Meetings Blog Nov 19, 2021
The quotations that become famous do so for a reason, often providing us with deeper insight, inspiration or another emotional link. In our series we reflect on various famous quotes and how they can be used to feed the demands of meeting and event planners. Today: Oscar Wilde.
Never love anyone that treats you like you’re ordinary
This famous quotation has been attributed to the world-renowned Irish poet and playwright, and has been used many times over the years. The concept is generally applied to romantic situations, where people are asked to analyze, for example, their potential partner and never settle for someone who doesn’t show the attention and care that they feel they deserve. But, we would like to argue, this statement can also be applied to the world of MICE.
As a planner, your ultimate goal is for the event to pass off successfully. But what specific objectives need to be achieved for that to happen? One of them will certainly be ensuring that the attendees leave feeling fully satisfied, having had a good time as well as a productive one. Of course, each guest is likely to have their own definition of this ‘satisfaction’ so the more you know about your audience the more likely you are to fulfill them. And then there are a few tried and tested ways to make them feel special.
First things first, your attendees are going to arrive at your event with plenty on their mind. Whether it’s to learn more about a new product, develop new sales opportunities, or negotiate a new deal, their focus needs to be clear. For this reason, look to streamline the experience so that concentration can be kept on matters in hand, something that they’ll reflect on positively after the event is over.
Streamlining can also extend to the pre/post segment of the occasion if you are able to lay on personal transportation to or from the venue. There’s nothing quite like a chauffeur to add that distinctive touch. Also, if the day allows it, purposefully build in time to allow attendees to go exploring the city. You have chosen your location carefully, so they should get a chance to savor all it has to offer.
Other ideas to make your guests feel that sense of exclusivity include private ‘moments’. Maybe a 15-minute sit-down with a guest speaker, or a food tasting with the head chef away from the crowd. Then there are handouts. This could be creating some awards to recognize various achievements on the day, or a selection of giveaways for your guests to remember a key facet of the event long after it’s over.
By following these ideas, and working closely with your venue’s dedicated team, we’re sure that even a very demanding Oscar Wilde would be sent home with a feeling that he was no where near the status of ‘ordinary’. And he may love you for it too…
