5 tips for new business meetings
Naturally, we believe in the power of LIVE meetings! Looking each other in the eye and stimulating all the senses! Sight, smell, taste, sound and touch; all elements that contribute to creating special experiences and unforgettable moments. But we are not yet in a position to meet each other without rules. So how can you still get your message across and continue to inform, activate or inspire your target audiences in the coming period?
At goMICE, we like to think in terms of solutions and possibilities. That's why here are some tips to gradually move back towards valuable and impactful LIVE encounters.
1. Provide a stimulating communications journey
Your trip or event needs to be postponed until the end of 2021 or even 2022 due to circumstances or internal protocols. How will you ensure your target audience remains informed and engaged until your LIVE moment? Consider a Campaign preparatory phase where online and offline communication are structured and engagingly deployed around your LIVE moment. This ensures you remain top of mind for a longer period, the target audience is warmed up in advance, and the value of your LIVE moment is further amplified. Before, during, and also after.
2. Small-scale and exclusive
Divide your target audience into smaller segmented groups. Perhaps a portion of the target audience has more specific needs or a commonality that can be better leveraged now. Additionally, a smaller group allows for more opportunity to provide one-on-one attention and build a real connection. And who secretly doesn't enjoy being invited to an “exclusive” event?
3. Hybrid events
Think of a mix of online and Live meet. Also known as a Hybrid An event. For example, by meeting a portion of your target audience live and having another portion participate virtually. Sometimes, physical presence is not absolutely necessary to convey a message. Consider who really needs to be there and involve the virtual guests in a way that makes them feel involved and heard. Invited guests who cannot or are not allowed to travel long distances can also attend.
4. Distribution in time or place
Does creating a unique LIVE setting contribute to conveying your message, but is your target audience too large to gather safely and in accordance with regulations? Then extend your one-day event to a multi-day event or spread your event across multiple locations. Here too, you can consider further segmenting your target audiences (e.g., by region or job profile) or having content-focused or joint parts take place partially virtually.
5. Roadshow
Instead of everyone coming together at one location, you're going on a roadshow this year! Depending on your brand, message, and target audience, you can take your event content on tour to various branches or regions. For example, think about introducing a new product, saying goodbye to a board member, thanking employees, or announcing your new strategy. A roadshow can be organised in various memorable or fun ways, tailored to you!
Protocol for Business Meetings
A protocol for business meetings has been launched from the EventPlatform (consultation platform for industry and professional organisations in the events sector) and deposited with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which takes into account all aspects surrounding the organisation of business gatherings. GoMICE uses these principles as a minimum guideline for the realisation of responsible and safe LIVE moments domestically and internationally. Read more about this in our blog: goMICE is ready for your business meeting 2.0.
We are ready for your business meeting 2.0!
We are certainly ready for it! So, feel free to present your challenge or question to us, so that we can brainstorm with you on how you can continue to engage your target audiences and realise impactful trips and events for you, with or without measures. Also, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for tips and updates regarding the organisation of your business trip, meeting or event, during or after corona.