event planning - The Learning Center

Creative Ways to Promote Any Event

Getting the word out about your spring or summer event is easy. From billboards to sponsor backing, finding the right method to promote any event is important. You can use social media, team up with nearby businesses, hold mini events and even provide giveaways. No matter your efforts, your goal is to encourage people to attend and maybe help you spread the word.

With effective promotion, your event will be a success. To get the word out about any upcoming event, you need to reach as many people as you can. One way to do this is by using identification products to promote your event.

Being creative in promoting events with ribbon rolls, lanyards and badge holders designed to match for a conference.

One thing identification does well is connect you with your intended audience. These tools also help when promoting your event. Let us help you find creative ways to make these connections. From custom ribbons to event name tags, we have products to help you get the word out about your event.

Event promotion is the process of marketing an event to potential attendees, sponsors and stakeholders to boost attendance and achieve event goals. It requires formulating strategies and tactics that generate awareness and interest in your event to entice your target audience.

Why you should promote any event

A reusable badge, lanyard, badge holder and badge ribbon all designed to promote one event.

Event promotion can increase your chances of success. It can also shine a spotlight on your business, open doors to new opportunities and create connections. Adding products like custom top ribbons and signs to your marketing tools increases your audience’s engagement.

By focusing on promoting your event, you are actively inviting people to attend. You are also working on planning details that will create a memorable experience. A well planned and promoted event will provide networking opportunities that will improve your communication within your business and community.

Catching your guests’ attention

Using ribbons, name tags and more will help any event organizer promote sponsors and exhibitors or products and services. Each identification product can be great marketing tools when promoting your event. From fairs and festivals to every other kind of spring and summer get together, we have an identification tool to help you in promoting your event.

Custom Top Ribbons

Make every fair, festival and other event even more exciting with these fun ribbons. Customize each full color ribbon with edge to edge printing, including graphics, logos, text and even photographic images. Add in messaging about your event like dates, times and even include admission tickets.

Badge Ribbons

Commonly used during events, badge ribbons are great as identifiers for everyone at your event. You can also use them to promote your festival, and communicate with those who will be attending your event. Consider using them for fundraising, prizes and more when you add custom imprinted text.

Ribbon ROLLS

From animals to horticulture, show off your event and them with custom ribbon rolls. Design each ribbon roll with your event logo and message so that everyone will want to stick around for all of the festivities. You can decorate booths and provide extra advertising for your event with these versatile ribbons.

A custom sign, lanyard and event name tag designed to help promote one event.

Reusable Badges

Event staff, volunteers and even attendees can be quickly identified with reusable name badges. Print inserts before the day or grab a pen or marker to add names to reusable badges. Choose a style option that best suits your needs and give people identification at your spring and summer events.

custom Lanyards

When you use lanyards at your events, they can act like advertising. Choose from various materials and colors for your next fair, festival or other event. You can even attach badge holders with printed inserts for all of your event attendees, volunteers and sponsors for added identification.

custom Signs

Using stock or custom designed signs for your event will help people see directions and other information. Place these around your venue or use them as you are promoting your event. Recognition products like award plaques are great to present to winners and participants during your event.

Gaining followers and engagement

To get the most people interested in your event, try engaging with your audience by adding custom products to your promotion efforts. Use custom ribbons announcing event dates and times. Provide badge holders with printed inserts prior to attendees coming to your event. And even use lanyards to engage people as souvenirs or handouts.

No matter your tactics, remember to stay in touch with your audience and listen to any feedback they provide. Oh, and remember the power of social media! “Social networking should be a strategic part of your [event] marketing plan…It’s all about how you connect with your customers. So, what is ‘it?’ It, referring to social media networking, has increasing benefits that all businesses can take advantage of.”

Make it an event to remember!

Another great way to get the word out about your event is to have event specific branding. This is where custom ribbons and lanyards can help. Add your custom message and event logo to either ribbon rolls or custom lanyards for specialized promotions. These identification products will also come in handy once your event day arrives. Use them as souvenirs and reminders for attendees of just how much fun they had.

PRO TIP: Some businesses choose to make a new brand specifically for the event. It is like having a brand within another brand.

Make your event a brand in and of itself. This is the way that HubSpot promotes the INBOUND event. INBOUND is a separate brand from HubSpot. It’s not just an event for our customers. It’s an event for any marketer, sales or service professional who wants to learn more and educate themselves.

To do this, separate the event brand from your company brand. Have a different website, different colors, different messaging, etc. This will help attract people who don’t know about your company and are just coming across the event.

Spreading the word to promote any event and make it a success

One of the main benefits of holding any event is the opportunity to gain awareness for your business. It opens the door to your success and also to new customers. Think of what a custom ribbon with your event theme and information printed on it can do! Offering custom badges before the event as reminders to attend is another excellent way to spread the word about your event.

And, once the event is over, don’t forget to follow up with attendees about their experience. This can include sending thank you emails, offering post event discounts and more. You can even use this time to send extra name tags, ribbons or lanyards as a gift for their attendance.

You can make your customers happy by focusing on their experience with your company. Don’t put all of your focus on only the product or service they are buying. Connecting with your customers on an emotional and personal level is important.

