My Top 3 Edmonton Event Venues
My Top 3 Edmonton Event Venues
Wow, I can’t believe we’re already a few weeks into the new year! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and was able to spend some quality time with their loved ones and get a little rest and relaxation. I had a great time taking some well-deserved time off to spend quality time with my family and prepare myself for a new and busy year. So with that, I thought I’d start this year off by sharing my top three venues in Edmonton. This was a tough list to narrow down because there are so many great venues in the city.
Edmonton Convention Centre
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a Follow Friday post in December about the Edmonton Convention Centre. I’ve worked with them many times in the past and trust me, I will definitely be working with them again in the future. The staff are amazing and super easy to work with and are very talented with handling special requests for any type of event. I love the Edmonton Convention Centre, not only for the services they provide but because they are so versatile! ECC is a great venue regardless of the size of the event you are hosting, whether it is a smaller business meeting, conference, tradeshow, holiday party, or even wedding! Other great factors include:
- Close to the heart of downtown
- Large space to accommodate guest lists of all sizes
- Beautiful view of the river valley
- Have experience hosting vast types of events
- Great accessibility
Edmonton Expo Centre
I’ve also done a Follow Friday post on this venue as well, the Edmonton Expo Centre. I recently planned an event there in partnership with CM Events, the Africa Day Gala. The team at the Expo Centre was so helpful and went above and beyond my expectations! Similar to the Edmonton Convention Centre, the Expo Centre is large enough to host functions like tradeshows, concerts, and corporate holiday parties, but they also cater to smaller events like meetings. The venue is located just off Wayne Gretzky drive and is close to the Edmonton downtown core, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. Other great perks include:
- Lots of parking
- Multiple floor plans to accommodate all types of events
- Great accessibility
- Close to the LRT line
[Africa Day Gala 2022, hosted at the Edmonton Expo Centre]
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
In 2022, I helped coordinate the 19th Alberta Health and Safety Conference which was hosted at NAIT in the Productivity and Innovation Centre. The building was beautiful and comfortably hosted the event. NAIT isn’t always thought of as a venue, but let me tell you, they did not disappoint. They have the ability to host various sizes of events and their event services team is a delight to work with. Great things about NAIT as a venue include:
- Lots of parking
- Great accessibility
- Equipment rental
- Ability to chose or customize the menu options
- Central location
[Alberta Health and Safety Conference 2022, hosted at NAIT’s Productivity & Innovation Centre]
It’s been such a pleasure to work with so many different venues over my career and I’m so excited to try out new ones in the future. I, unfortunately, couldn’t list all of the amazing venues I’ve used in my past but if you need help finding the right venue for your event, send me a message and I’d be happy to learn about your event and recommend the right venue.
6 Mental Health Tips for Event Professionals
6 Mental Health Tips for Event Professionals
As things start to pick up in the new year I wanted to talk about the importance of mental health for event professionals. Speaking for myself and many other event professionals in my network, mental health has been a prominent topic among us, especially with the rate of burnout increasing. While the pandemic posed new challenges for many of us and pushed us to think outside of the box to have events run differently, coming out of the pandemic was hectic, to say the least. It was so fabulous getting back to in-person events but with that being said, it has also been exhausting. I wanted to take the time to write this blog to share my thoughts so that other event professionals know they are not alone when they are feeling burnout and two, sharing a few tips I have found helpful to battle and prevent burnout.
Tips to Battle Burnout
Most of us can feel burnout coming on but we have made a commitment to our clients, families, and friends, and I know from my own experience, we don’t want to let any of these people down. So what do we do? It’s important to try and battle the burnout before it actually hits. Try using the following tips to help you.
Prioritize Tasks
When we have hundreds or even thousands of tasks to get done it’s important to take the time to sit down and prioritize these tasks. I like to prioritize the due date and size of the task. Once you have prioritized your tasks into groups, pull out your calendar and start to map out when you will complete tasks. Remember, you do need to get sleep so working 24 hours a day is not a solution. If you don’t have enough time for everything, this will bring you to the next tip.
