Maximizing ROI on In-Person Events

Introduction

An in-person event provides opportunities to engage with people outside of the day-to-day demands of work to collaborate, build consensus, hear new ideas, celebrate milestones, or complete training. While creating these opportunities is important, in-person events can also require significant investments of funding, time, and other resources. How can organizations be sure they will receive a return on those investments? Use a goal-oriented approach to planning and measuring events. 

Set Event Goals for Maximizing Events

We think of events as intangible experiences, but every event can and should have goals that are specific, relevant, and measurable. There is no “one size fits all” approach to events. Conferences, planning retreats, public announcements, webinars, and community outreach events vary according to participants, location, size, budget, length, and more. The goal for each event will be different. Examples of measurable event goals could include: 

• Costs: It may be important to stick to a tight budget or try to spend less on an annually reoccurring event than the previous year. 
• Time spent: Reducing this can save money and minimize disruptions to schedules. 
• Leads generated: For a recruitment event, you could measure the success by the total number of attendees who submitted an application or signed up for information. 
• Completion of a task or project: For a leadership summit, a goal could be that attendees agree upon a 10-year vision for the organization.  

• Number of trainings completed  
• Number of attendees  
• Impressions on social media 
• Earned media value generated 

Maximizing Experience for Event Attendees

When planning an in-person event, the most important thing to remember is that you are creating an experience for the attendees. This helps connect the attendees to the goal of the event. The experience begins when the attendee first hears about the event. From the event announcement to the post-event survey, every touchpoint should be part of a larger experience that connects the attendees to the goal of the event. Communication is essential to enhancing the experience of attendees. Event organizers should plan on sharing the following information in regular communications leading up to the event: 

• A draft schedule or brief agenda 
• Information about the event venue, including relevant amenities or features  
• The event hashtag  

• Safety and security measures 
• Weather forecasts  
• Major events that might disrupt travel (a national championship game or a music festival)  

Plan Event Components to Meet Goals for Maximizing Events

Once you’ve set your event goal, you can start thinking about ways to plan each component of the event around that goal to maximize ROI. Almost any aspect of an event can be adjusted to benefit your event goal. 

EVENT SPACES:  

• Make sure the space is large enough to comfortably seat your audience 
• Keep the distances between meeting rooms to a minimum 
• Use comfortable lighting and temperature settings for rooms  
• Test your audio and video before the event 

AGENDA:  

• Announce your agenda ahead of the event to generate interest  
• Schedule keynote speakers who will spark ideas that complement the event goal 
• Prioritize content that is relevant to your audience and event goal 
• Keep sessions short enough to maintain the attention of your audience 

• Include breaks throughout the day 
• Allow time between events for attendees to walk to new locations, use the restroom, or get refreshments  
• Include social events where attendees can relax, network, or collaborate together 

FOOD:  

• Use pre-event communications to collect information about dietary needs 
• Plan menus that consider the goals of your event and the preferences of your audience 
• Offer a variety of food and beverages