Learn even more about promoting any event and communicating with your attendees on our other blogs.

Event Planning Made Perfect

Planning for Summer Activities

Planning for Summer Activities

(Products to Help and Tips for the Perfect Event)

Whenever people gather together, whether it is for a wedding, a business conference or a summer festival, the most important part is making sure people participate. Start with employee engagement for your summer activities, and ignite your team’s spirit with refreshing activities such as BBQs, bowling and more.

Corporate summer events are the most successful when the activities are things that employees want to do, and the more fun, the better. Foster goodwill among employees and give people a chance to mingle with people outside their regular work contacts by hosting a summer event. But don’t forget that someone is always needed to oversee the event’s details to ensure that it happens and is a success.

Organizing a seminar, conference, brand promotion, or product launch is not as easy as it may seem. However, paying attention to small details is essential and will impact the participants at your event. They say the devil resides in the details, and it is this devil you need to cater to when planning a summer corporate event. All events need a lot of planning and proper execution to avoid losing out on participants. So, make sure that you start well ahead of time and get everything in order before the big day.

10 Things to Keep In Mind While Planning Your Corporate Event

The most important point to consider when planning an event is to decide on the theme. This means that you need first to conceptualize your idea. You also need to bear in mind the targeted audience for the particular event. Based on these two main aspects, i.e., the audience and the theme, you need to plan and execute the corporate event accordingly.
It pays to know your resources well, and it will only help you delegate the responsibilities well in advance. Remember, it is always best to have designated people to do their respective jobs rather than taking it all on your shoulders. Distribute the work evenly, and keep backups just in case there is a last-minute slag. Most importantly, collaborate on the event with them at all times.
A day before the event, make sure you have everything in place. You could visit the venue a couple of hours before the event and check the sound and light system. Ensure that the arrangements are proper and everything is looked into. Handing out programmed brochures to the guests will make the event seem more organized. Remember, the first impression will leave a lasting impact on your guests.
To do this, you would have to ensure that the entry management is efficient and well-organized. Last but not the least, ensure there are no snags and delays in your event that will put off your guests. Also, remember to place your guests’ safety and satisfaction at the helm of all your efforts. By keeping all these things in mind, you will leave your guests with a smile, translating your event into a huge success.

Personal identification products that can be customized to use at any summer activity your business is planning.

Team Building and Employee Summer Engagement

Teamwork is critical to any business’s success, both large and small. So, when employees can connect over common interests, goals and ambitions, they will work better together. And when you have a team that builds up each other, your business will constantly succeed.

Keeping your team motivated takes effort, especially during summer activities. And as a business owner, you need to help your team members develop their bonds to collaborate and communicate effectively. Enter team building!

Team building activities and games are supposed to be educational and enjoyable. They help the team learn about each other — how each person thinks, works, solves problems and has fun. So whether you want to do some icebreakers or just bond your team, there are inventive ways to do this.

Badge Holders and Lanyards to Spice up Your Summer Activities

Nearly every organized event requires attendees, volunteers, and others to wear name badges. So, hand out customized badge holders and lanyards to everyone at your summer event. Also, make sure to keep extra badges just in case you need them during the day of the event. With printable inserts, it’s easy to get someone’s identification quickly.

Once everyone is identified clearly at your summer activities, it helps ease introductions. That way, those in attendance can move on to more important things, such as business discussions and networking. Badge holders are one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to identify large groups of people. Add in lanyards for extra branding and recognition.

So, get your employees involved this summer at your office shindig (and color coordinate your teams for better participation). Having fun this summer at your office party is even better with fun titles! Print them on inserts in badge holders for your summer activities.

Conversations About a Lanyard

As lanyards are an easy way to display name badges and other personal identification, they are used every day by various people. College students, teachers, employees in retail stores, office workers and even government officials wear lanyards to show IDs or security reasons.

When everyone at the company is wearing the same lanyard, it creates a sense of unity. Colleagues work together with camaraderie and respect. Whether your employees or in the office or on a corporate retreat, company lanyards instill the reality that everyone is a part of the same team, including upper management.

Networking is also an essential aspect of trade shows and summer events. Lanyards identify you and your colleagues by carrying name badges and advertising your company name and logo imprinted on the material. Also, lanyards work with nearly any dress code. Professionals can wear lanyards with their suit, dress shirt or blouse without compromising their appearance. Lanyards also allow people to carry their identifications or credentials without damaging their clothes with pins or other fasteners.

Employees should wear a badge holder for summer events to help create unity and elevate the security. Leaders need to be able to identify each participant at the event, and having each employee wear a lanyard and a name badge will help identify those who belong. They also aid in remembering people’s names.

Name Tags and Badge Ribbons for Your Next Summer Event

Black engraved name tag with colorful custom badge ribbons designed for use during summer activities.

From company summer festivities to family reunions, name tags and badge ribbons are perfect for every event. You can tell people more about each other at first glance with a highly personalized ribbon attached to their name tag. Likewise, if you have VIPs or other prominent members at your event, set them apart with a ribbon that reflects their importance or position.