Ask for Help
Asking for help may be one of the hardest things I have had to do but my team, friends, and family have really helped me out. Sometimes we take on too much, or the list is just too long, and as difficult as it can be, you have to ask for help! Consider who is in your support network and delegate some of your tasks.
Talk to a Friend or Family Member
Sometimes we just need a friend or family member to listen to our woes and provide support. I know it can be hard to reach out, especially when you are feeling low and overwhelmed but that’s what family and friends are for! I wouldn’t be where I am without their support and love.
Tips to Prevent Burnout
Now that I’ve shared a few tips on battling burnout, one thing I’ve learned is that it is best to implement certain habits to help you prevent burnout in the first place. Moving into the new year, let’s all prioritize our mental health using the following tips, or whatever works for you, to help us live a healthier year.
Stay Organized
A tip I will preach forever is the importance of staying organized. It’s been one of the easiest ways that I have stuck to my timelines, which may not relieve all of the stress but it most definitely helps. Here are a few ways I stay organized:
- Set aside an hour at the end of each week to plan the upcoming week and remind yourself of the important tasks you must complete.
- Use a calendar or agenda to help you map things out. There are lots of helpful digital tools as well such as Trello that help with project management.
- Set calendar or phone reminders.
Be Realistic with Timelines and Commitments
I think we’ve all been guilty of this, but we tend to take on too much work sometimes. I’ve really started to be a bit more realistic with my timelines and commitments to ensure that I’m not biting off more than I can chew. So, how exactly do I do this? When taking on a new project, I really like to project things that will take a bit more time to make up for any changed plans or when things don’t go exactly as planned (and we all know, it happens).
Practice and Prioritize Self-Care
I cannot stress the importance of practicing and prioritizing self-care. Self-care can range from small things to making the time to have a bath in the evening or taking some well-deserved time off. Regardless of the size, it’s best practice to implement at least a bit of self-care each day. What I would suggest is brainstorming ways that you can practice self-care and start making time for it. I promise it will make all the difference.
Remember, everyone is different and you will need to find the best ways to manage stress and burnout. I hope these tips can provide a bit of guidance if you are feeling lost. Let’s all work together to prioritize our mental health and prevent future burnout!
2022 Re-Cap of Edmonton Event Trends and What to Expect in 2023
2022 Re-Cap of Edmonton Event Trends and What to Expect in 2023
I can’t believe another year has flown by! It’s been an incredible year getting back to in-person events and to say I’ve been busy would be a complete understatement. The 2022 events year was so unique to any other year. So let’s take a deeper dive into this last year in the events world and reflect on some of the trends I’ve noticed and what we can expect moving into the new year.
Return of In-Person Events (Hybrid Events still a focus)
I can’t tell you how amazing it was getting back to in-person events, after what felt like an eternity. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces and make new connections. One of the most notable trends of 2022, was although we got back to in-person events, online events did not decrease. In fact, many events have pivoted to a hybrid model, accommodating those who want to attend in person and those who wish to attend virtually; the best of both worlds! With that, there has been an increased budget for online event software to help accommodate and deliver a seamless virtual event.
Hybrid events have become popular over the last few years due to a few key reasons:
- Attending virtually allows flexibility in busy schedules
- Ability to watch recorded sessions after
- Attending virtually eliminates all travel costs
- Virtual tickets are usually discounted
Moving into the new year, if you think that your event may perform well as a hybrid event I encourage you to test it out! Keep in mind that hosting a hybrid event does take more planning as essentially you are planning two events in one day.
For tips on hosting a hybrid event, check out my blog.
Events for Brand Awareness
Many organizations, especially post-pandemic, are seeing that hosting or sponsoring events can generate great brand awareness. Whether it is an online, hybrid, or an in-person event, these can create a buzz around your organization and provide many benefits. Some of these events consist of educational workshops, webinars, networking events, fundraisers and so much more!
