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Measuring the success of a corporate event is one of the fudamental tasks of an Event manager. Knowing the results is vital for any marketing plan in order to assess if the objectives originally established have been met and if the event has managed to generate the desired impact for our brand.

In this post we will show you the key fundamentals when judging if an event has been successful in terms of image, participation, engagement or even income, should the objective be to increase turnover. We will see what the essential indicators are to ascertain the impact of our event and to know therefore if we can describe it as a “success“.

Foto Austin Distel en Unsplash

Keys for evaluating a corporate event

Below we set out a breakdown of some key points which will allow us to assess the success of a corporate event. Using these guidelines we can defend the result of the actions taken or take measures and decisions which will allow us to improve the results in the future.

Establish clear goals

There is a quote attributed to Seneca which says : “There is no favourable wind for he who does not know where to go“. Setting out clear objectives before the event begins is what will later allow us to quickly know if the objectives have been accomplished. In this way, we can know if our event has been a success or a failure. In other aspects we will go deeper to find the reasons for one result or another.

The objectives must be established based on SMART methodology: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. Our aim must be simple, measurable in an objective numerical way, realistically achievable for the company activity,relevant to the activity of the company and set within a time frame.

Participation and attendance

The number and quality of the participants may not be definitive but they are good indicators of the success of a corporate event. When we speak of the number of participants we will do this in percentage terms based on our initial objective. If we speak of the importance of the guests, we can establish a score range based on the importance we give to the profile of each attendee by setting an initial score objective.  

Return on investment (ROI)

This is a mathematical method for measuring an event that seeks immediate profitability such as crowdfunding, a benefit gala, a sales showroom  etc. The ROI is the Return On Investment and is based on the income and costs with the following formula:  

ROI = (Income – investment) / Income *100.

With this formula we will obtain the earnings percentage based on the investment allocated to the event.

Attendee feedback

We can also directly ask the opinion of our attendees. This can be done by means of surveys with closed questions once the event has taken place.If we think that our guests are prepared to participate further with their opinions then we can send them open questionnaires or even make calls via a call centre or commercial department.

The most positive aspect of this is that we can go beyond the figures and draw qualitative conclusions, and obtain replies which in principle were not  contemplated, or suggestions which may allow us to come up with ideas for the future. In this way we will have a far wider appreciation of the particpants view of the event.  

Interaction and networking

We can also measure the success of an event by the number of relevant contacts we achieve from it. If the objective was to open new business lines with prospective clients, a good way to judge the success of the event is to count the number of leads or meetings obtained or even grade each prospect with a score. That grade can be based on the sector of the company contact, their function within the brand they represent or the turnover of the company.

Impact on the image of the company

Additionally, with the use of surveys before and after the event, you can assess how the perception of the users regarding your brand has evolved. By doing this, you can evaluate how the event has impacted on the users, strengthening your brand´s reputation, enhancing the commitment of the client and influencing the brand positioning in the mind of the consumer.

Analysis of other indicators

There are many indicators which may not be relevant but which however give a greater amplitude of the event´s influence on the attendees or persons who interact with the brand in one way or another. The quality of the presentations and workshops, the key messages communicated to the attendees, the media outreach, the engagement on social networks… 

How to present the results of an event

Now that we have the data at our disposal, it is time to present it to the works committee, to our superiors or to the rest of the group that made up a part of the event organisation. In this case, we will give you the steps to follow in order to have a coherent and ordered structure which will allow you to present the results clearly. 

• Try to organise the information hierarchically, from the most relevant information about the results to that which has least importance. Numerical, qualitative, quantative data… everything that is relevant to understand the magnitude of the event and its influence on our guests.

• Establish clearly the aim of the presentation with a central idea from which the rest of the ideas should follow.
  
• Highlight the key achievements first. They can be significant figures that clearly speak about the result of the event, testimonies… This will generate a greater impact with the audience.
  
