It’s been a couple of weeks since my last post because I’ve been knee deep in event management work and pitching for work next year. I’ve literally hardly stopped working for three weeks – which is something I’m seeing a lot as people try to get as much work completed as possible before the recession kicks in. I thought about writing a post on event management, you know the ten steps to running a perfect event type thing, but really, it’s too broad a subject. I do recommend you head over to Julius’ event manager blog though, an exceptional resource..
What I am going to tell you instead is three simple top tips for surviving a large corporate event, be it an exhibition, conference, networking event, or other. So here goes:
1. Wear comfortable shoes – I know, it seems obvious, but how many ladies do you see at every event wearing crazy high heels (and sometimes men too). Ditch the heels girls and put on some comfortable flats. Fellas too, make sure your shoes have some comfort value and are not brand new – this is the wrong time to break in those shoes! To aid further, try and sit down whenever possible and take plenty of breaks.
2. Don’t forget to drink (and eat) – another obvious one I hear you say, but it’s amazing how easy it is to forget to keep drinking when you are working an exhibition stand, show floor or conference registration desk. You wouldn’t catch me running an event without a bottle of Lucozade at my side that’s for sure.
3. Plan carefully – nothing creates more stress than being underprepared for an event. Imagine turning up to an exhibition, only to find your furniture hadn’t been ordered and you would have to beg, steal and borrow from other exhibitors (this does happen more often than you’d think).
So there you go, three simple tips for surviving corporate events. Be great to hear your experiences and other tips, what are the essentials you need for event survival.???
Very good points indeed. One more – get plenty of rest before these events. For example, don’t walk 14 blocks from the hotel “just down the street” (!) to get there the first day. It really is a stamina killer – guess how I know :-(
Very nice tips in today’s competitive world.Good info and has a useful information to learn.
Great tips – especially about not trying the new shoes! I have done this before and been in agony for the majority of the day… and many days afterwards.
Exceptional advice. I always forget to drink something when I’m at these events. It’s really bad of me too, considering my body is so used to drinking things consistently. Maybe thats why I get sick after going to these events….hmmm.
Point #3 – vital – but almost always overlooked by novices.
I’d add to this – turn up the night before to make sure everything is there and ready to be set up quickly on the day. I’ve lost trakc of the number of exhibitors I’ve seen still setting up half way through the first morining – or later.
Ian
Attending so many events as part of your coporate job sometimes gets to you. Isn’t it? Besides the points you mentioned I think a few minutes of meditation helps as well.
I always try to drink enough water at these kinds of events. I know that when I don’t drink enough, I won’t be sharp when a customer approaches.
eat and drink, yes, do that, but dont ‘drink’ too much ;)
-jack
This is really good tips for all. Small but very useful tips for health. Interesting Article…
I end up getting an enormous headache and the rest of the day is shot and completely unproductive.
this all are very good tips
Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Also, don’t forget caffeine and aspirin!
Yeah, I agree to comfortable shoes…I got several high heels, but they are always left in their boxes, I love wearing shoes that I can do my business and not worry about tripping, or my leg hurting at the middle of presentation…this is just smart to do it, wear flats. :D Wedges, if you can’t, its more comfortable than stilettos.
Very good advice as always. Will print out for future use.
Any type of event takes careful planning, I strongly agree with the comfortable shoes being up there at the top. There is no way to be on top of your game if your in agony.
There are several ways to continue planning carefully as well, with a tracking system in place and online event management, your furniture, literature and any part of your display can be tracked and confirmed via email. It’s sort of a catch all virtual filing system, keeping all parties informed of the activity of the event.
LOL. people are really dying for those facts. they must be saved with these tips.
Sometimes the obvious advice is the best… especially about new shoes! belive me i know!
Corporate event planning requires that many things be taken into consideration so that effective decisions can be made. There is the venue and location, the entertainment, the invitations, the publicity, the food and drinks, the music, the decorations, and a whole lot more. Keeping a checklist helps corporate event planned tremendously. It is important that each detail of the corporate event be taken care of.
Thanks for all the comments.
@Mary Ann. I agree entirely, event planning requries a keen eye for detail. A checklist along with a timeline of what will be done, by when and by whom are essential in organising a high quality event.
@ Susie, what online event management service do you use?
@ web design. I would assume coffee and aspirin are a given for events.. : )
@kosten koper. you are dead right on the water. It’s easy to forget to drink when you are running an event, or hosting an exhibition stand. This is always a big mistake – in fact as an event manager I take it as my responsibility to ensure everyone in my team drinks throughout the day.
@ChrisBrown. Thick carpet, hmm, nice idea. I would bet this doesn’t even cross the mind of 95% of people when they setup a stand or organise an event.
@save money. You are dead right about sitting down whenever possible. Just make sure this doesn’t prevent people from talking to you, especially if you are hosting an exhibition stand.
Andy
They really are important, however. No one is much help when their feet hurt and are light-headed and dehydrated. I always try to drink enough water at these kinds of events. I know that when I don’t drink enough, I won’t be sharp when a customer approaches. Small but very useful tips for health. Interesting Article…
Some good basic tips there. I would definately agree, be prepared, be comfortable and I would add that a good nights sleep beofre the event helps to focus your mind.
Corporate events are somehow important to everyone…attending on this events requires preparations and proper planning on what to do.. being prepared in going to this events help boost your self confident..i definitely agree and should be to this simple tips.
Yoga! A good daily dose of yoga does wonders. I do it and since I started I’ve found myself a hell of a lot calmer and more focused.
Simple yet valuable! Not only planning ahead in surviving corparate events. To be honest, I have decideded to do this for several times and I do not know when is my beginning… …