10 Unique Event Experience Ideas for Your 2023 User Conference
Surprise, surprise. In-person events are back, but with quite the focus on a unique event experience. Events look nothing like they did before and according to Forbes, the event planning industry has taken the last two data-filled, virtual years to evolve their strategy. Event planners are changing the content, structure, length, experience and more for all their upcoming in-person events, focusing on unique, event experiences throughout their event. As event planners, it’s important to be thinking about how to make your event approachable, dynamic, and immersive to attract attendees to join in-person, rather than virtually. In this post, we’ll provide 10 examples of event experiences to help your brand stand out at your user conference and create an amazing event experience.
Why is Creating a Memorable Experience Important?
As we head into 2023, creating unique event experiences is more important than ever. According to Bizzabo, a leading event planning software, 97% of B2B marketers believe in-person events play a critical role in achieving business outcomes. With this in mind, it is not enough to impress attendees with “cool” branding at your in-person user conference. You must think about how to create a positive experience and intertwine your brand from the moment attendees walk through the door to the minute they leave for the airport. We like to call this the “red thread.”
Creating memorable experiences leads to satisfied customers. Satisfied customers leads to building expansion and new business pipelines. Building expansion and new business pipelines leads to happy leaders. Happy leaders leads to an increased budget for next year’s event. Moral of the story? Event planners need to create satisfying, unique event experiences to surprise and delight each and every attendee.
So with that, here are 10 unique event experiences to help you stand out at your next in-person user conference.
1. Let your Attendees Shop in a Swag Store
Gone are the days where attendees get a welcome tote with a branded water bottle, pamphlet, and keychain. Provide your attendees with “money” during registration to pick out new gear in an immersive swag store. Brand everything from the money, to the items, to the shopping bags for an unforgettable experience. You can even allow sponsors to sponsor additional items in the store.
2. Host Recess with Outdoor Attractions
Get your attendees outside, weather and location dependent of course! Encourage attendees to spend time at “recess” for networking, meals, and other outdoor activities. If you are looking for outdoor activity inspiration, check out Interactive Entertainment Group. Virtual reality roller coaster or human claw game anyone?
3. Stretch it Out at a Health and Wellness Station
With in-person events back in action, taking extra precautions around health and wellness is a must. Set up a private area for attendees to unplug and relax. Bring in yoga, spin bikes, and meditation areas for your attendees to enjoy during breaks. Set up “recovery stations” with hydration packets, masks, Covid-19 tests, bandaids, tylenol, hand sanitizer, and more.
4. Get Trending with Social Media Stations
Ride the event energy high and give attendees the opportunity to post on social media. Set up a Tik Tok selfie station or social media vending machine, where attendees can post online for an incentive, like extra swag. Who doesn’t want more swag?
5. Serve Up Some Networking with a Beer & Kombucha Garden
Give your attendees space for organic networking opportunities with a beer and kombucha garden. Simply build an area with picnic tables, branded coasters, string lights, and yard games and watch the crowds come in. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the local beer and kombucha favorites.
6. Support your Community through a Donation Station
Support local charities through a donation station. Allow attendees to put together a care package for a charity of choice. Give attendees the chance to build their package and write a personal letter.
7. Turn Meal Time into an Experience
Instead of basic buffets, turn meal time into an unforgettable experience. Allow attendees to participate in hands-on cooking competitions or mixology classes. Not only does this build connection and camaraderie, but it also serves as an evening event activity.
8. Snap Memories with an Unforgettable Photo Experience
360 photo experiences are a unique way to snap interactive photos with awesome branded backgrounds. Continue the experience by hiring a caricature artist to draw one’s photo. You can also give your attendees the opportunity to take professional headshots, but make it a selfie station. These photo booths give everyone the privacy and previews they desire when snapping their new LinkedIn default.
9. Incorporate Live Entertainment
When in doubt, live bands can make an event go from good to great. When thinking about music for events, incorporate different styles throughout your event or venue. For example, at a 3 story venue you can have a dj on one floor, live band on another floor, and electric violinist on another. Another unique idea is to incorporate a live recording room, where attendees can sing karaoke and have sing offs.
10. When in Doubt, Brand it Out
Last but not least, brand everything you can get your hands on. Besides the usual swag, napkins, cups, lanyards, backdrops, etc you can get really creative with branding. Some unique ideas include: branded floor vinyl throughout your venue, branded escalators and elevators, branded windows, branded bathroom stickers, branded cocktail and latte art, and so much more.
The Bottom Line?
Creating memorable event experiences are an essential part to the success of your event. Although they can be time consuming and expensive to plan, they will be worth the investment. Start with 2-3 experiences and build these in your event budget from the start. Here’s to standing out in 2023!
Not Sure Where to Start?
PlanWell helps small-team marketers bring their event strategy to life. We’d love to serve as the team within your team and help elevate your event experience. To learn more about our services check out our full list. If you are interested in learning more, you can book a call here.
