We want to share our big-picture predictions for 2017 and how you can harness these ideas for your events program.

1. FIVE WAYS TO PUT YOUR EVENT
ATTENDEES IN THE DRIVING SEAT
(and why you should)

2. Why would you do it?
When you invite your attendees to events do you have the
idea that you’re in the driving seat and they are along for the
ride? Well not in 2017.
We are an events agency well known for our forward thinking
ideas we’ve created an amazing buzzing community of other
innovative marketing professionals. We want to share our big-
picture predictions for 2017 and how you can harness these
ideas for your events program.
In this report we examine five ways you can benefit from
audience-led event activity and creating true connections.

3. • It might be unpredictable but it gets results!
• The rewards you will reap for opening up your
program to interactivity are both measurable and
conceptual. You can measure participation in certain
events but you also can’t put a price on the
enjoyment and relationship development that comes
as a result.
• You can involve your audience in Q&A, polling,
photos and user generated content.

4. • There is no better way to engage your audience than
to trust them with their contributions to the event.
Stripping back the barriers and being transparent
with them can drastically improve trust and build
relationships.
• You may also be surprised with the rich content you
get as a result. A #nofilter approach to taking Q&As
for example can be incredibly useful to crafting the
next event topic or valuable follow up information.

5. • In events of all different scales and sizes there’s no
one-size fits all approach. We do advise testing your
interactive approach and engaging some keen
attendees ahead of time. Sometimes you need an
‘early adopter’ to start the participation so they
other attendees feel more comfortable joining in.
• We love creating a bespoke event for our audience as
they use their preferences to create their own
experience. Gin blending masterclasses are an
example of this.

6. • Connecting with your audience is what marketing is all
about. We are now witnessing a backlash to the digital
era of networking online and businesses are turning to
their tried and trusted offline event activities to
generate press, good will, and sales.
• With so much clutter in the inbox your attendees need
events to cut through the spam and interact with your
business. This might be physically handing over a
business card or talking through a product
demonstration. We are going to encourage you to take
these interactions to the next level but involving your
audience in your events.

7. • Using technology at events isn’t a gimmick, it’s a
hugely convenient and effective tool to engage your
audience.
• We are always pushing the boundaries with our use
of technology and are so excited about all the
amazing options out there. We’ve seen a huge
increase in audiences wanting to get involved with
these interactive technologies this year, from smart
watches that act as contactless tickets to large scale
interactive digital displays.

8. For event industry insights, tips + hints join us!
@eventemporium
www.eventemporium.com.au/blog