outdoor events, plastic cups offer practicality, while light-up drinkware adds a magical touch, perfect for illuminating evening gatherings.
Swag to keep people engaged
According to a survey of business-event planners, 72% of respondents believe that event presentations need to be more stimulating to hold the attention of younger generations.
Engage your guests with presentations that are interactive and collaborative. Add elements such as ice-breaker questions and games to further involve your audience. If appropriate for your event, adorn tables with sensory items, like push-pop balls or fidget blocks and leather-bound padfolios and pens for note-taking. Encourage participation with a Q&A session and reward engagement with a memorable gift like a branded hat or an air plant.
Party games to kick off the fun
Games not only engage event-goers but also create memorable experiences. Whether hosting a team-building event outdoors or a customer-appreciation dinner, incorporating entertaining challenges boosts the fun factor.
Break the ice with activities like tossing flyers or beach balls, where catching one prompts sharing a fun fact before passing it on. For a friendly rivalry, set up competitive games, like bean bag toss or ladder ball. Divide players into teams based on their favorite ice cream flavors—chocolate, vanilla, cookie dough, or others—and reward winning teams with bragging rights and a game to take home.
Looking for a lively game to entertain guests at your dinner or gala event? Consider a ‘Guess the Name’ game. Distribute adhesive notes and pens at each table. Participants write the name of a well-known person on a note and pass it the person on their right. Without looking, the receiver places it on their forehead and asks questions to guess their identity. Guess correctly in 10 questions or less and win a memorable prize, like a set of coasters shaped like puzzle pieces or a Moscow mule mug. Keep the fun going until everyone has a chance to play!
Send guests home with memories that last
Creating a memorable event is easy when you have the right tools, including backdrops, branded décor, drinkware, games, event gifts and more. Customize all the elements of your event to leave a lasting impression.