Ideas creation – where can you get ideas

Everyone remembers an event that is different. Thus, many event planners have the headache when there it comes to giving the attendants a special experience. Ways to get great ideas: a) Brainstorming session – get a group of people or colleagues together and let your imagination go! Prepare a one-page brief explaining the objective of the event to the group before starting to help the group to focus their train of thoughts on ideas. (E.g. Main objective: to give recognition to the winning sales team through an award presentation. Ideas to address: how to give them an unforgettable evening of glory for their efforts?) Be open to all suggestions and you will be surprised by the dynamics of a group think-tank! Gather people from different departments so that all personalities of the company can be represented. b) Survey – do a quick short survey on people who have attended similar events before, on what they would like to have for the event. But keep reality in check… Many people could just give you their dream list! Talk to people and find out what tickles them. Or simply ask them what they liked when attending a similar event. c) Internet and literature resources – some events-oriented portals (such as eventoplus.com) give suggestions on themes and ideas. There are also books available on themes for different types of events. Sometimes, interesting themes and ideas can be adapted from different event types. (e.g. a galaxy theme usually used for a company year-end party can be used for a software product launch, though the details of the program will differ). So, keep an open mind and explore the ideas. After you have come to a conclusion on an idea, present it to the working committee or team together with the budget required to deliver this idea. Good communication and group consensus can help rally for more positive support on the idea. Creative ideas can come in different ranges of prices for its execution. Make sure you keep a “reality” check between the idea and your budget. Explore options to lower production costs if the idea is too expensive. (e.g. use 2-D props instead of 3-D props). Using an event agency For those who have a budget for an event agency, make sure you write a clear brief about the objectives of the event. Creativity is the core offering of the event agencies apart from their professional experience during event planning and execution. Some organisers know exactly what they require and thus will detail the idea and all the items required for the event agency to execute (e.g. for the new car launch, the car will be revealed from a pedestal rising up from the stage. The overall set up of the event should project a high-tech image, followed by a stylish state-of-the-art AV presentation of the features of the car backed by its new technology). While some organisers simply detail out the objectives of the event (e.g. new car launch to show and generate awareness on its new technology backed features) and the budget allocated for the event. The event agency will then propose the idea and the logistics to present the objectives in a unique creative way. In general, when preparing a brief to an agency, specify the following: – Date & duration of the event – Venue (if selected, or specify your preferred type of venue) – City / country if it is not located where you are – Number of attendants – Objective of the event – Any historical information if such event has been organised before, what was the program so that the agency will not propose anything similar – Who and the demographics of the attendants. This can help the agency to plan activities and presentation that will cater to the attendants – Your total budget and what are the items that the budget should cover (e.g. entertainment, all logistics, etc) – Specify what are the Do’s and Don’ts for the event (if any) – Deadline when you are expecting the proposal – Your contact information