Networking with Name Tags

Here’s the scenario: “You’ve just arrived at your weekly, cookie-cutter networking event. After walking up to the registration table, you search across a sea of identical plastic name badges with tiny print for the one with your name and company printed on it. You’ll affix this name tag to your shirt at the least awkward angle you can contrive and proceed into a crowded room of people all arching their necks to scope out the people worth chatting to while trying not to stare at someone’s chest for too long. (And most likely many have chosen to position the name) tags to be hidden in the folds of jackets or flipped around entirely, making them impossible to read. Good luck with that one.”
We’re here to offer that perfect solution. We offer a product that facilitates networking and promotes making those critical connections. In addition, our name tags and reusable badges are ideal for use with our lanyards and other fasteners.

Stand out from any crowd with bright, fun and festive badge ribbons.

Each ribbon helps make an initial introduction when worn with a name badge. They help break the ice for those attending social meetings and a get-together. And, it is always fun to think outside the box to come up with unique ways to personalize these badge ribbons.

While name badges are the usual place to find a badge ribbon, these identification tools are perfect for imaginative uses. From group identifiers to getting-to-know-you games, these ribbons help add flair to any event or function. However, use your imagination and create fun things to add to these promotional ribbons. They don’t always have to be professional. Instead, add silly things that will make them memorable such as Coffee Fiend or Here For The Food. Also, let attendees pick out something that describes their personality so others at a conference or corporate meeting will feel more at ease.

Ribbon Tools for Employee Engagement

Badge ribbons are the perfect tool to engage your employees, especially during summer events. With many different colors to choose from, and you can add any text and small graphics, these ribbons are incredibly versatile. Use them to inform your employees about your next event. Or, use them for event games, fun summer-themed titles and more.
No matter your event, you can make these ribbons work for you! Whether it’s an employee-only event or a summer get-together that your business is sponsoring, badge ribbons can do most of the work for you. First, include messages of dates, times and locations for each of your events. Then, use them to help employees and customers stay engaged with your business.
You can also use custom top ribbons as awards, reminders and souvenirs at your next company summer event. These ribbons are just as versatile as badge ribbons but a bit fancier. Sometimes the best way to keep your employees continually engaged is a simple reminder of the fun they have with your company. Summer events are the perfect reminder. So, create unique and engaging ribbons to give to your event guests as a reminder of the fun they had celebrating.

Custom Signs Designed for Summer Activities

Custom sign designed to show daily schedules for summer activities.

The best part of custom products is personalizing them for every event or need, including planning office summer activities. Informing your customers upfront about business hours and policies builds customer trust and keeps them coming back. Adding professional signage to your business (and event) will help your employees and customers understand your company goals. After all, helping your customers is your number one priority, so make sure they know by using classy engraved signs.

Finding a way to let your customers know where things are just got easier with stock engraved signs. Welcome everyone to your lobby by providing instructions on how you handle business. Help your customers find their way around your facility with easy-to-read stock office signage. Make your business more welcoming with custom and stock signs featuring messages that help your customers.

Signs also play an important role at your summer events. Add daily schedules, include information about the event or simply display a fun summer message. No matter what, make sure your message is engaging for everyone in attendance at your event.

So, what are the benefits of throwing company sponsored summer activities?

Hosting any company summer activities is one way to keep employee morale boosted, which can often dip up and down quite often. It’s almost seen as a perk, just in the same way that a Christmas party is. Giving your team the chance to interact outside of the office is one way to boost their morale. In addition, it provides the team with an opportunity to get to know each other better, and differently.

Learn even more: 5 Tips for Planning a Conference

Get the Most Out of Attending Conferences

No matter what you hope to achieve by attending conferences, these eight steps will help you get there.

Part of maintaining a successful business is attending conferences. They give you opportunities to build connections, learn from experts in your field and promote your brand. How much you benefit from these opportunities depends on your approach. If you prepare well, spend your time wisely and apply what you learn, you will take your company to new heights. To ensure you get the most out of your conference experiences, follow these eight steps.

Three people talking while attending conferences.

1. Know Why You Are Attending Conferences

Having a goal is fundamental to maximizing your conference experience. If you know what you want to achieve, then you will know how to prioritize your time. So, unless your boss gives you a specific reason for going to a conference, come up with one. It could be to find new clients, learn about the latest technology or form a business partnership. If you have trouble coming up with a goal, think about where your company is right now and ask yourself what would make it better. Once you have the answer to that, then setting a goal for the conference will be much easier.

2. Find Out Who You Want to Meet

Now that you have a goal, create a list of people you need to talk to at the conference. By making this list ahead of time, you increase your chances of achieving your objective. Start by researching more about the speakers and presenters. Once you figure out which ones will best help you reach your goal, make plans to talk to them sometime during the conference.

Don’t just stop with the speakers. Use social media hashtags and other technology to find out who else will be at the event.

Most conferences these days have an app that allows you to connect with fellow attendees. Download the app before the conference and take a look at who else is attending. If you find someone interesting in the app, take the time to do a bit of research on them so that when you do happen to meet up in person at the event you can breeze through the icebreaker and get right down to a meaningful discussion.

3. Plan Your Conference Agenda

Business woman writing in a notebook before attending conferences.

