DON'T LET YOURSELF DOWN...

Here at Salt Solutions our main aim is to help our clients promote and enhance their professional image at every opportunity.

When organising an event, whether for business or family there are some key elements that will always enhance the quality and success of the event.

Organisation and good communication are the mainstays of success and the following 5 key points are intended to help you consider the level of detail which needs to be employed in order to achieve a truly memorable and successful event.

None of the following are rocket science but it is proven time and time again that it is the attention to detail that can make a real difference on the day.

1. Direction
Make sure you have good signage and plenty of people on the ground to welcome and direct delegates/guests to the registration desk or drinks reception area. Nobody likes to feel lost and/or ‘in the wrong place’. Your meeters and greeters should be clearly identifiable by uniform or badges. In addition you should always check that you have good, clear signposting for toilets, meeting rooms and key areas.

2. Informed Staff
Ensure all registration staff and/or welcoming committee members are well briefed on the types of guests who will be arriving and in particular that they are aware of any keynote speakers, VIPs, large groups and/or disabled guests with special access needs who may be attending. Devise a simple way of arranging passes or badges so that they can be located swiftly as each delegate arrives. This can so often be a 'bottle neck' area and cause a bad impression from the outset.

3. Manage your guests
It is important to have a designated area to which delegates/guests can be directed as soon as they arrive. Depending on the type of event this could be where reception drinks are being served, the auditorium where the formal welcome and introduction is to take place or the exhibition hall where display stands are located. It is far simpler to have people congregated in one area rather than them forming small groups all over the venue site.

4. Clear guidelines
A formal address and welcome should be warm and informative. It is your main opportunity to communicate with all of your guests in an organised and structured manner. You may find this to be a good time to outline the agenda for the duration of the event. You should make sure any housekeeping issues are announced and, depending on the size and type of venue, a quick roundup of emergency procedures and locations of fire exits, toilets and first aid points.

5. Help on hand
Ensuring that guides and/or staff are on hand at all times throughout the day to deal with directions, questions, late arrivals, emergencies etc. should enable you to manage the flow of people and timelines for the day effectively and systematically. The movement of people from location to location can often be the cause of lost time when working to a tight schedule so plan your schedule wisely.

If you have a forthcoming event and would benefit from specific advice and planning please do not hesitate to contact Heather Noble for a no obligtion informal discussion on 07843 006984.