If you’re thinking of hosting a networking event in the new year, check out my blog!
Data Collection
Data, data, data! I’m sure you keep hearing the word data over and over again, but it’s for a good reason! Data can help you fine-tune your events so well that you are giving your audience and attendees the exact content/event they are looking to attend. Data collection is being focused on in many industries and in the events industry, it can be just as beneficial. So how has data been collected? Through registration portals, surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. Moving into the new year, consider reviewing your data collection methods and ensure that they are sufficient and responsible.
Focus on Recovering/Pivoting from the Pandemic
As we began to recover from the effects of the pandemic in 2022, many events focused on recovering and pivoting from the pandemic. This was very beneficial to attendees as it brought in expert advice and industry opinions to help other similar businesses find a way for themselves to transition into the new phase. An example of this is an event I help organize yearly, the Alberta Health and Safety Conference. The 2022 theme was Preparing for the Unexpected: Lessons Learned. Professionals gathered from all across Alberta to meet and discuss the theme among themselves and learn from industry experts and trends.
Eco-Friendly Options
This trend isn’t just apparent in the events industry, but it is being seen across many. Moving towards eco-friendly options has been a trend that is gaining more traction each year and will continue to do so. Moving forward into the new year, brainstorm where you may be able to incorporate a few eco-friendly options. Some examples may include using less disposable plastics, using biodegradable or reusable cutlery, using recyclable materials, providing shuttle services, or choosing a green venue. There are lots of different ways to start incorporating these options, you will just need to decide what is right for your event and guests.
Stronger Focus on Health and Safety
The pandemic brought in many new trends, one of which was placing a stronger focus on health and safety with in-person events. Some of the key takeaways include:
- Contactless check-in
- Health reminders
- Sanitization stations
I don’t predict that these new standards will disappear so if you aren’t already doing it, review your current health and safety standards for your event and see where improvements can be made.
So what can you do to prepare for the upcoming year of events?
- Decide if your event can be converted to a hybrid event. Is it worth it for your organization to pivot toward the trend?
- If you aren’t hosting events yet, consider if it’s time to start to help generate brand awareness.
- Ensure that you are collecting data effectively and responsibly.
- Can eco-friendly options be implemented into your upcoming events?
- Review your health and safety policy to see where improvements can be made.
Events aren’t always easy and sometimes trying new ideas can be a bit daunting. Planit Events Inc. is well-rehearsed and can offer you advice, recommendations, or even plan the entirety of your event to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible and your guests are ecstatic. Contact us to learn more, or check out our Corporate Event Planning and Trade Show page!
3 Best Ways to Find Exhibitors for Your Upcoming Event
Planit Events Inc. shares 3 great ways to encourage exhibitor sign ups for your upcoming tradeshow!
3 Party Ideas for the Upcoming Holiday Season
3 Party Ideas for the Upcoming Holiday Season
I can’t believe I’m saying this but the holiday season is just around the corner. Whether you are hosting friends, family, or co-workers, I’m sharing this blog to give you some ideas to help you plan a buzz-worthy holiday party! I’ve not only attended lots of parties over the holiday seasons, but I’ve hosted lots too, and throughout my experience, there are a few that just really stand out to me!
The Bring Your Own ______ Party
The bring-your-own parties are always fun and don’t require too much of a commitment from your guests, but they can bring hours of entertainment as you check out each guest’s item. One of my favorite simple concepts is the Bring Your Own Cup party! I think I’ve seen it all, everything from watering cans, emptied condiment bottles, a rubber boot, and so much more! This is a really fun and budget-friendly way to bring everyone together.
The Dress-Up Party
The dress-up party is a classic but a favorite of many. You can put your own twist on this type of party too. Am I talking about putting on your best ball gown or 3-piece suit? Nope! I’m talking about the cheesy ways to celebrate the season, one of which is the classic Christmas Sweater Party. These parties are simple, put on your best (or ugliest) Christmas sweater and mingle with your friends, families, or co-workers. Want to make things a little competitive, think about adding in a prize for the best… I mean the ugliest sweater! Bonus points to those who handmade their sweaters.
