Technology, Social Media and Events

Yes, that is a very broad title.  Which is why I am simply using this first post to introduce what will likely be a recurring topic to find its way into this blog.  With so many new technologies being brought forward, from the likes of social media and hashtags, to apps the help with guest check in and coordination, it seems there will always be a continues supply of new ways technology is being integrated in events.

As someone who loves efficiency this gets me very excited as there are so many opportunities to increase the effectiveness of how our time is spent.  On the other hand I will also be posting about the potential problems that can arise with not fully thinking through the use of technology or social media, as it really should be done well or not at all.

For one quick example of how things can go horrible wrong with someone as small as a hashtag check out these Hijacked Hashtags Gone Horribly Wrong.

Book Themed Candy Bar

I recently decided, I wanted to start including posts on here about ideas that I find particularly fantastic.

The first idea I would like to share I came across in the Summer 2014 edition of Biz Bash.

It comes from the HBO hosted premier party for Veep at Paramount Studies with the design by Billy Butchkavitz.  While the whole party was creatively put together, highlighting on the various book signings that occur during the show, the idea that I fell in love with was at the candy bar.  The table was set in front of a bookshelf lined with copies of the fake book that was being launched.  Now at this point not sounding so great, but where the idea came to life was the fact that rather then having guests fill a candy bag or box, they were able to fill a hollowed out copy of the book with the themed treats to take with them.

See photos here.

Events and Lines of Communication

Events often function with a lot of ambiguity.  This is a fact and I don't think I have ever met anyone involved in the events industry that would try to disagree.  However, there is absolutely no need to create more ambiguity then necessary as a result of poor communication.

Not only should the levels of communication be clear, but it is critical everyone is aware of the job functions of those they are working with.  Knowing who is responsible for what areas will allow your communication to be direct and effective.  Too often I have seen an e-mail bounce between 3 or 4 different people before it actually gets to the person with the answer.  This is incredibly inefficient and often results in a lack of correct information for those at the bottom.  The simplest way to resolve this issue is a clear organizational chart, that includes job function.  

The second feature I believe is critical for successful communication, is ensuring it is clear who has the power to make a decision.  For example, if you have client or customer facing roles for your event that are fielding questions, what are they able to do to resolve issues for them?  What can they offer to ensure that the client or customer is satisfied.  Knowing this makes it easy for these customer facing roles to make quick decisions that don't leave the customer or client feeling ignored as your employee is trying to get permission to offer something.  

Keeping these channels clear and delegating power is an easy way to ensure time is spent efficiently to create the best results while preventing people who are focusing on the big picture issues from getting bogged down by the smaller issues.  

Making your event a "Status Story"

As mentioned in a previous post, one of my favorite sites to take time to sit and read updates from is Trendwatching.com.  

One idea that was raised in their July 2012 post entitled Newism was that of the 

"Status Story."  

A year and a half has passed and this idea is as predominate as ever.  What would Facebook be without people updating their every experience, "checking-in" at that cool new bar or posting photos of their wild bash?!  The idea of the "status story" is that people have s desire for a never ending supply of new experiences.  Even better is when this experience is exclusive and unique because taking part isn't only about you having that experience; it is about what people are going to say when you tell them you did it. 

When it comes to events, now more than ever this is a big question organizers are asking themselves: 

"How do we get them to talk about it after (or better yet during) their experience?"  

This has resulted in a new wave of technologies being developed, but in my opinion it seems that we have focused more on creating tools for people to share than on giving them something worth sharing.  If the focus switches to ensuring that unique, new experience, people will share it themselves.  A fantastic example of this is the Tough Mudders and Spartan Races out there.  People have accessed their own Facebook and Twitter accounts on their own accord to go on and share and like and re-tweet on the basis of the experience.

I loved this briefing and will likely return to it numerous times as it is packed with lots of other great ideas, but I want to leave it here and end by simply asking you to share what some of your most memorable status stories have been.  (If you can't think of any, see my previous post about some awesome free events this weekend sure to end up on your Twitter feed.)

Memories without breaking the bank

One of the reasons I have loved living in Toronto is that there is an endless supply of exciting new things to experience.  (In a small town things tend to get repetitive and quite predictable.)

The even more fantastic thing is you don't have to be a high roller to create some incredible memories!  Thanks to Blog TO for so thoughtfully putting together this great list I am looking forward to an amazing weekend.  I will admit it will not be a chilly one at the Polar Bear Dip, although I may wander down to watch but I would turn lobster red in water that cold.

Here is the link for you to check out for yourself!

Blog TO Free Events January 25- Feb 2 2014

Cheers!

A New Year

I fought with myself about whether to create a "New Year" posting, however I feel I must as it has been a crazy 2013 for me and I let that get in the way of keeping this up to date.  Not that I am labeling it a New Years Resolution, but I do hope that I can prevent that from happening in 2014.  I have already been brainstorming lots of ideas to write about and can't wait to start tackling them.

As far as events go, I do hope you managed to find a fun one to attend on New Years whether it was braving the cold at a ball drop, a fancy dinner, a night out dancing, or something cozy at a friends or your own place!  I was lucky to be at a friends, and was reminded of the big reason I love events, the bringing together of people for a celebration, whether big or small.  Events make memories and I truly feel a life well lived is one overflowing with memories of smiling faces and stories that begin with "Do you remember that time we..."

Here is to 2014 and beyond!

Cheers!

The way we think about charity

I recently watched a TED Talk by Dan Pallotta concerning the way we think about charity and not for profit vs. for profit businesses.  I do recommend that you watch the whole talk and you can find it below, but to summarize:

He discusses how we place those working for charity into this category of you have to be wiling to get paid very little to do good for others.  This results in the majority of people looking for work to go into the for profit sector where they can find a greater income and simply donate more to a charity.  For profit business has shown that making long term investments and spending on marketing can create a greater return.  Everyone in business knows this, so how come we shun this idea when it comes to charity?  We know that these activities create a greater return for a business, yet charities miss out on this return because there is a negative stigma about using donated funds for "overhead costs."  Pallotta looks at how we need to change the focus from percentages to changing the size of the pie.  If we are holding an event and we make $100, and 10% goes to overhead we are donating $90 directly to the cause, but if we hold an event and make $10,000 and 40% goes to overhead and $6,000 is donated people are upset, even though by investing in the event and people we were able to donate $5, 910 more to the cause.  If we want to create events for charity that really make a difference for the cause it will  take some investment, to get people involved and recruit top talent that will make a difference.  Investing in charities more like a business will create a greater impact on the causes and isn't that really what we all want in the end?

I do hope I did some justice to his message.

I also feel this is seen where many charities post volunteer positions that require a large commitment and are making critical decisions.  You are going to have much better people looking to hold this position if you provide incentive.  I know I often see positions I wish I could take but am unable to do to financial situations or the sheer time commitment of it while trying to hold another job.  

Hopefully this view will start to take hold and we will be able to see a greater return going to those who need it, and people won't be so against people making a decent income for providing that.

Let me know what you think about his talk!

Cheers :)