Washington, DC is a city with many sides to its personality and vibe. There is the social circuit defined by extravagance, power and wealth, and an event circuit more recognizable by our readers--one defined by restraint in an effort to not break any ethics rules. The Washington Post recently ran an article about how even the traditional Washington social circles are working hard to attract the right guests to their parties and the changes they are looking to make. [Tweet "Tale of Two Cities: Social DC and Federal DC #GovEventsBlog"]
While the events listed on GovEvents do not have the budget or the purpose of these more social, fundraising events, there are some lessons we can take away from these gatherings to make them more attractive and memorable.
- Free food and drink are not enough - people who attend multiple conferences and events each month tire of the same food offerings. Don't settle for the standard buffet fare presented to all event planners.[Tweet "Don't settle for the standard buffet fare presented to all event planners. #GovEventsBlog"] Work with your caterer to pick some unique options that are still in budget. Perhaps think of your event theme and pick food and drink that can tie in.
- Add some fun - as we mentioned in a recent post, simple additions of hand busying games to table centerpieces and/or interactive events can add a new level of interaction and innovative thinking to events.
- Get social - make it easy and fun for participants to share info about your event on social media. Make event hashtags easy to find on signage and in pre-event mailers. Create a photo area for selfies and group pictures. Make sure you are following the conversation online and help amplify great posts.
- Use technology - with much of our audience focused on technology for the federal government, it only makes sense to make your event tech friendly. Can you create an app? Could you add in an interactive wall with social posts displayed as well as product demos? Can you webcast parts of the event and allow for two-way participation for online viewers? Think of ways to incorporate the tech you are discussing into the actual event.
- Shorter events - instead of a full- or half-day commitment, could your event still achieve its objectives as a breakfast meeting with a short presentation and more networking? How about making the event a luncheon or cocktail reception?
- Creative space - while some of the more historical venues of the city may not be in budget, there are many options for unique event spaces. From art galleries to theaters to smaller historic homes, many of these venues will provide a break from the ordinary workday.
- Capitalize on the "Fear of Missing Out" - As David Adler, founder of BizBash mentioned in the Post article, event planners need to take advantage of this newly heightened (by social media) phenomenon.[Tweet "Capitalize on the 'Fear of Missing Out' #GovEventsBlog"] Will people at your event hear something new from your speakers? Is there something you can unveil or announce that will make people want to be the first in the know? How much networking is planned - will attendees have the opportunity to get actual face time with speakers?
What tips do you think events focused on the federal workforce can learn from the more socially focused side of DC?