Use the conference itinerary to plan which sessions you will attend. Any time you spend figuring out which session to go to and how to get there is time you could have spent working toward your goal. So, plan ahead of time and map out how you will get from one session to the next. Also, find out where the closest restrooms will be so you are not wandering the halls or showing up late to a session. Becoming familiar with the venue also allows you to help your fellow attendees, which is a great way to form new relationships that could benefit your business.

4. Prepare to Collect and Distribute Contact Information

Before you show up to the conference, make sure you have a way to collect people’s contact information. If you are lucky, you will have tons of business cards by the end of the event. Make sure you keep all that contact information safe so you can use it later. Bring a folder to store business cards in or put the information onto a spreadsheet. As long as you have a system in place, you will be able to follow up with the people you met at the conference.

Make it easy for people to follow up with you by having tons of business cards on hand. The cards need to be easy to read so that people have no trouble contacting you. Also, make sure to include your social media handles as well as your phone number and email address. For some people, connecting through social media is more comfortable than a direct email or phone call. So, give people different ways to contact you so that they are more likely to follow up after the conference.

5. Wear Your Name Tag when Attending Conferences

Two custom engraved name tags to wear while attending conferences.

Even though most conferences give you a name badge to wear during the event, bring the name tag you use for work. Wearing a name tag that matches your brand helps people associate you with your products or services. And, it increases brand recognition. If your company does not use name tags, talk to your boss about having one custom made. Wear it so other people can easily read it. As you wear a name tag that has your business name, logo and job title, you will see it spark people’s interest in your company, which could lead to future growth.

6. Pay Attention During Presentations and Workshops

After several hours of listening to people speak, your mind can start to feel groggy. So, do things to help you remain alert. Stay hydrated and have snacks for whenever you start to feel your energy drop. Sit close to the front so you can easily see and hear the speaker. For note-taking, don’t just write down what the speaker says. Think about how it could help your business improve and jot down your ideas. These are just some strategies to help you stay focused on the presentations. As long as you make an effort to pay attention, you will get a lot more out of the conference than if you didn’t.

7. Follow Up After the Conference

Don’t let the connections you made go to waste. Follow up with your contacts, but gently. You don’t want to come off as overbearing or desperate for a business connection.
Whether you swapped emails, social media or business cards, use what you have to start up a professional yet friendly conversation. Make it your goal to form a connection that will last. Listen to what they have to say, and don’t be aggressive in how you approach them.

8. Take What You Learned and Make Plans

You have gathered a wealth of information. Now it is time to put it to good use. First, go over your notes, especially the ideas that came to your mind during the conference. Out of everything you wrote down, what will help your business move onto the next stage of development? You may want to apply everything you learned at the conference, but what you do first will depend on where your company is at now. So, discuss what you learned with your team members and your boss before you move forward. Once you decide the best way to proceed, begin making plans. As you apply what you learned from the conference, and follow up with the people you learned from, you will receive a higher return on your investment.

Now that you know the steps to getting the most out of attending conferences, apply them to every event you attend. As you come to these events prepared to learn, make connections and promote your brand, you will see your business bloom.

12 Ways to Say Yes to Your Conference

Attendees at a conference, 12 steps to planning your event.

From choosing the perfect venue and catering the menu to finding the best speakers, no matter your needs for hosting the best conference, look no further than right in the mirror. Yes, you can plan and carry out a successful event. And here are some easy to follow steps to get you started.

Attending a professional conference provides an unmatched opportunity for attendees to build networks, strengthen their work ethic and get new ideas for the workplace. They also give employees a way to get out of the office and increase employee morale. As a result, these face-to-face events continue to make lasting and sizable contributions to any work environment.

1. Objectives and Goals

When you decide to hold a conference, the first thing to do is to figure out the conference objective and set your intended goals. Why would you make the time and effort to plan this type of event without a purpose? You would just be wasting your time and resources.

So, define that objective. It can be anything from informing attendees about the latest tech gadget to helping colleagues learn the best way to write an interoffice email. Not only should your conference have goals but remember that your attendees will also have their goals and expectations for the event. Most people say they attend an event to gain knowledge or increase skills.

One of the best ways to find a conference objective is to ask those around you what they need. Find something that only you can offer and take it from there. And remember that it can start small. A small idea can find a greater purpose.

2. Conference Location and Venue

Three words: remember your audience. Now is the time to consider who will attend your conference. Plan everything with the needs of your attendees at the forefront, and you will be sure they will get a lot of new information and actionable ideas from the conference.

Find a location that supports the number of people invited and has a comfortable environment for your attendees. Be sure that any necessary technology is available. Think through the entire process, will there be space to greet your guests? Are you providing refreshments or meals? If this is a multiple day event, consider the availability of housing. Remember, it is about a whole event and you want to be prepared.

3. Conference Speakers and Subjects

Your event lineup should be enticing to those attending. Find speakers who will be engaging and exciting for those in attendance. Of course, not all subjects will be exciting, but find someone to make them enjoyable.

There are opportunities everywhere to find speakers for any event. Look inside your company, or ask friends and family if they know someone willing to present on a topic that they might find intriguing. But, no matter where you find your speakers, remember to get them on board with your conference objective. For example, there is no point in having someone talk about fish if your conference is about digital literacy.