• Use a clear and coherent structure. The information must be shown sequentially so that each piece of information connects with the previous one without generating isolated ideas which do not appear to have any relation with the rest.
  
• Use graphs and visual aids so that the information you present will be more striking and thus more easily understood. The graphs must of course be easy to understand.
  
• Show the conclusions at the end, summarising the key points you want your audience to retain.
  
• Allow time for questions and for the attendees to participate. This will be a way to approach matters which you did not address or to clear up any doubts related with the presentation. 

In the work and business world, with constant challenges, intense workload peaks and with precious little time to stop, having a healthy, positive and motivated mindset is a decisive factor for maintaining good performances from work teams.  

Given the importance of  attitude and motivation when facing daily challenges at work, motivational speeches for companies have become a common practice which companies turn to in order to inspire and achieve the maximum potential from their people. 

As a result of the growth that motivational talks in a company context is experiencing, in this post we want to talk to you about them in detail, the benefits they bring and to give you some key tips regarding lectures and well-known speakers who may be of use to you or the rest of your team.

Foto de Kevin Gonzalez en Unsplash

What is a motivational speech?

A motivational talk is a lecture or presentation which attempts to dynamically inspire and empower its listeners, appealing to and awakening their passion and determination, using techniques and messages aimed at increasing their self-confidence. They are usually and indeed, must be, given by an expert in the field or by people who have lived through extraordinary vital experiences which serve as an example to others.   

As there are many types of speakers to be found in these motivational talks, they may deal with a wide range of themes. Didactic talks on how to organise and manage emotions, personal success stories or overcoming adversity… all of them can be extrapolated to our personal lives or to our work situation.   

From these vital experiences, the listeners can draw conclusions which can be positive for their daily working situation, either by putting into place certain practices or by simply becoming aware of the world that surrounds them and placing their personal situation into perspective.

Benefits of motivational talks for the workers of a company

Let us now see how these types of motivational talks can influence the mindset of employees, offering benefits both for them and for the performance of the company:

• Increase worker motivation by means of that inspirational speech. The enthusiasm with which the message is received can improve in the worker, his commitment to his daily responsibilities and to himself, trying to meet objectives with determination and striving to reach his maximum potential.
  
• Improve worker morale and thereby foment a better working atmosphere with a more positive and connected global mindset.

• Since the employees feel more motivated, the likelihood of a better performance increases, which will impact directly on the productivity of the company. In addition, certain talks are capable of and directed towards developing skills which can be decisive for the performance of the worker, such as establishing clear goals, developing emotional skills, overcoming adversity or tackling problems from different angles.

• Some speeches are also capable of reducing stress and fatigue of the workers, showing them how to confront their emotions positively, using stress reduction techniques, practising ways to nurture a positive mindset…

• They can also stimulate the creativity of the workers, challenging them to think differently, approaching problems from different perspectives and opening up the mind.

What types of motivational talks can we offer in our company?

As we mentioned previously, there are many types of motivational talks a company can offer to their workers, covering multiple objectives. In this list we offer you some of the most common ones.

• Personal growth talks focus on the personal and professional development of the employees. They touch on subjects such as setting targets, the improvement of personal skills, better time and resource management, emotional intelligence, resilience, people skills… aspects linked to personal growth which directly influence professional growth.
  
• Talks on inspiration and success are based on real stories which in one way or another inspire the spectator by means of the example of an individual who has  experienced success. They can encourage the listeners to pursue their goals with greater determination.
  
• Talks on motivation and team work are centred on fostering collaboration between employees, working on trust and the improvement of relationships among workers.
  
• Talks on well-being and balance take as their focus, the physical and mental well-being of the workers: stress management, promoting a healthy lifestyle which has a direct effect on health and well-being, the balance between work and personal life…
  
• Talks on creativity and entrepreneurship inspire and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of the employees: innovation, generating ideas, taking calculated risks.

From all of these types of talks, the company will be responsible for choosing the facet they consider the most interesting, in line with the objectives and expectations of the company. When we know the aspect we wish to strengthen, we can source the speakers that best work on the chosen theme.

