The Job Is Not Really Over When The Guests Leave, Is It?
Truth to be told, it isn’t. There are at least six things an event manager must do after the event. While one of our previous articles talked about how to measure the success of events you have organized and gave advice on how to do it, this one will turn to some other steps that need to be taken after the official part of the event. Even though these points cannot improve the event itself, they can certainly affect the quality of those that will follow and that you will organize in the future.
Let’s start with the nicest part of the post-event obligations and that is of course:
Treat yourself and your associates with a glass of good wine
Talking to colleagues in cozy atmosphere, with a glass of quality wine has more than one pro.
The primary reason is relaxation and well-deserved rest. We all like to take a rest, especially with good food or drink.
More than once, we talked about how difficult and stressful the job of an event manager is, therefore introducing this method after the job will not just pamper and relax your staff and colleagues, but make them enjoy the fruits of their labor and motivate them to prepare for next tasks.
This kind of informal meetings or so-called team-buildings creates a relaxed atmosphere where people are more open than usual. In this way you can find out from your employees and associates more than in all formal meetings together. In addition, they will share their honest opinion which you can benefit from.
Last but not the least; you will earn trust from your employees once you show them that they are important.
Say thanks
Leave a good impression on your clients and event participants (where the occasion allows) by sending a thank you note via e-mail.
In case of conferences, seminars and similar events, which are attended by a large number of people, a non-intrusive thank you gesture will make you noted and might make some of them your future clients.
You can thank your employees as well through the above-stated socializing, or by sending them a message too. It costs nothing but it means a lot, especially if your co-operation involves a long term engagement.
Check and update social networks
Use the power of social networks and make them a successful marketing tool. Briefly describe the event and conclude that everybody enjoyed. Do not forget to post images in order to present your business to potential clients. In the end, call everyone to follow your work further and to contact you if they want a professionally organized event. Interaction with followers and constant activity creates confidence in people because they see you as a real person, not just as a company.
Update your website and blog
Again: images! Post them on your website and write one or two sentences about the event. There is no need to make a long story out of it as pictures will do the talking.
For a wider story and detailed descriptions use your blog. If you do not have one, our recommendation is to create it as soon as possible. Write about what has been done and make sure that you set up keywords that your target group will use during the search.
Get feedback from participants
There are several ways to collect feedback on the event from the participants.
The aforementioned social networks can be used for this purpose. Write a post where you will mention and refer all important attendees. If any of the negative comments appear, try to use them to your advantage and build an even better online image. It is important that people talk about you, and that the right people listen.
For a more detailed feedback, create a survey and forward it to anyone you wish. There are a numerous online surveys you can use for this purpose.
Write down pros and cons of the event
First, write down your impressions about event – and don’t lie to yourself! Although it is difficult to be objective sometimes, you have to put an effort into it for the sake of success and improvement.
Second, put on paper other people’s impressions, feedback you got and mentions on social networks. The overall result you get is something you should see and use as a guidebook for the following events. After some time, you will have a portfolio of your improvements over time and a shortcut to success.
Finally, make it a habit of doing these things after every event, even a small one. It is necessary to feed your ego and see the greatness of your skills.