4. Setting Your Conference Agenda

Begin to set up the schedule for each presenter. Most conferences post their agenda ahead of time. In addition, many planners now have interactive mobile applications to help you schedule speaker times and other activities during your event. But that is just the beginning.

Take it a step further, and make sure that all attendees have access to a schedule to plan their best experience. Everyone should know beforehand what they can expect from your event.

5. Open Every Door

Make sure everyone has the opportunity to take full advantage of your event. Carefully plan the agenda to create an immersive and interactive experience for all attendees.

If you need to, take a poll on what people expect from your objective and work from there. But, no matter what you do, keep the door open for everyone. Sometimes this is as easy as finding a venue with an open floor plan. Other times, it could be activities to get people moving around and communicating with each other.

6. Providing the Whole Experience

Your conference needs to be about the whole experience, not just speakers or significant events. To keep everyone engaged and interacting, remember your audience and objective. A conference is more than just someone standing on a stage talking about their topic. It’s creating a collective mind intent on learning everything they can about this subject.

So, even if you are holding a conference about those previously mentioned fish, remember that the ocean is full of different types of fish. Yes, weird analogy, but here is the point: keep the conversations going. There more people are engaged, the better your conference will be for everyone involved and have the opportunity to grow and learn.

7. Interactive Conference Events

When you don’t have someone speaking or presenting, provide other learning opportunities such as mentor programs or expert panels. These small group activities offer incredible chances for people to meet, mingle and often find answers they won’t find anywhere else.

And, what is a conference without networking? Encourage the participants to build relationships with newfound friends and colleagues. While these interactive events can be simple or creative, make time for them, they are significant.

8. Professional Identification

Helping your attendees make lasting connections is a large part of the purpose of any event. So, yes, you need name tags! Make this an easy process by providing event credentials. From badge holders for schedules to speaker name tags, using identification will help everyone involved.

Personal identification is key to any event, including conferences, seminars or trade shows. As an event host or planner, you want your attendees to enjoy networking at your event. And, when they do, they are more likely to return next year. So use quality name badges to put people at ease and make your conference or seminar successful.

Take every opportunity to network at a conference.

9. Networking and Socializing

One of the most important things that can happen during events is the opportunity to develop a supportive system of sharing information and services. With each attendee sporting a name badge, people are more comfortable socializing and more likely to have a positive networking experience.

Provide opportunities throughout the conference for attendees to share their information with others. For example, if you offer printed schedules for use with badge holders, include a QR code for easy sharing. But no matter how information is shared, provide as many opportunities as possible for everyone to mingle.

10. Set the Standards

On the event day, you want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and feels safe. When considering a dress code, consider your venue, attendees, objective, speakers and presenters. Make sure that everyone will be comfortable and still able to maintain your desired level of professionalism.

If your event has activities requiring special equipment, be sure to communicate that to your attendees and, while you are at it, let them know what facilities and equipment will be available for their use.

11. Keep Your Audience in Mind

Whether providing time for breaks or making healthier choices for catered meals, make your conference flow better by keeping your audience in mind. Help your attendees be comfortable while shifting from their daily work life to attending your conference. Plan events with travel time and meals in mind. Make sure multiple options are available when providing food and catering, so no one goes hungry.

It is, after all, about those coming to your event. Make the experience memorable so the participants want to attend another fabulous conference put on by their favorite event planner: YOU!

12. Be Present During the Event

A conference is a grand event, and once it begins, all of the planning is behind you, and hopefully, everything is going well. So don’t disappear into the background now, be sure to participate in all the activities. It is a good idea to ask for feedback throughout the day so that you can take your event planning to the next level in the future.

Examples of products used at a variety of events.

Identification Products for Your Event:

The Learning Center: A Better Way to Blog

The Learning Center is full of articles about learning how to host the best event ever, networking with colleagues and so much more.

Engraved, plastic sign describing
Coller Industries Incorporated's event planning and informational blog The Learning Center

Whether you’re planning the best conference anyone will ever attend or hosting a simple dinner party, The Learning Center is here to make sure you are using these tools in the best possible ways. Search content by categories like meetings and conferences, or hop from one subject to another at your leisure. Each informative article is there to help you succeed. As you delve into these different aspects of building your corporate identity, you will see positive changes in your business outcomes, company culture and marketing strategies.

From Meeting Planning to Event Hosting, This is the Place to Find Ideas

Spice up your creativity and find innovative ways to use personal identification. From ribbons at a meeting to name plates for directions at a conference, don’t limit yourself when using these fantastic tools. Improve everyone’s impression with name tags and award plaques. Come find out how to use these personalized tools to help your event be everything it should be. So, if you like personal identification as much as we do, take a look around, we guarantee you will find something useful.

It is so much more than personal identification!

Coller Industries Incorporated's event planning and informational blog The Learning Center

No matter what industry you work in or the size of your company, The Learning Center (by Coller Industries Incorporated) was created for you. We have articles on a wide variety of topics from planning the perfect event to networking to build strong relationships. Most importantly, by putting thought and purpose into everything you do, and using the ideas in this blog, it will teach you how to achieve your company goals. It will also show you how to utilize the tools that you already have to improve your business practice.