Another holiday dress-up party that comes to mind is the Christmas Tree Party, but with a twist. In this case, each person attending must dress up as the best, or tackiest Christmas tree! It’s always great to see the effort people go to, I’ve seen everything from a cute star on top of someone’s head to glitter and mini ornaments in a man’s beard! Don’t forget to provide some inspirational photos to your guests!
The Party in Cause of Charity
The holiday season is always a great time to gather your friends, family, or co-workers and give back to those in need! Consider asking for a small food donation as your party’s “entrance fee” to donate to your local food bank, or see which items are in need at your local shelters and ask guests to bring old coats, new toiletries, or gifts for children. There are lots of options to give back and it helps spread the holiday cheer to those less fortunate.
Don’t forget, every great party needs decorations to go with it, but the holiday season can be so busy. Save yourself a trip to your local party store and consider choosing Decor Crate for your upcoming holiday party. No matter what your theme is, we can fully customize a decoration solution just for you! Not only do you not have to shop, but we offer delivery in the Edmonton and surrounding area too!
To learn more about your Edmonton decoration solution, visit the Decor Crate page.
Looking for more tips on throwing the best holiday party? Check out my 3 Christmas Party Tips to Help You Throw the Best One Yet blog.
Networking Events, Are They Worth It?
Many organizations host networking events, should yours too? Read Planit Event Inc.’s blog where we share why hosting a networking event may be beneficial for your organization.
Hybrid Events, They’re Here to Stay
Planit Events Inc shares tips on improving your hybrid events through surveys, testing, and post-event feedback.
3 Great Ways to Find Sponsors for Your Event
3 Great Ways to Find Sponsors for Your Event
What is an event sponsor? An event sponsor is a company, organization, or individual who supports an event usually by providing funds. In exchange for providing funds, the sponsor expects a return in value. This value can come from brand exposure, speaking opportunities, special mentions, discounted tickets, or data after the show. I wanted to start this blog by defining what an event sponsor is and what they expect in return as it will really help explain how you can find sponsors for your upcoming event. In today’s blog, I will share three ways to help you find sponsors for your event!
Provide Value
Ok, I know this one is obvious, but I can’t emphasize how important it is to provide value to your event sponsors. This is especially important if you have a recurring event (i.e. yearly tradeshow). If you want your sponsors to return, or even sign up in the first place you must guarantee them some sort of value that is equivalent to the monetary amount they are providing. So let’s talk a little more in-depth about the kind of value that you can provide to your sponsors and some examples of them!
Brand Exposure/Special Mentions
Brand exposure is usually one of the key reasons a company or organization chooses to sponsor an event. When done properly, sponsors can gain great brand exposure! So how do YOU go about providing it? Check out the list of examples:
- Sponsorship profile on the event website which showcases the company/organization logo, links to their website and social channels, provides an overview as to what they do, and/or provides a link to chat directly with a member of their team.
- Logo displayed on all event branding materials including brochures, website, presentations, and any other print information.
- Social media shoutouts (don’t forget to tag the company).
Speaking Opportunities
Speaking opportunities are usually included in high-level sponsorship packages (continue reading below to learn about sponsorship tiers). As the event organizer, you can choose the topic that you would like discussed or you can allow sponsors to submit abstracts that you approve prior to the event. Do you have an event theme? Think about asking your sponsor to speak on the topic.
Discounted Tickets
I think this one is a bit self-explanatory but providing your sponsor with discounted tickets for team members is a great incentive. This may not hold strong enough value on its own, but paired with another tactic can be a great bonus! Consider including a few free registrations as well!