10 motivational talks which are worth listening to 

Below, we offer 10 talks which we consider to be very interesting and which you can use to motivate and train the workers of your company. They may also be useful to you simply as examples of what some of these lectures are usually like.

Some of these speakers are even available for corporate talks so a company could hire their services for a private event or for a large scale gathering. 

• The most impactful decision you will ever make, de Tony Robbins.

• Start with Why, by Simon Sinek.

• The puzzle of motivation, by Dan Pink.

• What makes us feel good about our work?, by Dan Ariely.

• Nurturing the Ability to Question, by Warren Berger.

• How to gain control of your free time, by Laura Vanderkam.

• The happy secret to better working, by Shawn Achor.

• The key to success? Determination, by Angela Lee Duckworth.

• How can we  address work-life balance?, by Nigel Marsh.

• Success, failure and the urge to continue creating, by Elizabeth Gilbert.

• Leadership and Happiness, by Juan Carlos Cubeiro.

• The challenge of learning, by Pablo Pineda.

• The neuroscience of emotions, by Marian Rojas Estapé.

Before sharing any of these talks or hiring the services of a speaker of this type, we recommend that you find out about the theme of the talk and the lecturer´s world view, personal relations, sphere of work etc. You must make sure that the talk is in harmony with the philosophy of your company and that the values you want to impress and exploit in your work teams are manifestly present in the lecture. 

What are the most important aspects for the organisation of an event? If we made a list of the most important ones, the place to hold the event would be among the top ones. So in this post we are going to tackle the subject of how to choose the perfect place for a corporate event, considering aspects such as the objectives, place, capacity… we will also talk about the services that must be offered to adapt to the needs of the event and of your guests.

Let us have a look at some tips: 

How to choose the location of an event

Choosing the location of the event is one of the first organisational tasks we must carry out. Let us take a look at the steps to bear in mind in order to choose where. 

Establish the objectives 

The objectives set out for the event are largely responsible for choosing the location of the event. Some specific requirements will need particular services and conditions.There are a number of objectives which typically appear when organising corporate events:  

• Present a brand or service.
• Generate professional contacts.
• Increase client fidelity with the brand.
• Educate or train the attendees with regard to a particular subject.
  

In this respect we can recommend our post about types of corporate events.

Consider the location

The place must be reasonably accessible for the guests. In the case of national or international events, proximity to and connections with trains or airports is particularly important, as is the availability of nearby hotels, restaurants and basic services. 

In this regard, it is especially interesting to find spaces known as “All in One“ , which are event celebration spaces capable of offering all the necessary services where the complete experience can be staged. Here we will explain what the All in One event space celebration concept consists of.

Fix the number of attendees

Having an approximate number of attendees will dictate the necessary capacity for holding the event, and therefore the choice of one venue or another. Consequently, it is advisable to find, on the websites that offer places for celebrating events, a section for each space which indicates  the maximum capacity. In fact, at Grand Luxor Mice, we do this in our event celebration spaces section, as well as with our intelligent search engine on the top bar of the site.

Consider the layout of the site and the needs

A conference is not the same as a mass event or a meeting for directors. It is therefore important to understand the needs of the event and consequently, the characteristics the venue must have. Select a venue which lends itself to the requirements. A gala dinner, an outdoor cocktail, a meeting for business people, a team building session or the presentation of an automobile are very different events which will require different spaces.

What infrastructure will I need? 

Electrical sockets, electronic equipment, a catering area… You must also choose the event space in accordance with the technical needs or services you will have to cater for.  

There are many types of services or infrastructures which these spaces can offer: catering, restaurant, bar, audiovisual tools, attendants, translation service, transport for guests, accommodation, parking, Wifi access to internet and even sports and leisure services. Determine what you need and choose the space accordingly. 

Are you clear about the style of the event?

