Event Operations

New Event Centre to Energize, Revitalize Calgary Neighbourhood

2020/07/07

Calgary’s iconic yet ailing Scotiabank Saddledome is one step closer to meeting its demise with the naming of the team that will design and build a new event centre in one of the city’s oldest districts. Following a robust request for proposal process that began early this year, Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC), in conjunction with the City of Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. (CSEC), has selected local multi-disciplinary design firm, DIALOG, and global design, architecture, engineering and…
The Key to Unlocking a Compelling Online Event Experience

2020/06/23

Over the past few months, there has been major growth in the percentage of meetings, conferences and other events hosted virtually. The increase in demand for digital experiences shows consumers are willing to adapt in their quest for human connection during the COVID-19 public health crisis. But this doesn’t mean switching an in-person event online will guarantee success. Organizers still need to give attendees what they want and that’s good content. “There is a misconception that virtual events are simple…
Mobile Event Apps: How to Choose the Right One

2020/06/22

Mobile event apps are almost expected today and will become even more important as face-to-face exhibitions resume. But with so many offering similar features, how do you decide which is the best one? While research shows cost is the biggest determining factor for organizers when selecting an event app, it shouldn’t be the only one. Here’s what you need to consider. 1. Functionality. Establish what you require and then find out if the app provides it. What you need will…
Organizers, Venues take Meaningful Steps to Bring Events Industry Back

2020/06/10

The events industry is getting ready for a new landscape as provincial and local governments country-wide lift pandemic-related restrictions on businesses and group gatherings. Recognizing people may be uneasy and even anxious about attending larger exhibitions like conferences and trade shows when they are allowed to resume, organizers and venues are taking steps now to impart consumer confidence. “We have been preparing for a return of events by building a list of potential measures that sit under the cornerstones of…
Seven Tips to Set Up a Successful Online Event

2020/06/09

Online corporate meetings and conferences are becoming the norm for many businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak, and they’re likely here to stay post-COVID-19 because of their intrinsic value. These virtual events expand audience reach, provide evergreen content opportunities, allow for in-depth reporting on attendees and are more cost-effective than their on-site counterparts. They’re also not at the mercy of external factors like a major storm or global pandemic, as is the case today. While some organizations have already fully transitioned…
Shifting from Physical to Online Events: Is it the Right Move?

2020/05/26

The meetings and events industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the social distancing measures aimed at reducing its spread. Companies and organizations have made changes to adapt during this unprecedented period, postponing, rescheduling or moving events online. But are all events suited to a virtual audience? Event coordinator Martha Feenstra says surprisingly yes. She even expects some may remain completely online on the other side of the pandemic. “I never thought I would enjoy a virtual music concert…
How to Pivot Sponsors from In-Person to Virtual Events

2020/05/26

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many event brands are taking steps to move online. But how do you keep sponsors satisfied during the virtual transition? Establish an E-mail Marketing Campaign E-mail is one of the most powerful ways to communicate with attendees, regardless the circumstances. Offer sponsors an e-newsletter bundle with featured content that’s sent to attendees. Include sponsors and links to their websites and social media channels. Prior to deployment, make sure e-mails are both informative and…
What Events May Look Like After the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020/05/12

COVID-19 has stopped meetings and events in their tracks. But although an unprecedented time for the industry, it will undoubtedly recover. “I am strongly convinced the physical event business will bounce back,” says best-selling author and frequent public speaker, David Meerman Scott, who studies how neuroscience affects behaviour. “Humans crave physical interaction with other humans. We want to be part of a tribe — that’s baked into our neuroscience. Our brains thrive around being around people who are just like…
After Q1 2020, Digital Transformation Is No Longer An Option

2020/04/08

Why Sales and Marketing Can’t Go Back to Business As Usual The dramatic events of the first three months of 2020 have taught CEOs, CROs and CMOs that a digital strategy for Sales and Marketing is no longer a “nice-to-have” for global corporations. When the unthinkable happens, and the traditional modes of personal communication literally shut down, the very survival of the company could be at stake. Why is this? Why is it so critical to re-think everything about the…
Top 5 Best Event Planning Hacks for 2020

2020/03/17

Planning an event can be hectic and often leave the best event managers feeling overwhelmed. There’s always last-minute changes, cancellations, or requests. Here are some tips to make the event planning journey a bit easier. Know what your client wants Before event planning starts, a client should fill out a form with their ideas, budget, the estimated number of attendees and potential dates. This will give an initial picture of what the event goals are. If the team ever goes…