As an event planner, you know that planning engaging events isn’t just about logistics; it's also about creating an unforgettable experience that leaves attendees raving long after the experience is over.
Whether you're organizing a conference, convention, trade show, or networking event, great attendee engagement is key to your success.
In this blog, we're diving into five simple yet effective tactics you can add to your event engagement strategy. From turning event badges into interactive bingo cards to surprising attendees with freebies they'll love, we've got you covered.
As an event professional, you’re already a pro at making sure event badges stand out and make an impression. But what if you took your name tags a step further and transformed them into an interactive activity like a bingo card or a punch card?
Add an element of fun and engagement to the event experience by challenging attendees to fill out their bingo cards by completing various activities, attending specific sessions, or interacting with sponsors and exhibitors. This encourages exploration of the event venue and supports event networking among attendees.
Add variable data to event badges through pc/nametag at no extra charge.
Similarly, converting badges into punch cards rewards attendees for their engagement throughout the event. Each interaction, session attended, or task completed earns them a punch or stamp on their badge, incentivizing higher participation and interaction.
These event badge ideas will make your conference more memorable, give attendees a fun activity to look forward to, and won’t break the bank — especially if you’re looking for a cost-effective experiential event activity.
Have a custom badge idea? pc/nametag can make it happen. Let's chat!
Incorporating a space on event badges for attendees to showcase their passions or interests is a simple yet highly effective tactic for enhancing audience engagement. By inviting attendees to write a hobby, interest, or fun fact on their badge, you'll empower them to kickstart conversations and form connections based on shared interests.
Whether it's a love for hiking, a passion for cooking, or an interest in a particular TV show, this fun personal touch is an easy way to transform static name tags into playful conversation starters. Your conference attendees will be more likely to approach one another and strike up conversations when they have common ground to connect on — potentially leading to higher attendee satisfaction rates.
This small addition to badges can have a big impact on building a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees, making the event experience richer and more fulfilling for everyone involved.
Explore pc/nametag's line-up of customizable Satin Sticky name tags, available in multiple shapes.
Hosting a badge ribbon scavenger hunt is a fun and cost-effective way to boost event engagement. 🗺️ Custom badge ribbons cost pennies a piece yet make great souvenirs for people who keep their badges long after the conference is over. To host a badge ribbon scavenger hunt, follow these steps:
Depending on your attendee participation goals, you can do different variations of badge ribbon activities. For instance, try hosting an industry-related trivia game where attendees win an exclusive badge ribbon for their name tag. This is a great way to award attendees as you build brand awareness.
According to Megan Herfel, one of our fabulous Senior Account Managers at pc/nametag, one of the hottest event trends this year is allowing attendees to add "flair" accessories to their badges and lanyards. Examples of flair include custom buttons, industry pins, stickers, badge ribbons, and more.
Megan says in her experience, these small yet impactful accessories are great conversation starters that reflect attendees’ passions and preferences. Here are a few ideas from Megan on how to leverage flair at your next event:
No matter how you offer “flair” at your event, your guests will love having a sense of individuality and community while they network, connect, and participate in event programming.
Everyone loves freebies and giveaways! Boost event ticket sales, encourage conference registrations, and show your appreciation to attendees with a complimentary surprise.
Unexpected gestures demonstrate appreciation for attendees' presence but also add an interactive element to your experiential event. Get creative with the surprise perks you offer! Here are a few of our favorite conference event freebie ideas:
So, where do I start? At pc/nametag, we recommend the Snap Pass Premier Event Badge for freebies. This event badge is fully equipped with a customizable, snap-off accessory that’s perfect for use as a customized freebie. For a more cost-effective option, try customizing vinyl wristbands with tabs.
Transform the snap-off portion of the Snap Pass into a free drink ticket or raffle ticket.
Hey, meeting planners! Want even more tips on how to measure and improve event engagement? Whether you’re looking for conference planning strategies or community engagement event ideas, you won’t want to miss this article from our friends at RSVPify.
Adam Hausman covers five ways to measure and improve event engagement from RSVPify’s event software perspective. Read Adam’s article, which covers everything from implementing QR codes to adding custom questions to your registration form.
TELL US: 📣 What strategies have you used at your past conferences and events to improve attendee engagement and satisfaction? Leave a comment below to let Adam and me know.