If we move on to the aesthetic aspect, we will have to choose a place which adapts itself to the spirit or “look and feel“ of the brand or at least one which we can personalise in order to achieve this. There are many ways to define a style or mark the general tone of the event. In fact, you can see the current trends of event organisation in a previous post of ours.

Similarly, we can recommend several original company events which will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable memory of the event with your guests.

The budget is crucial

With these types of actions, the budget always ends up taking on great importance as a conditioning factor. The expectations will have to be adjusted in line with the amount of money available for the event. It goes without saying that the budget is one of the aspects that has a greater impact on the conditions when preparing an event. With this in mind, we can recommend an earlier post where we speak about how to draw up a budget for a corporate event.

Ask for opinions and references 

Using your contacts, find out about the event space or simply check to see which other brands have celebrated their events there. This is a way of measuring the reliability and experience of the venue. In fact, the recommendation of aquaintances and professionals from the sector is one of the most highly considered aspects when hiring a service of this type, together with the impressions given when visiting the place for the first time; something which we will mention in the last point.  

Visit the venue

Before taking a firm decision, do not forget to make a personal visit to the site. When you do this you can meet the staff. This is without doubt the best recommendation we can make to you.  

There are few things more reliable than our own experience when we see a site, get to know the facilities, find out about the conditions and meet the staff who are in charge of the space. Do they have a helpful attitude? Do you notice their professionalism and experience when responding to your needs? Having narrowed down the options, visiting several places will give us the answer to which the best place to celebrate our corporate event is.

MICE tourism (Meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), also known as business or corporate tourism, encompasses all the tourist activities related with corporate events such as meetings, congresses, conferences, company events, seminars…

Even though the main motivation for these events is corporate, some time dedicated to leisure activities can always be found. 

Continents like Asia offer superb MICE destinations to celebrate meetings and corporate events. The unique mix of cultures, remarkable landscapes and modern cities also make it an ideal continent to get to know and enjoy.  

Principal  Asian cities for MICE tourism

In this article we are going to highlight the best MICE destinations in Asia.

• Singapore: Known as the “Garden City“, Singapore is a top level economic and technological centre. Its world class infrastructure, hotels and luxury convention centres, along with a safe and cosmopolitan environment make Singapore an ideal place for business meetings. 

• Tokyo, Japan: The capital of Japan offers the perfect combination of tradition and modernity. With a wide range of facilities for meetings and an efficient transport network, Tokyo is a popular choice for MICE events. In addition, its luxury hotels, renowned restaurants and Japanese hospitality make this city an unbeatable option.

• Hong Kong, China: Hong Kong is a world famous financial and commercial centre. Apart from its impressive skyscrapers and iconic skyline, the city boasts state of the art facilities for conferences and exhibitions as well as a wide variety of options for gastronomy and opportunities for team building. 

• Seoul, South Korea: The capital of South Korea has gained popularity as a MICE destination in recent years. Seoul combines its rich history with a modern infrastructure and offers a wide range of options for accommodation, from luxury hotels to traditional Korean guest houses.

• Bangkok, Thailand: Known as the “Venice of the East“, Bangkok provides a fascinating mixture of tradition and modernity. The city has a large number of hotels and quality convention centres, together with a vibrant restaurant scene and entertainment options.

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The capital of Malaysia is a dynamic and multicultural city which has experienced rapid growth in the last few years. Kuala Lumpur offers excellent facilities for meetings and conventions and boasts many options for accommodation and a vibrant nightlife.

• Shanghai, China: Being the most important financial and commercial centre in China, Shanghai is a top level MICE destination. The city  offers modern facilities for meetings and conventions as well as a wide range of accommodation options and an exciting cultural scene.

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai has become a world class destination for MICE events. With its impressive infrastructure, luxury hotels and state of the art convention centres, Dubai offers a unique experience for event organisers.

• Delhi, India: The capital of India combines a rich history and culture with modern meeting facilities. Delhi possesses several first class convention centres and a wide range of hotels as well as fascinating tourist attractions for the event participants.

