Corporate events are a fantastic way for you to network with industry giants, promote your brand, and increase awareness. They are also, arguably, far more stressful than they need to be. If you are hosting an event, you worry about what will go wrong. However, whether you’re hosting a small event or a large conference, there will be something that does not go as planned. So, here are the three most common issues you should expect and how you can avoid and overcome them.
Low Turnout
The thought of a low turnout fills any event planner and leader with dread. You have spent all of this money on food, drink, and promotions, only for a few lost-looking souls to trickle through the door and immediately consider whether it’s okay to walk straight back out. What’s even worse is participants, like a band or keynote speaker telling you hours before that they can’t make it.
Both of these can immediately feel like your event has failed. For participants, request them to sign a contract outlining key details. For example, if they cannot, make the event they need to inform you by a certain deadline. This will give you enough time to find a replacement. As for the guests, people are more likely to no-show if the event is free, so don’t be afraid to charge a small fee so they feel like they should fulfill an investment. You can always donate the proceeds to charity.
Tech Failures
From lights to microphones to the projectors, tech issues always happen at the very worst time. Not only is this frustrating, but it’s also embarrassing. It can be viewed as a severe lack of preparation on your part.
You should always expect something will go wrong, but you don’t need to be resigned to this fact. Instead, consider backup plans, such as a Cummins C110D5 generator to overcome power outages. In terms of presentations and keynote speeches, You should do several practice runs prior to the start of the event. You will be able to iron out any creases and make sure the software and hardware work correctly. As you go through the testing process, consider what you would do if the equipment didn’t work or stopped working during the event.
Long Lines
Long lines are not such a bad problem to have. It means enough people wanted to come to your event and are willing to wait as the line goes out the door and maybe snaking around the block. However, people don’t like waiting in lines. To them, it shows you were ill-prepared to handle the number of attendees.
To overcome this, set up an online registration system with a deadline to purchase tickets so you know how many people are attending. Keep in mind some people may show up anyway or someone may bring a friend who, “forgot” to get their ticket. Know how many people you can allow to pay at the door and stick to that number. Furthermore, entry management systems, along with several entry ports, will ensure that the lines move swiftly and keep everybody happy.
Prepare For the Worst
They say failing to prepare is preparing to fail. This is true of everything you might encounter in your life. While there are some disasters you cannot avoid, there are plenty more that you can account for before your event. By understanding the most common issues that happen before and during events, you can overcome them with the vim and vigor that all good leaders should show. Here’s to your success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive, and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where she can help you up-level your skills so that you can up-level your income, career, business, or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides organizational training and one-on-one and group coaching. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