Data
Depending on your event and your potential sponsor, some sponsors find great value in the market data that you collect from your event. This is usually data pertaining to your attendees which might include:
- Company Industry
- Company Size
- Company Location
- Job Title
Provide Different Sponsorship Tiers
Providing different sponsorship tiers with different levels of value are a great way of attracting various types and sizes of sponsors. Say your gold level sponsorship comes with substantial value, it may also come with a higher cost which some organizations may not be able to budget. In other cases, some organizations prefer to test the lower tiers first as a “trial-run” before they invest more in the coming years to ensure that your event provides enough value and is the right fit for them. Common sponsorship levels are gold, silver, and bronze. Depending on the packages you want to offer, you can choose more or fewer levels. Ensure that you are providing enough value for the sum of money you are asking for each sponsorship tier.
Find Your Prospects
Don’t leave it up for companies and organizations to find you! Go out there and get your event’s name and value out there! Especially if your event is newer and does not have a solid reputation in the industry yet, it’s important for you to approach prospective sponsors and pitch your sponsorship packages to them. Perhaps providing incentives like early bird pricing can help entice some.
I have two additional pieces of advice for you, one, start early, and two, listen to your sponsors. It’s so important to get feedback from your sponsors at the end of an event to learn about where they found value and which areas lacked so that you can improve for the next year. This will guarantee returning sponsors and larger organizations sponsoring in future years. If you have any questions or need some advice on your upcoming event please reach out to us! We have years of expertise in the corporate events world and we would love to help you create your unique and successful event!
3 of the Best Ways to Create an Events Community
3 of the Best Ways to Create an Events Community
Creating a community around your event or even your organization reaps significant benefits. Some benefits include increased brand awareness, customer/event attendance retention, increased website and social media traffic, giving your brand a personality, and so much more! It’s important to note that building a community is not easy and it will not happen overnight. Today I thought I’d share 3 ideas to help you create your events community!
Social Media Channels
Social media channels play many functions in a person’s day-to-day life, one of them is connecting with like-minded individuals. Think about the groups or pages you follow on Facebook, the groups you are a part of on LinkedIn, and the pages you follow on Instagram. These are just a few examples of communities. Social media, when brought in as one element of a community can help make your community stronger! So how do you do it?
First, it’s important to identify where your target audience spends their time. Which platforms are they interacting with most? What types of groups are they already a part of and what types of pages do they follow? Once you have figured out these questions, you will be able to find a way to portray your brand’s voice online. I recommend starting groups on various platforms and testing where you are receiving the most traffic and engagement. Once you know which platform is right for your community, you can put your major focus on it.
Host Community Events
Hosting community events is another excellent way to really build a strong sense of community and create a bond between individuals and your brand. Keep in mind, these events don’t have to be big and expensive! They can be as simple as hosting an online educational webinar where the floor is open for interaction afterward or even a small networking event at a local lounge! The possibilities are endless here, so think about what types of events your community finds valuable and fun and put the two together!
Looking for more benefits on why your brand should host an event? Check out our blog!
Listen to Feedback
I can’t emphasize this enough, but listening to your community’s feedback will play the largest role in the success of your community and initiatives. People want to feel included and they want to feel heard. It’s important to not only recognize this but see the true value it holds! Of course, you can’t accommodate every suggestion, nor can you make everyone happy, however when you are noticing a consensus of a similar opinion it may be something to investigate! Give your community lots of opportunities to give feedback, the good and the bad. It’s important to learn what you are doing well (so that you can continue) and what needs some improvement. Using these insights will bring more value than you could ever expect.
Ok, so you have a few ideas in your pocket now for building your community… but where should you start? I suggest starting with identifying who you are as a brand and then identifying who your audience is and how they typically engage. EXPERIMENT! Try things out, see what’s working and see what’s not. Don’t forget to find metrics to measure engagement so that you can identify how exactly you can build your community.
As always, Planit Events Inc. is here for you! Whether you just have a few questions or you’re looking for professional events help in the Edmonton area, send us a message and we would be happy to see how we can help out.
The Planit Events Inc. Ultimate Wedding Checklist
Planit Events Inc. shares the ultimate wedding checklist so that you can stay on top of your wedding tasks!