Coller Industries Incorporated broadens the blogosphere with a new long-form content platform and renames two product and idea based blogs.

Coller Industries Incorporated's personal identification blog Influencing Identity

Influencing Identity is here to help you figure out how to use name tags and identification products. From name tags for your business to badge holders for your next conference, we have it all. Find out how to use all your identification products at work, while networking and at any event you are planning. Use our how-to articles to get your ideas flowing for working with all of your personal identification.

Coller Industries Incorporated's personalized ribbons blog Ribbon Impressions

Ribbon Impressions provides information about everything from ribbon roll ideas for your wedding to badge ribbons for a conference. And don’t forget about rosette ribbons for your award needs, such as fair or festival prizes. Find all your ribbon needs in one place and learn how to best use them at events and for your corporate gifting. Discover inspiration for using personalized ribbons and find useful how-to articles.

The 7 Rules for a Highly Productive Meeting

The first thing to do is to determine if you even need this meeting to take place. Sometimes meetings happen without prior thought to what their purpose should be and how to bring that to pass. If you think that a meeting is a way to go, ask yourself some quick questions before scheduling it.

But, first things first, what is a meeting?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a meeting as “an act or process of coming together.” A meeting is a gathering of two or more people coming together for a specific purpose. These are commonly held when multiple people need to decide on agendas or ways to achieve a particular goal. They may occur when face to face interaction is required to make a decision. Meetings may also take place over the phone or a video chat. A meeting can be informal, such as a social meeting with friends, or a formal gathering, such as a business luncheon.

A group of people getting acquainted in before a meeting starts.

To avoid wasting time and resources, communication for a meeting’s purpose is critical. Everyone, at some point in time, has attended a meeting and thought during or afterward about why it even happened. Don’t waste time in a meeting that could have been an email or quick one on one discussion with someone.

First, clarify the purpose of your meeting and write it down. Second, decide if this a one way conversation that can be handled in an email or a phone call. And, remember to ask the critical question if any of the information that needs to be shared of a delicate or personal nature. This brings in to question about figuring out who will be attending this meeting and why. And lastly, do you have enough time to prepare adequately?

So, what are the seven rules for planning a meeting?

No matter the purpose of a meeting, whether business related or not, there are specific tasks which need to be completed to accomplish the underlying goal of that meeting. This is where planning comes into play. Yes, meetings can be boring even if planned out, but remember that you need to make sure it is necessary. And, they can be extremely efficient and productive when planned correctly.

The First Rule: Identify the Purpose of the Meeting

There are multiple reasons to hold a meeting. And, the success of your meeting starts with defining why you need to have it and setting the goals and objectives the event will address and solve. Make sure when making the list of reasons to hold the meeting, you are clear and concise. Clarifying the purpose of your meeting is an essential part of planning your event. Clear goals and objectives help with the effectiveness of communication. This ensures that everyone in attendance understands why it is important.

Creating an Agenda

Because all meetings should have a clearly defined purpose, it makes sense that every meeting should have a clearly defined agenda. Creating an agenda will improve communication, even if your meeting is small and only has a few in attendance.

Lay out a sequence for the meeting. Plan time for a brief introduction to provide context, and for a discussion of next steps at the end. Decide how much time to devote to each item and what order makes sense. The longer it is, the harder it will be for people to remain focused, so it is wise to underestimate how much your group can cover in the allotted time.

“A Checklist for Planning Your Next Big Meeting” by HBR Editors, published March 26, 2015

A well-written meeting agenda organizes and outlines the meeting’s required points of conversation. It highlights important information and helps attendees determine their roles and responsibilities within the meeting. For a planning meeting, the agenda is especially important as it helps to ensure that all planning aspects are addressed within the designated time. Define the planning meeting’s logistics. Provide information on the meeting’s time and location. Include special instructions, such as participation codes for conference calls and login information for online meetings.

“How to Create an Agenda for a Planning Meeting” by Charmayne Smith for www.smallbusiness.chron.com

It is important to remember that having an agenda is significant to the productivity of your event. An effective agenda should be clear, concise and readable. Share the agenda with participants when necessary, so it must be easy to follow. This agenda should promote effective communication and show the appropriate actions and steps to take to keep people on track and motivated to complete the tasks the meeting sets forth.

The Second Rule: Inviting the Right People

Now that you have determined that you need to hold a meeting, make sure to invite the correct people. You don’t want unnecessary individuals to put the time and effort into coming to something they either don’t belong at, or don’t need to be at.

In some corporate cultures, employees do not need to participate — they only listen and head back to their work spaces. At other companies, employees participate freely. In today’s collaborative workplaces, interacting and sharing ideas is not only welcome, it’s frequently the purpose of the entire meeting. When you are setting out your expectations, it is also a good time to send out any required reading or material you will want those attending to look over. That way they are prepared when they get to the meeting and there are no surprises.

Consider who can help you accomplish your goal and who will be affected by the meeting’s outcome. Identify key decision makers, people who are knowledgeable about (or have a stake in) the topic at hand, those who need to be informed in order to do their jobs, and anyone who will be required to implement decisions made. What about size? Keep problem solving meetings small (around eight people). Include more people for brainstorming (as many as 18). If you are providing updates or rallying the troops, be as inclusive as you want to be. But remember: time is money. Be conscious of the ripple effects your meeting can have on people’s time across the organization, and only invite those who absolutely have to be there.