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: With its fascinating history and a vibrant urban scene, Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting option for MICE events in Asia. The city has modern facilities for meetings and conventions together with  an ample variety of accommodation options and superb Vitenamese cuisine.  

Asia offers a wide range of exciting destinations for MICE tourism. Whether it is Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul or any of the other destinations mentioned, event organisers will find high quality infrastructures, exceptional hospitality and a unique mix of tradition and modernity. These outstanding cities of Asia will be sure to make your events successful and unforgettable.

Organising a congress is a great opportunity to build bonds with your public and audience, expand your breadth of knowledge and generate business opportunities for the development of your company. 

The organisation of an event requires exhaustive planning and careful coordination to guarantee success. In this article we will provide you with the necessary information you must take into account in order to organise a congress effectively; from what a congress is about, to the detailed steps you will have to follow.    

What is a congress and how is it organised?

A congress is an event which brings together experts, professionals and enthusiasts of a specific field. These people may represent a particular company, profession, industry or community.

The objective of this professional event is to share and exchange knowledge, present research, debate a theme, compare ideas and different opinions and  establish contact networks. Congresses usually include presentations, conferences, round tables, workshops and social activities. 

Congresses can be organised for many sectors: politics, science, medicine, technology, education, industry, commerce… They are one of the most efficient tools for promoting a sector.

They can also be organised at a local, national or international level and may last for a few days or up to several weeks depending on the magnitude or importance of the event.

Organising a congress entails a complex process which requires not only time but also creativity, proactivity, efficiency and coordination.

Steps for organising a congress

The organisation of a congress involves a series of key steps which must be followed in order to assure success. We provide you with a step by step guide below.

Define the objective and the theme of the congress.

Before the planning stage it is important to be clear about the objective and the theme of the congress. To achieve this, the objectives which we intend to meet and the public to whom the congress is directed must be defined. These aspects will be decisive in being able to take the appropriate decisions during the organisation process.

Set a budget

We must avoid unnecessary or unforeseen costs that may impact negatively on other areas of investment and consequently on the quality of the congress. Take into account the fixed costs such as rental cost of the space, catering services, conference speaker fees or marketing costs. However, we do recommend allowing for a budget provision to cover unforeseen costs.  

It is advisable to source additional financial provision such as sponsors and subsidies.

An important consideration is to decide if the congress will be free or if the attendees have to purchase a ticket.

The budget will determine the size of the event, the choice of the venue, the services offered, the speakers etc. which is why it is important to establish it in advance.

Form an organising committee

In the process of organising a congress, several teams work together: the production team, the commercial team, the comunication team, etc.

It is important to gather together a team of dedicated and competent people who can collaborate in the planning and execution of the congress.  

You must also assign roles and specific responsibilities to assure that every aspect is covered, from the logistics through to the marketing and financial management. All of those involved must be totally coordinated and they must internalise their tasks. 

In addition, during the months prior to holding the congress, the organising committee must prepare an action plan which includes the timing of tasks to be carried out.

Finding speakers

The speakers represent the real pull of a congress. Having the presence of a recognised and important speaker for the theme of the congress you are going to organise can be crucial for persuading your public to attend the event. 

In order to do this, it is important to find experts in the chosen theme, outstanding figures in the sector, both national and international.  

Contacting them with sufficient advance warning is essential in order to be sure of their presence. In this way you can organise round tables, conferences on a particular theme… in good time.

Likewise, it is a good idea for the speakers to have correlative and diverse profiles which complement each other. 

Choose the place and the date

The best dates to hold a congress are usually those that do not fall at the time of year coinciding with many events or holidays such as Easter, Christmas, or the months of July and August. Take into account the availability of  the speakers.   

You must also choose a city with easy access and a convenient location for both attendees and speakers. 

With regard to the place, you must take into consideration that it affords the necessary facilities for the activities you have in mind. Remember also that it must be in an attractive area which offers the possibility to have activities outide (or inside) the congress space, which will generate greater interest among the participants.

