Sometimes I seriously think event planning and parenting are very similar (just think about levels of responsibility and amount of (positive and negative) stress), and attendees are like kids. Why? Well, I came up with at least 7 reasons for that:
- You should keep an eye on them all the time (literally and figuratively; the more you do so, the better: you’ve got to know them well and thus you’ll be able to communicate and tailor your event to their needs with more success)
- They should be motivated – in a relevant way
- You should get them interested and watch them not to get bored during the event. Only in this case they would be able to get max out of what you prepared for them
- You should use an ‘active listening’ to build trust (and loyalty)
- You should always remember and be aware that your attendees understand and see much more than you think they might (just like kids do!)
- When they are pleased overall (and this includes being fed with the right food both for thought and stomach), when they receive a gift they want (referring to what a modern swag bag is) and when they had productive fun (hello, gamification in events!) – you’re pleased, too.
- Those who got to trust you, become your most loyal fans – and will come back with their friends to play with you next time!