The Third Rule: Time and Space

While it may seem simple, planning when and where your meeting will take place is of enormous importance. And, part of planning when it will be will also consist of who is coming. You will need to make sure that everyone will be available to come, especially if their jobs require the information being present at your meeting.

Making sure you have a venue, whether it is the office conference room or a larger gathering hall, is crucial. Make sure you have enough space for everyone.

Make sure that your meeting space fits to your agenda and goals.

As you look for a great location take into consideration the tone of the meeting. A small informal and intimate meeting would work great in a small room with the chairs set into a circle. A formal meeting may require a conference room. Will there be break out sessions? You will need to prepare for multiple rooms. If this is a full or multi day event, do you need to provide a room for a meal or activity? Larger meetings require more space, and it will often take longer to find an appropriate space so plan ahead. Be sure to find a space for your event before you publicize the date. Many people begin planning around a specific date only to find that the selected venue is not available, it may be necessary to make adjustments to the venue or the date, stay open to possibilities.

The Fourth Rule: Preparation

From technology to social media and even how you communicate your invitations to the meeting, you must make sure that everything is adequately prepared. You will need to identify and arrange everything needed for a productive meeting; this includes testing out all technology used during the meeting. Prearrange for all required items for the event, and make sure to pay attention to even the smallest details.

Preparation, a take charge attitude and good oral communication skills are keys to effectively chairing a meeting. It is your responsibility as a chairperson to make sure the meeting fulfills its primary objectives within its preset time parameter. You also need to keep participants engaged and make sure everyone has a voice. Both what you say and how you say it can make the difference between an effective, productive meeting and one that “fails.”

In theory, everyone understands that preparation can make or break an important meeting. The more work you do before you walk into the room, the more productive and efficient you will be. But who has the time to properly prepare? Our checklist makes meeting prep quick and easy—be sure to print it out or save it for later. Each step is described in more detail below. Using the checklist and the principles behind it will ensure that you have covered all your bases—and that you will not be wasting anyone’s time (including your own).

“A Checklist for Planning Your Next Big Meeting” by HBR Editors, published March 26, 2015

Identification for Attendees

Name tags and other identification products are perfect for every meeting

Name tags also provide confidence to those at a conference or event. Even if everyone does not know each other, their names are visible and so introductions feel less intimidating. People can confidently call each another by their names.

The bottom line is that name tags don’t have to be expensive or fancy to be powerful. When used appropriately, name tags help to build community. The power within name tags is real. So put one on today! We have an almost endless variety to meet any need.

The Fifth Rule: Participation

This rule is simple: make sure that everyone in attendance at your meeting knows why they are there. By giving everyone an assignment or asking them to help with a presentation, they will feel of value to the common cause.

From food to printing the agenda, everyone should be able to participate in the meeting. This includes assigning personnel to perform research, develop strategies, disseminate information and implement policies, establishing time frames and benchmark goals, and defining qualitative and quantitative measurement tools to gauge effectiveness. But, make sure to always follow up on actionable items in advance of their due dates.

The Sixth Rule: Stay on Task

From starting on time to your organization, the only way your event will flow without fail lies in your preparation. Every meeting should start with a “call to order” to get attention. Sometimes this can be a random prize drawing or a roll call.

Timing is essential, both from a logistic and productivity standpoint. It can be frustrating when things do not get going because attendees are trickling into the room at their own pace. Make sure to take charge of the meeting. Start promptly and with the “call to order.”

Then, stay on task. Center all conversations around the goals and objectives of your event. Stick to your agenda; that is why you made it in the first place. And, if things start to deviate course, get back as quickly and directly as you can. Make sure that everyone has a chance to be heard, but also make sure to reign the conversation in when necessary.

The Seventh Rule: Meeting Follow Up

Once your event has concluded, take the time to check to see if you need any follow up. Whether it is with one person or the entire attendance roster, follow up in just as important as the meeting itself. You need to measure the result and effectiveness of your event.

A meeting is only as good as the action it results in. Every meeting with an agenda should also have a desired outcome. As the organizer of the meeting you should continue to drive people towards that desired outcome and act like a “ringmaster” of the different opinions and cases presented at the table. Once consensus has been achieved this should be confirmed in an email so that everyone has written confirmation. You should also track your progress against these stated objectives until the task is complete.

And, remember to clean up! From taking down any decorations to cleaning up leftover food, make sure you leave the venue as you found it. This keeps your venue options open for your next meeting (you do not want to blacklist your company from anywhere).

Helpful Links:

Learn more about meetings:

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Meet your name tag experts:

Meetings, Conferences and Other Events

www.nametag.com

Coller Industries Incorporated

Event Planning Made Perfect

Event planning is a marketing tool organizations of all sizes use to communicate with current and potential clients and employees. It is the process of planning a festival, ceremony, competition, party, concert or convention. For many industries, nothing beats a hands-on experience created by personal interactions. Whether your event is big or small, the overall attendee experience needs to be good enough for them to want to come back next time.