Make sure there is accommodation nearby in the case of the congress not being held in a hotel.

We recommend that you always reserve the chosen venue sufficiently in advance.

Prepare a  programme

Generally speaking, a congress represents a cost also for the attendees, which means that in order to be sure that they attend it is important to offer a full programme of activities to encourage them to take part. 

Design a detailed programme for the whole congress organised by time slots. Include conferences, presentations, workshops, networking sessions, meals, breaks…

Manage the  logistics

Managing the logistics is fundamental, especially as the date of the congress approaches.

Organise the details related with the registration of the participants, the accommodation, transport, translation services, catering and necessary materials. 

Make sure that the speakers are provided with the necessary equipment for their presentations such as projectors, screens, and laptops. 

Promote and publicise the congress

A key factor in the  publicity of the event is the preparation of the marketing and promotion strategy.

Using corporate social networks is an effective promotional strategy to publicise the information of the event, as is carrying out email marketing campaigns or publishing the news on the relevant media.  

How much does it cost to organise a congress?

The cost of organising a congress can vary depending on several factors, like the scale of the event, length, number of participants and the services offered. You must always consider the fixed costs such as the venue rental, promotion and logistics.

However, the cost of organising a congress not only involves economic aspects. A significant investment of time, effort, dedication and management skills is also required.

What do you need to organise a congress?

To organise a successful congress, you will need a combination of skills and resources including: 

• A committed and dedicated organising team.
• A detailed budget and financing strategies.
• Appropriate spaces for the conferences and other activities.
• An attractive programme with appealing speakers.
• Strategies for effective promotion.
• Solid and meticulous logistics management.
• Technical back up and audiovisual equipment.
• Necessary supplies and materials.
• An efficient system for the registation of participants.
• Volunteers to assist during the event.

Key points in congress organisation

There are some key points to be taken into account which will help to guarantee the success of congress organisation.

One of the most influential factors is to carry out meticulous and detailed planning concerning all aspects of the congress from the choice of the theme to the logistics and promotion. 

In order to do this planning we recommend creating documents such as Excel where attendance, transport and suppliers can be managed. This file will allow you to organise the information and manage the registration and control of the confirmed or cancelled participants and of the accepted suppliers etc. 

We also advise you to create a folder in your email programme to centralize all the information about the congress.

Additionally, it is important to set up alarms and reminders to be watchful of the timings and to have everything under control. 

As you will have noticed, organising a congress can be a challenge but with the appropriate planning and efficient execution you can create a successful and rewarding event.

Follow our advice adapting the process to your needs and be sure to offer a unique experience to your participants. 

Nowadays, showrooms have become an indispensable tool for displaying the products or services of a company to their potential public.

Although showrooms have traditionally been associated with the fashion sector, this type of event is increasingly common in different corporate sectors as they allow a company to stand out and differentiate itself in an ever more competitive market.

In this post we are going to focus on the keys to success which must be considered when organising this event to project your company.

What a showroom is and how to organise one 

The showroom is the perfect display case for a company to present its products or services in the most personalised and attractive way to potential clients.   

This is about a space which is not designed for direct sales, but rather for exhibiting samples from the catalogue, novelties, exclusive articles or whatever the brand may wish to offer. Organising a showroom for services is also possible although it is not so common for intangible products.  

The aim of organising a showroom is to increase the visibility of the brand, attract potential clients (in the form of end users, wholesalers, collaborators…) and enter into conversation with them, strengthen the image of the brand and finally to increase sales.

The organisation of the showroom requires time, dedication and planning in order for it to be a success. We are therefore going to give you some of the key points for achieving your planned objectives.

Key points for organising a showroom

Define the objectives

Prior to organising the event it is essential to define the objective you intend to reach with the showroom. Establishing a clear objective will help you to focus on the organisation of the event and make decisions regarding the important aspects.

