Corporate events are usually formal, and uniformed. From the invitations to the giveaways, everything is usually done without a hint of personalisation. Fortunately, the workplace culture is evolving, and gradually transforming from being generic to more personalised.

If you’re planning your next corporate event, you might be wondering about how to incorporate personalisation without making it seem like you’re planning a birthday party or wedding. But with the increasing number of online resources and tools, it’s possible to leave the one-size-fits-all approach, and welcome personalisation in corporate event management.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key strategies you should incorporate when planning corporate events.

Importance of Personalisation Matters in Corporate Events

Nowadays, personalisation in corporate events is an expectation, and no longer a luxury. Whether it’s a conference, seminar, or team building, recognising individuality in the workplace is a great way to show how you value each employee. In addition, it also enhances engagement, elevates brand perception, and strengthens connections.

Additionally, with personalisation, the guests will feel that they are truly invited, and the corporate event management spend their resources to ensure that they’ll feel comfortable and excited to attend the event.

Key Strategies for Personalising Corporate Events

1. Understand Your Audience

Knowing and understanding your audience is the first step in personalising corporate events. Of course, you need to be aware of their names, designations, and interests. So, during the planning process, don’t forget to ask them about the information that you can use for the event to make them feel appreciated and valued.

For instance, you can send a personalised email, and ask them questions about their professional interests, challenges that the event can address, and topics they’re looking forward to be discussed in the event.

2. Tailor the Agenda

In terms of tailoring the agenda, the personalisation factor can be based on the specific industry or roles the guests belong to. For instance, the HR department can have the same itinerary where they go to the same breakout room, attend HR-related seminars, and have a snack or lunch with all the participants.

This way, you may not have a specific itinerary per person, but it still matches their needs and work-related interests.

Corporate Events

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Personalisation in corporate events doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sure, there are times when you should look at the individuality of the participants, but with the use of technology, you can do the planning and execution process easier than expected.

Nowadays, you can use data analytics to know the majority’s interests, event apps to personalised schedules, and AI chatbots to offer personalised recommendations. You can also look for other apps that can help with the success of the event.

4. Curate Experiences

Nowadays, corporate events should just focus on the business agenda, and try to include personalised experiences that can help boost their interest to participate more. Some of the ways to curate personalised and fun experiences in corporate events include food options, welcome gifts, and recreational activities.

For the food options, ensure that you’re aware of the specific diets and food restrictions of the guests. Meanwhile, for the welcome gifts, you can include their name or specialise the swag bags based on their interests. Lastly, tailor the recreational activities based on the interest of the guests, such as yoga, massages, and facial treatments.

Corporate Events

5. Focus on Networking

Networking in corporate events can sometimes feel forced or impersonal. However, there are ways you can do to create a more seamless transition and an environment where people can have fun while networking. Some of these may include establishing a networking zone, having icebreaker activities, and matching guests’ interests using technology.

So, even though the guests can’t think of anything to say to the other participants, it can be easier to do so with the help of your plans.

6. Personalised Communication

There are many times you’re going to communicate with the guests, and you should be consistent with personalising the communication. So, whenever you send emails, invitations, and feedback requests, don’t forget to include the name and position or designation of each guest.

Being consistent in personalised communication allows the guests to know that the event isn’t rushed, and has been planned well.

Common Challenges to Consider

While personalisation in corporate events shows appreciation and is achievable, it also comes with challenges. Some of these may include balancing privacy (since not everyone likes to share their information), lack of time and resources (especially if you still have other tasks to do aside from managing the event), and scalability issues (since large events can be hard to handle).

Final Thoughts

Personalisation in corporate events is essential and possible to manage. By considering the key strategies mentioned in this article, you’ll be able to handle the planning and execution of the event very well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.