Strategic Events: Who to Call for Help

Looking for strategic special event counsel that’s a good fit for your company? Here are some tips to guide you through the process of selecting a firm that’s right for you. Identify the services you need   In addition to strategic special event planning, what other services might PR counsel provide for your special event? Do you need someone who can coordinate with your community partners? Do you need copywriting for invitation, promotional or collateral materials? Do you need…

Depending on the nature of your corporate special event, you may or may not need outside strategic and creative counsel. Many large companies have internal departments that are experienced in planning and implementing large corporate events. Routine meetings such sales conferences, training classes, departmental meetings, shareholder meetings, technical sessions, trade shows, etc., usually don’t require strategic public relations counsel.  Special events are a different animal. The launch of a new product, introduction of a new service line, a…

From ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY  We’ve all been there. The invitation arrives, it looks interesting.  We reply “yes.” We’re excited and looking forward to attending.  Then, we get there.  Valet parking is backed up, the check-in line is long, the bars are packed.  Not a good start.  Things proceed to deteriorate.  You can’t hear the speakers and worse, the speeches are long and drawn out.  What started as a promising event turns out to be a disaster.  Not going…

A Hospital System Merger   After months of working to merge two hospital systems to create a large regional healthcare network, system executives wanted to host a special event for the medical staff and their spouses. The goal was two-fold: celebrate the newly-created entity and bolster physician retention and recruitment. A Holiday Gala Getting the attention of busy doctors is never easy. Appealing to this hard-to-reach audience would take a special event that would provide high-end entertainment value. It…

A New Corporate Campus Inauguration One of the world’s largest oilfield services companies relocated operations to a central corporate campus. While an exciting event, it also had been a complicated process.  The company wanted to recognize and thank employees for their help during the transition, as well as to unveil the newly-consolidated campus. To show their appreciation and showcase the campus, a series of special events was planned to welcome employees who had been relocated to the campus,…

Special events are minefields when it comes to corporate protocol. Who sits where on the stage? In what order do executives speak? Who introduces whom?  All of these sensitive issues and more must be addressed.  Unlike many corporate events, which may only involve one executive, special events usually include multiple executives, elected officials, board members, community VIPs, etc.  So, being knowledgeable and prepared to properly coordinate their involvement in your event is critical. Early Contact is Key   Identify…

Given the time and expense of strategic special events, getting the most bang for your buck is a top priority. It requires a keen focus on what you can do to make the experience stand out from routine business activities and engage your guests.  Following these tactics can make your special event not only strategic but also one that leaves a lasting impression. The Theme is the Thing  Just like the theme song in a film, the theme of…

Regardless of what industry – energy, healthcare, architecture, banking, petrochemical, professional services, etc., a special event can be a great way to connect with your clients and prospects – if done strategically. Special events deliver numerous benefits and some business milestones are best-suited for special events. Key Benefits  Let’s face it, everyone likes to feel special. A well planned and executed event can create goodwill among your customers, potential customers, employees, the community, etc. – when it is…

Brands interested in communicating with today’s young audiences face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Ward sat down with Worldcom Partner Pollack PR Marketing Group President and author of Disrupted,Stefan Pollack, to hear more about makes iGen tick and how B2C and B2B brands can engage and connect with them. Q. Who makes up the iGen demographic?  A. Generally speaking, iGen is the generation after Gen Y. There are different methodologies on determining their specific ages, but we point specifically to those…

Brands interested in entering the Canadian marketplace face cultural differences that demand unique communications strategies in order to be effective. Ward sat down with Worldcom partner and CASACOM President Marie-Josée Gagnonto discuss what it takes to enter the Canadian marketplace and how B2C and B2B brands can cause the results they desire by following a pragmatic set of communications guidelines. Q. Are there any business tips you have for B2B and B2C companies looking to enter the Canadian marketplace? A. Over…