5 Ways to Keep Attendees Engaged at Your Next Event
Attending business events can be valuable, but it’s also easy to get bored when you’re just sitting and listening to speakers talk. Here are five ways you can make your next event more interactive and keep attendees engaged throughout the day.
1. Start with the end in mind
Knowing what you want attendees to take away from your event will keep them engaged and on task throughout. The best way to figure out what you want out of your event is by writing an agenda in advance.
2. Technology can be your friend
Technology can help make your business event more interactive, allowing you to use technology such as collaboration tools, social networking platforms and videoconferencing equipment. If you’re holding an event and want attendees to participate in meaningful ways, consider using Sendsteps. Sendsteps has multiple question types to keep your audience engaged.
3. Mix it up!
Hosting a social event is great for building brand awareness and creating buzz, but a lot of events end up being the same. Break out of your routine by shaking things up a bit. Incorporate new activities, change up your environment and switch up your staff—whether you’re hosting an annual company picnic or team-building retreat—keep people interested and engaged in what you have to offer.
4. Have a twist ending
There’s a reason moviegoers have become familiar with the twist. Not only does it come as a surprise, but it also elevates our investment in (and enjoyment of) whatever story we’re consuming. The same principle holds true for events—if you can add an unexpected element, your audience will be more involved and will take away something different from your presentation or session. Here is an example:
End the event with a giveaway, people love to get things for free. Giveaways are beneficial for business events. It’s a great marketing tool and gives you the chance to collaborate with other companies. It also increases the word-of-mouth awareness of your business.
5. There’s no rule against fun
The key here is balance—so let them participate. Ask them questions using a quiz or a word cloud. This can be easily done via Sendsteps. You want attendees to remember your event, not just feel like they got their money’s worth.
Robert Daverschot
Robert is a professional moderator, presenter and speaker coach. Robert has years of experience at home and abroad and works for a broad range of industries. He has interviewed ministers, captains of industry and even His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In his dealings with the audience, he always uses Sendsteps. With it, an audience is able to voice their opinions, whereby attendees can cast votes or send in comments to speakers and panels on stage. As such, events turn into lively dialogues with everyone being able to speak up!