Event planning is a marketing tool organizations of all sizes use; badge holders, lanyards and ribbons help.

Many large companies, organizations and individuals are now hiring event planners to handle the planning and socializing of their events. These events can range from a wedding to a small office meeting and anywhere between. If not properly planned, any event could have hitches and bumps along the way.

Generally speaking, there are two markets for event planning services: corporate and social.

Corporations host trade shows, conventions, company picnics, meetings and holiday parties for employees, members or stockholders. Social events may include weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, parties and reunions.

The Ever Important Event Planner

Finding a purpose or specialty is one of the first steps in succeeding as an event planner. There are many types of planners (weddings, large events, parties, etc.), so finding a niche may be the easiest task.

There are many reasons to hire an event planner when planning an event or a party. Event planners coordinate all the necessary details of these events. And face it, event planning takes, well, planning. So, why not hire a professional? An experienced event planner should be able to realize anyone’s vision of an event successfully.

A good event planner must have a passion for detail to succeed.

They also need drive and perseverance to stay in this competitive environment. Event planners play many roles during an event. In addition to being designers, they need to be leaders, problem solvers, innovators and strategists. It is also important to appreciate different cultures, religions and traditions.

Those seeking this line of work are encouraged to obtain a degree or certificate before starting this vocation. Most experienced planners agree that jumping in head first is a bad idea as there is no foundation to stand on. Many encourage shadowing or volunteering with an experienced planner to develop the necessary rapport and tools.

Event planning is a highly competitive profession, and anyone considering this line of work needs to show up with a loaded tool belt. Equip this belt with the ability and skill to determine a great and inviting theme and find vendors and suppliers to make any event go smoothly.

Finding Your Tool Belt

Event planning is about managing events intended to achieve unique and individual objectives. Many event planners just starting in the industry spend most of their time marketing themselves and finding clients. During this time, they should also get to know local vendors.

Vendors useful for any event planner are people or places such as florists, caterers, photographers and different venues. A good vendor can always play multiple parts in any event. This list will grow as successful events are accomplished and can be used to maintain that necessary tool belt.

Effective communication is an essential key to successfully researching, designing, planning, and coordinating any special event. Event planning can be overwhelming if the correct tools are not readily available. Knowing all available resources pays off and will help when delegating responsibilities in advance.

Any time people gather together for a purpose, whether it is a conference, a formal dinner or a grand opening, someone needs to manage all the event details to guarantee its success. These details should also include any vendors such as caterers, photographers or speakers, depending on the particular specialty.

Hosting an event takes time, talent and perseverance.

To be a successful event planner requires a focus on these talents. It also requires getting to know the correct tools and how to use them. Merely having an eye for detail helps, but doesn’t complete the task of having the proper tools.

Utilizing the proper tools allows creativity to flow more naturally and create the perfect atmosphere for any event. Let the juices flow and soar above the rest by having these tools readily available for any need. Take steps to make your event a success, and they will come back time and time again.

All themes for significant events can develop from great ideas, but making them come together, work well and have great attendance can be a grueling and daunting task. When an event is well organized, it guarantees a good impression. This first impression is sure to leave a lasting impact. It can also help to set the current trends in event planning.

Expanding Your Event Planning Tools

An important vendor is for custom credentials, name badges and lanyards. As many events require some sort of admission or identification, it is worth investing in these items. A good event planner knows that name tags and other supplies help guests understand where they need to be and who is in attendance.

Identifying Each Visitor

badge holders are only one tool you need for your perfect event planning tool belt

Many corporate events require that attendees wear name tags to be easily identified. These name tags can include names, titles and companies. When everyone is identified clearly at events, it can help ease introductions to others so that attendees can move on to more important activities during the event.

While most name tags are worn at corporate events, they are also used at social events. Remember, identification is critical. Use a name tag for a table number or a descriptive sign for food items. Make sure your attendees know and understand your purpose, who they are, and why they are attending your event, not the one down the hall.

Associating Each Visitor Appropriately:

adding ribbons to your event planning tool belt is essential in making any name badge stand out

Identify sponsors, presenters or speakers with different colored ribbons. Add a promotion or an advertisement to make someone stand out. Or, use these ribbons to differentiate guests and organizations from staff or volunteers. Customize each ribbon to express any desired effect. Choose from an abundance of stock titles or create a new one.

Every event can use some flair. Show style and preparation through packaging and presentation. Use ribbon rolls to illustrate the product’s benefit. Tell people more about the event at first glance with a highly personalized ribbon. Use it to wrap business or calling cards for a unique touch. Create a wall of ribbons that hold the name tags for the event.

Promoting Those in Attendance at Any Event:

Use custom lanyards to add a sense of identity to work functions, conferences, trade shows and other events. When people are flowing through an event venue, keeping track of them using credentials becomes necessary. Lanyards can add value to the event when customized with the convention name, sponsors or logo. Event planners often order the same design on different colored lanyards for different attendees or officials.

lanyards are a great event planning tool

BADGE HOLDERS

CUSTOM LANYARDS

BADGE RIBBONS

LEARN EVEN MORE ON OUR MEETINGS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS PAGE.