Tips & tricks for a strong start to your event

Do you really want to uncork the inspiration during your event? Not only from your New Year's party, but especially from other (business) events throughout the year? With the following tips, you can organize an appropriate opening.

Setting the stage

During a plenary opening, you have everyone together and, if you do it right, you get all the attention. So the time to get your message across the stage: why are you organizing this event and why is it so important for your guests to attend?

A good opening of your event is like a good presentation; whether you're organizing an opening for a conference, staff party or other event, always make sure it fits its purpose and concept. A glamour party requires entertainment, while an opening debate is more appropriate at a scientific conference. Start with an element of surprise, and you'll immediately be in the spotlight. By expanding the story and the event concept during the opening, your guests will immediately know what to expect.

Speech is silver, silence is golden

The leading man on stage feels comfortable in the spotlights and is not easily shy about words. Although management or management is often given this role, not everyone feels comfortable with it. One of the options to make them comfortable in the spotlight is special speaker training for management. Or else, find a professional speaker or invent a different form for the opening. Dare to color outside the lines: you can also go on artistic way fill out your story with entertainment, cabaret or music. Do you want to tell your guests how they will perform at the highest level this year? Show it! Bet you'll find inspiring examples in top sport?

Sometimes you can't avoid letting someone speak who isn't used to it. Then organize a talk show or interview led by a moderator. By rehearsing this beforehand, you let the participants get used to the sound of the microphone, the light and the setting. This way, you create a relaxed atmosphere where you get the message across in a professional and pleasant way.

Talking to your guests

Is your event about interaction? Start with that during the opening and ask your guests, for example, “What are your expectations for today?” Through interactive tools such as BuzzMaster, Sendsteps and Presenter wall guests can respond to statements, polls or open questions via their smartphone. The answers and reactions appear live on a big screen; a data DJ provides a structured story on the spot. It is also useful input for the moderator to initiate interaction and create engagement. And, just as importantly, your guests contribute directly to the event's output with their input.

Right time, right place

Does your event start at 6 pm in the heart of Randstad? Then don't expect everyone to be there when you open your event in plenary at 6.30 p.m. By communicating in advance how long each program component lasts, you prevent people from leaving the room in between for visits to the toilet or other, urgent matters.

Comfortable and active at the same time

Listening to a half-hour opening while standing does nothing to engage your guests. So how do you ensure that they maintain their concentration? Surprise them! For example, let them sit on a FestivalChair. With this handy do-it-yourself cardboard chair, everyone provides their own seating. Also useful during the rest of the event, because we print the program, map and other useful info for you there.

Do not organize a plenary opening

Sometimes you can't host all your guests in one room at the same time and a plenary opening is not possible. At other events, plenary opening may not be necessary at all, for example during a convention festival. During this business festival, you will put together a carousel of substantive and fun activities. Your guests decide in advance what they want to get out of this event and thus put together their own program. This event concept has a completely different dynamic than a traditional conference, you can approach your guests in smaller groups. So you have more interaction options than during a plenary opening.

If you've decided to open every event in an unforgettable way from now on, put the tips above in your favorites. A “good start” is half the work, especially when it comes to the opening of your event.

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