Meetings Blog Apr 09, 2019
Eurovision, the annual event that started in 1956, has seen people from as many as 52 countries participate for the trophy. In 2019, 42 nations come together in the name of music. Each year, fans scrutinise the point system, judging the acts and placing their ‘bets’ on who will win and who will lose. For some, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up as their favorite country and host a house party, where dishes related to the differing countries are cooked up and enjoyed amongst friends. Though the essence of this contest is rooted in music, look twice at the dramatic pop performances, the over the top costumes, numerous dancing troupes, and elaborate staging, and you have yourself a wealth of ideas for meetings and events.
If you’re not familiar with Eurovision, it’s a contest that takes a whole year of preparation. Singers from each country enter a national competition in order to represent their country at the final contest. The country that the winner represents is then honoured with hosting the following years final competition. Of course, that is just a simple and general overview, but you get the idea.
So, with that explained, here’s how the Eurovision Song Contest can benefit your next Meeting and Event.
It’s no surprise that before the main event, the singers elected to perform on the big night are chosen from a line-up of others vying to enter the spotlight. They are selected depending on various qualities but above all that they represent their country and communicate the correct message to audiences both from home and those from abroad.
This is also true of those invited to speak or host at a meeting or event; you need to have someone who embodies the values of your company and that can communicate yours or your client’s message to attendees, whether they are from your company and external guests. Just like at the Eurovision Song Contest, performers are presented with the challenge to represent their country whilst delivering a message designed to engage those that are listening.
If your event requires a host or personality to be present as part of the strategy, then selecting them will require the same thought process, finding a figure that represents your company and facilitates the awareness of your message.
However, when approaching the selections, don’t jump straight for those that tick the boxes due to their position in the company or their quantifiable popularity. Sometimes it’s that unexpected someone that can deliver what’s required and leave a lasting impression on attendees.
So, put some thought into the person or people that are chosen for the event. Just be aware that the strongest player isn’t always the most obvious.
Eurovision is a wonderful collision of different cultures, backgrounds and, of course, music tastes! And talking of tastes, when thinking about your next event, what better way to bring people from around the world together than with food! Food has the ability to cross all boundaries. Not only that, but food is beautiful, it’s exciting, creative, personal and can create conversation.
When studying the list of attendees, identify the potential nationalities that are coming and begin drafting up those menu ideas. How can signature dishes of these different nations be given a creative and unexpected twist to get guests talking? Is there a mix and match fusion you can play with? If you create dishes from different countries for attendees to enjoy, how will you display them and in what order?
These may seem like simple if not ordinary questions, but sometimes playing with your food pays off. Not sure where to start, then take a look at the articles about our famous Tempting Breaks.
For many fans of the Eurovision song contest, it’s all about the choreography… especially if the dance routines are being performed by a tight group, giving it their all on stage.
Now, we’re not suggesting that you include a dance class in the middle of your next event (although, it’s not such a bad idea) but we do see the value in looking at the dynamics of a group dance routine. They require certain skills that can easily be applied to your next event, especially if it’s a team building one.
What’s also important is choosing the right ‘dance style’ or type of team building activity so that everyone is comfortable with the task at hand and the level of skill required. Be sure to have a strong understanding of the different skill sets and abilities of attendees so that activities are crafted so they are challenging but not excluding. This is an extremely important and often difficult aspect of these sessions to solve; team building is about bringing diverse people together or about breaking barriers between groups in order to improve team performance.
But, of course, if you’re inclined to include a dance class at the next event you plan, we won’t stop you.
Another lesson we can take from the Eurovision Song Contest is the need to make an impact on the audience with the use of space and staging on which the acts deliver their performances.
It goes without saying that the location, choice of venue, its accessibility and set-up are essential, if not the first things to consider when planning. After all, without a location or venue… there’s no event. The way the Eurovision works is that the winning country hosts the following year’s contest in their chosen city. This could be the case for your next event, in which the client already knows which country or city they wish to host in. Or it could be that the client gives your free reign as to where you choose, opening up a whole world of possibilities, and challenges that need solutions.
This is where we step in with our portfolio brimming with exceptional venues and hotels, and with decades of experience to help you make the right decision for you and your client. What’s more is that if you’re thinking big, you will find a selection of fantastic congress and conference centres to choose from.
OTT, meaning over the top, isn’t always viewed in the best light but there is nothing wrong with really going for it and putting on an event to remember.
Just like at Eurovision, don’t skimp on the impact you could make with your next event, especially if it’s a product launch or cause for celebration. You’ll want attendees to remember what happened at the event and for them to take away memories of the message being communicated.
Will this be done through the décor, integration of technology, performance artists, musicians, interactive areas or more? Or how about unexpected gamification of elements and incorporating this in an App? Will you have one strong impactful element that attendees will want to share on their social media? For example, a popular musician with the logo or message of your company behind them? Will you invite guests to take part in live classes, challenges or part of performances?
Whatever it is you choose, don’t be afraid of being OTT!
And of course, then there is the music. That one strong concept that ties all things together at your event. At the Eurovision Song Contest it’s the music… what will be it at your next event?
