How to Make Your Next Event Fresh and Attract #Millennials
Photo via Pxhere
Millennials now make up a large portion of adults all around the world, and they think and act differently to previous generations. This means that when organizing an event, knowing what they expect along with your other attendee demographics is important.
Let’s take a look at the millennial group while still making your next event fresh for everyone.
Take Advantage of Technology
Millennials are comfortable around technology. Incorporating it into your events can give them a great impression. Consider offering tech-immersive experiences like cashless payments. With the tap of their wristband or badge, these attendees can purchase merchandise or redeem event-branded items, for instance. Cashless payments will help to reduce long lines as well as provide a much more effective and interactive way for your attendees to participate at your event.
Make It Interactive
Speaking of participation, why not kick-off your event with interactive activities right from the start? For example, you could have your guests check themselves in using self-check-in kiosks at entry. Pair this with facial recognition and use this feature for access control or even lead capture! The more interactive, the higher the chance your millennial crowd will take to the networks and share their experience.>Photo via Pxhere
Give It Meaning
More and more often, millennials are choosing to attend events that promote good causes. One way to promote some positivity is by donating a portion of event fees to a charitable organization. If you choose to do this, ensure it’s for a cause that millennials (and your target attendee audience in particular) are likely to support. Popular charities among millennials include those who support climate action and education.
Also, sustainability is important to everyone - not just millennials! Try to avoid using too much single-use plastic and ensure there are proper recycling facilities at your event. On-demand printing is another more sustainable option that can reduce wasted paper/materials and keep your event budget and time on target. (You can even print in COLOR!)
Make the Education Attractive to Your Audience
If there will be guest speakers at your event, ensure that some of the topics they cover are appropriate and interesting to a millennial audience. Your options are virtually limitless. However, it’s important to make sure that speakers’ takes on these topics (as well as your other sessions) aren’t going to be offensive or controversial. You might like to start off by mentioning a few current events if you can tie them into your event’s purpose.
Photo via Boomset Instagram
Decorate in an Instagram-Worthy Manner
These days, ‘Instagram-worthy’ venues are more important than ever. Millennials love to share what they’re doing on social media when it looks good, so your decorations need to be worth sharing. Your guests will essentially give you free advertising if you manage to incorporate your logo into your decorations.
Suggest a hashtag for your guests to use on social media, and work with your technology (like item redemption functionality) to offer prizes. This will encourage guests who might not otherwise post anything to get involved.
Offer Freebies
Stress about housing and satisfactory job conditions are common concerns for many, especially among the millennial group. This means that free items are always appreciated! To offer freebies at your event, you might like to consider collaborating with local businesses. (However you can further reduce the plastic and make it more sustainable, the better!)
Depending on the type of event, you may instead like to offer prizes throughout the night. Freebies don’t have to be physical objects – you can choose to give away ‘virtual gift bags’. Virtual gift bags can include gift cards, access to exclusive content, and competition entries. (Your attendees can use their wristband or badge to redeem items here, too!)
Concluding Thoughts
Attracting millennials to your event is all about catering to their interests and expectations. Tick all your boxes when planning (look into investing in event insurance, too). You’ll be ready to host a secure, millennial-friendly event.
Guest Author Bio: Freelance writer Cloe Matheson from New Zealand enjoys writing for amazing sites and blogs with a focus on a range of topics from career and travel to business events. Next to writing, one of her biggest passions is traveling. Read more of her work on her blog, Cloe’s Writings.
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Start your event with the right event tech stack for your tech-savvy attendees - or not. Choose user-friendly solutions, always: