5 Event Marketing Tools You Need to Use Now

5 Event Marketing Tools You Need to Use Now

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You can put plenty of effort and strategies into planning your next event but it won't be a success unless you have strong attendance. Marketing is important for helping the right people discover your event. Within your promotional plan, make sure you try these five event marketing tools. 

An Event Management Tool

Consider using a platform designed for event management to help you with your marketing. These platforms can help you market through email and other online means. They often support registration, tracking of attendees, surveys and other aspects of marketing and managing the event planning process. You have many options to choose from, such as Bizzabo, Attendease, Eventbrite and etouches. Choose the one that fits your company size and event marketing needs.

An Event App

This tool allows you to keep definite and potential attendees up-to-date about your event before it happens. Current audiences expect this capability, plus it will keep people informed and interested. They can learn new details about the event, such as added speakers or accommodations, as they become available, which keeps the event in your audience’s mind, builds excitement and helps attendees with their planning. And you can continue to use the app to share information during the event. Some event management tools provide the ability to create an app or you could use a service like DoubleDutch that is dedicated to event apps.

Communities

Try starting an event community dedicated to your specific event on Facebook or another platform that supports this approach. This type of tool helps to engage your audience and keep them in-the-know about event details. Within the community, you can share new information and give teaser information on what will be included, from meals to activities. You can also share practical information that helps with planning. Plus, this is a great space to engage potential attendees with conversation and to help them connect with one another. When you capture people’s interest and help them feel included through an event community, you’ll encourage them to register and potentially spread the word about the event.

An Event Directory

Make sure your event is listed where people are looking for events. You may have an untapped market of people who would attend your event but simply don’t know about it, and getting it listed on directories can help it get seen by the right crowd. You could put it on Meetup, which is particularly effective for events that want to draw a local crowd. This option also lets you continue to reach out to the same group of people over time. Another option is Lanyrd, which is a social conference directory. A great feature of this directory is that it helps you figure out the target audience that went to similar events around the world so you can better tailor your own marketing. Also, many of the event management platforms provide directories included in the service.  

Analytics Tools

While marketing events might sometimes feel like guesswork, you can also find strategies and formulas backed by data. Using an analytics tool can help you weed through data and use it to get better at event promotion. For example, Brandscopic is an event marketing analytics tool that helps you figure out demographics, target your audience better and collect media about the event. 

Using these tools along with your tried-and-true event promotion methods can help you streamline your marketing process and make it more effective. With these tools, you'll become an event marketing pro -- or elevate your professional game to the next level.

5 Apps that Will Help Boost Ticket Sales

5 Apps that Will Help Boost Ticket Sales  

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If you’re hosting an event in and around Miami, making tickets accessible around-the-clock is key. There may be people in town visiting and want something to do, or someone that meant to purchase tickets and it slipped their mind. Making tickets available through an app can be a lifesaver, and help boost ticket sales, especially since most people look to the convenience of their mobile devices to get things done. Here are five apps worth using:

• Eventbrite

Eventbrite has been around for a while and is useful when planning something. This app takes the location of the user, providing a list of things happening in the area. They can find the event, purchase tickets, and it’s added to their calendar so they won’t forget. It’s available on Android or Apple.

• Ticketfly

With Ticketfly, users can find events going on in the area, or in other areas by entering an artist, event, venue or city. Tickets are stored in the app for use once purchased, and is simple to use. The only caveat of this app – it’s only available for Apple.

• Splashthat.com

Splashthat takes things to another level. This app allows the vendor to customize their event experience from start to finish. With this app, the vendor can create and manage a mobile-optimized event page, send out email invitations to guests and sell tickets for the event. If planning an event, this would be a one-stop solution for management and tracking. You can also share the information via social media platforms. Guests can also check-in via the app. Available on Android and Apple.

• StubHub.com

StubHub allows users to buy or sell tickets to events. Through searches, they can browse specific interests, or just type in the event they need tickets for. Users can also indicate the types of events they are interested in, and receive notifications when something is coming up. One of the best features of this app – the ability to pick your seats. There are processing fees associated with using this app. Available on Android or Apple.

• AroundMe.com

AroundMe is fairly new, but is useful for finding a number of events in the area. It also helps guide you to banks and other venues. With this app, users are sent to links where they can purchase tickets, so this could work in conjunction with any special sites where you want to direct the audience to purchase tickets.You can look at reviews and photos on this app, providing a birds-eye view of helpful information. Available on Android or Apple.

Making sure eventgoers are able to secure tickets for last-minute functions or pre-planned events conveniently and efficiently makes the difference. With mobile app usage on the rise, it is a good idea to select apps that will help your events run seamlessly from beginning to end. Personalization and customization should also be factors when deciding where you want to direct your audiences. When convenience is at the top of the priority list, everything else falls right into place.

Three Ways Event Furniture Designers are Becoming more Techie

Three Ways Event Furniture Designers are Becoming more Techie

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Technology is taking over in every aspect of life. When attending events, one of the most important elements that keeps everyone happy is connectivity. Whether working a table or sitting in chairs, being able to keep any electronics working and charged is key. Having a conference, meeting, exhibit or event? Pull everything together with tech gadgets that enhance your space and provide everything you need.

For event furniture designers, this takes things up a notch, opening the doors for experiences that cater to the needs of the attendees. There are a number of ways this is done, but here are three specific ways that have turned into winners:

• Functionality

The Tech Tablet Chair provides an integrated experience, with built-in USB and AC outlets to accommodate any venue or event. These chairs have a number of features, including and in-arm charging panel, swivel tables, storage berths under the chairs, and the ability to connect to other chairs for a forum or small roundtable. These chairs allow attendees to stay engaged, without worrying about whether or not they can find an electrical outlet. Additionally, the table is large enough to accommodate the use of a laptop, tablet, or writing pad.

• Style

Although these chairs are functional, they are also comfortable and stylish, integrating into any décor for the event. The unobtrusive soft dove gray color makes it a fitting selection for meeting rooms. The sizing of the chairs are useful for any layout.

• Comfort

Imagine having to sit in a chair for the entire day at a conference or symposium. Uncomfortable seating can make this a nightmare. These chairs not only provide style and functionality, but equipped with soft cushions and larger armrests, these chairs can be utilized all day with no worries.

Event planners can use these chairs to create any design. From the chairs that may need to be on the stage, to those in the audience, they provide technological ingenuity and usefulness. Another good idea would be to have these chairs in lounging areas, and also in the social media hub to monitor whatever is going on, direct attendees to their destinations and navigate any electronic displays.

These chairs help create a world where technology can dominate and take events to the next level. From every part of the venue, chairs can become part of the action without interrupting the flow. For those design teams that specialize in corporate events, these chairs set a new standard for implementation and sound delivery.

Now, all an event planner needs is a reliable power source and they can take it from there. It’s a new revolution of meetings and how things get done with technology leading the way. Creating experiences that make the difference can now be reimagined for everyone without compromising the need for technology. It’s a step in the right direction, and a new way of getting things done.

Adding this type of furniture to their services will not only put them ahead of the game, but will help enhance their brand.

Why You Need to Use Drones for Your Next Event

Who wants aerial coverage? We do, and you should too. Drones have made several appearances in 2017, and they’re popping up more frequently. You should invest, because they’re becoming a go-to resource for event marketers, brand promotion teams and event backers. If you want to have a successful, engaging event, take to the skies. Here’s why:

Outdoor Safety Precision

What? You don’t need a weather radar? Well, not exactly. You should still check the day’s forecast. You should also still invest in a security guard. Drones can pack high-end cameras, however, and they can hit regularly inaccessible angles. Whether you’re fearing crowd control issues or security breaches, a droned camera, really, is your best bet.

Facebook’s Favorite Livestream Tool

Facebook is already a popular event media platform. If you want to ramp up your event’s visibility, you should outfit your platform with a drone. Already, event marketers are using DJI drones to stream Facebook Live video. Let’s face it: Social media visibility is the best visibility. Live video via drone provides an immersive experience. It also offers an unrivaled POV.

Mobile-Controlled Mobile Hotspots

Strangely enough, you can use a drone as a WiFi hotspot for mobile devices. Drones can be makeshift cell towers, if you launch them correctly. If your WiFi networks are getting crowded, consider using a drone to boost patron reception. Your attendees will thank you.

Everyone Wants Quick Action

If you’re tired of wheeling around massive equipment, settle for something more agile. Today’s event drones weigh under 55 pounds, on average, and they’re capable of covering tight angles with the push of a button. Sometimes, the event area is too tough to cover, ground-wise. If this is the case, circumvent the headaches by using aerial coverage. Just makes sure you have FAA permission, first.

The Bird’s-Eye View

If you thought mobile-controlled drones were cool, you haven’t seen anything yet—literally. Pilots, now, can use specialized goggles to get a drone’s-eye perspective. You can also have a copilot who watches the physical equipment. Assuming you’re not understaffed, the combination makes for excellent footage coverage. A lot of todays’ event planners are hiring professional pilots to manage their drone activities. Yes, professional drone pilots exist.

At the end of the day, a drone is worth its weight in maneuverability. Before you invest, make sure you’ve got the gumption to repair, upgrade and replace when needed. Move your events at the speed of flight, and outfit your brand with a high-in-the-sky view.

How to Draw a Crowd to Your Live Stream

Live streams are invaluable marketing tools, but they’re constantly evolving. If you’re struggling to gain viewers, broadcast effectively and garner audiences, check out our tips below. Today, an impactful livestream utilizes relevancy, excitement and adaptability to succeed. If you want to boost your viewership, take charge with your creativity.

Tip One: Make a Scene, and Stick to It

While adaptability is important, you should still stick to a general voice. Consistency is key in growing a fan base, and it’s vital to your stream’s success. Be on time, and make sure you have at least 15 minutes set aside for early and late viewers. Your live steam’s predictability, overall, will determine its success.

Tip Two: Get High-Quality Equipment

Poor quality video deters viewers. You won’t sustain a long-term fan base unless you’ve directed your dollars into high-quality equipment. High-quality equipment circumnavigates server congestion, prevents viewing issues and assures good content delivery.

Tip Three: Make the Steam Easy to Find

Don’t try to control your audience’s viewing habits. Make your platform accessible—and make it adaptable. Hook it into Facebook and Twitch, and make sure viewers at all locations can sit down at a moment’s notice. As for location: Make sure it’s flexible. Few things kill a live stream like a rigid, inoperable filming location.

Tip Four: Shareability is King

Invest in engagement tools. If you’re like Toy Group—who’s shareable on Facebook, Twitter and everywhere else—you’ll make a difference. Instead of having thousands of shareable photos, you should align them with your video strategy. Shareable content is well-curated, beautiful and easily digested. Even if your content is text-based, it should be enticing for readers. In the social networking world, power is derived from enticement.

Tip Five: Prioritize Mobile Accessibility

In 2017, mobile access governs digital marketing strategies—and for good reason. If a media campaign is mobile-accessible, it’ll succeed. Don’t segment your audience by restricting mobile access. Instead, make sure mobile access is more than an option. Make it a primary avenue. Today, a large percentage of Internet surfers conduct research, use Facebook and share media via their smartphones. If you can secure a quality viewing space in the mobile world, you’ll succeed.

To draw live stream viewers, make sure your content is worthwhile. Nearly everyone is on a livestream, and modern livestream quality isn’t very high. There’s a lot of white noise out there, and you’ll need to surpass it to survive, thrive and become a sensation. Take your time, plan out your content and prioritize social media and mobile access.

Event Trend: Photo Booth Ideas for 2017

Few things bring guests together like a photo booth. Whether you’re presenting a new product line, getting creative with an expo or simply want to land a new brand perspective, installing a photo booth is a good idea. We’ve already seen a few photo booth trends in 2017 worth mentioning, and we’re sending them your way. Check out these awesome, tech-centric photo booths, and take charge with this year’s latest gadgets.

One: The LEGO Photo Booth

LEGO’s UK flagship store installed the world’s first “Mosaic Maker,” which is a photo booth capable of transforming self-portraits into LEGOs. A lot of brand providers have taken advantage of the trend, coming up with inspiring, unique ways to change the visitor’s face. LEGO’s mosaic kit, available after the photo is snapped, lets customers shape their own pictures.

Two: Movie Photo Booths

Apple, among other big tech providers, has expounded upon the recent Face Place photo booth series. It’s honored as the nation’s “Manufacturer of the Year,” and it isn’t toning down its creative approach to everything customer-centric. The Movie Photo Booth utilizes marquee-style lighting, Apple’s own green screen technology and digital photo sets which harness fantasy film backgrounds. Spice up the typical photo booth experience, and give your guests something to remember, scene-wise.

Three: The TapSnap Photo Booth

Whether you’re putting together a small event, a corporate soiree or a lavish expo, a TapSnap photo booth can enhance your visitor experience. It focuses on the customer’s perspective, using today’s leading technology to offer customized digital photo options. It’s rentable, too. Powered by a well-trained staff, TapSnap is quickly becoming a leading photo booth rental option.

Four: Social Media Booths

Social media has become a popular photo booth tool, and brand are using Facebook and Twitter log-in prompts to capture online moments and build brand awareness. These photo booths still have in-depth photo options, and they still showcase a variety of digital snap options, but having social media accessibility has changed the game.

Five: Gif Booths

Gifs have been around for a while, but they’ve only just taken off in the photo booth world. Alongside slow-mo booths and g-force “wind booths,” gif booths are becoming a staple of mall-based marketing events. Once again, social media plays a part. Facebook’s introduction to short-looping video has only fueled the trend.

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into photo booth technology, customers will start expecting lavish displays. Online metrics, social media and even virtual reality have come a long way. Today, even small marketing campaigns benefit from unique photo booth ideas. Where do you stand?