Choose the right place

The place of the event is a key element for its success and must be chosen accordingly by considering certain criteria. Making sure that the space is accessible to potential clients and has a central location is important. Moreover, it must have sufficient space for the number of people we expect to participate in the event and for the amount of products we wish to present.    

Another important question is to be clear about the idea and the values we want to transmit with the design of the space. The reputation and prestige of the place where the event will be held will also reflect the image of our brand. 

Finally, the space must be versatile in order to be able to adapt to all the needs of the showroom. 

Design an attractive space

The design of the space is crucial to capture the attention of the clients. It is important to create an attractive and coherent ambiance with the image of the company and the products or services which are to be highlighted. In order to do this there must be a harmony of decoration, illumination and furnishings to generate a welcoming and attractive atmosphere.

When designing the space for the showroom, we must take into account the type of experience we want to offer to the clients and what sensations we want them to feel. You will also have to hire a catering service to provide food and drink for the guests and to make their visit more enjoyable. 

Choose the products and relevant information 

It is fundamental that the clients have a good knowledge of the products you are offering them. To do this, it is desirable to provide informative material which will allow them to understand the features and benefits of each product. In addition, it is a good idea to make someone available to answer questions and offer a personalised advisory service.  

There is no need to display all the products in your showroom. We suggest selecting those you wish to highlight or those that are of greatest interest to your clients. The products must be in optimum condition and exhibited in an attractive and organised way. 

Publicise the event

Promoting the event is essential to attract more clients. An effective promotional method for announcing information about the event is via coporate social networks. Reiterating the place and date and publishing information about the event will create expectation among the possible participants. Email marketing campaigns and publishing the news in other media can also be done. 

You can also use the Press or influencers to cover the event and generate content to boost the visibility of the company. Another option to attract interest and increase the participation of potential clients is to offer incentives or special discounts for the attendees. 

In this way, in order to generate brand image, you can offer a corporate gift to the attendees so that they take away a souvenir of the event. 

Measure the success of the event

Once the event has finished we will have to gather together different information in order to know its degree of succees. This follow up can be done both online and offline. 

One way of measuring the standing of the event is by taking into account the publications done with the hashtag of the event, the interactions in publications and comments… It is also important to know the balance of costs and income obtained. We can consider both monetary factors and the number of potential clients obtained, increase in followers etc.

Similiarly, after the event surveys can be carried out to know the feedback from the potential clients and obtain information to assess the organisation of future showrooms.

Now you know how to organise a good Showroom.

The organisation of a showroom requires time and planning. Many factors must be taken into account so that everything turns out as we wish. To do this, it is important to prepare a strategy where the the points we mentioned before are defined and carry out a follow up analysis to study how the strategy performed. 

If you follow the recommendations we have offered you to set up your showroom, you success will be guaranteed.

If there is one thing that we professionals of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) environment know, it is that a business trip needn´t be boring. For part of the time, work responsibilities are parked and the traveller can enjoy some leisure time. The historical, cultural and geographical richness of Spain offers the professional traveller some of the best business destinations. Cities with a great atmosphere, cosmopolitan, and a vibrant pace which contrast with other quieter ones or those where the cultural and artistic offer is the predominant element. 

In addition, Europe boasts an excellent transport and accommodation structure with ease of movement between capitals being very simple thanks to the high frequency of planes and trains, allowing professionals to move around easily. There is also, of course, a wide variety of venues for celebrating high quality events, thus offering a unique experience for business travellers. For this reason, it has not been difficult to find some of the best MICE destinations in Europe.   

Main European capitals for MICE tourism

To speak about the main European cities for MICE tourism, we would like to begin with the Spanish ones and then move on to the rest of the continent.

• Madrid. Madrid has received several times the award of best destination for European business  meetings at the World Travel Awards.Its strategic location makes it ideal for travelling within the peninsula and has direct connections with other European capitals.Here, we can find some of the largest exhibition areas in Spain , such as IFEMA.According to the twelfth annual report produced by Global Meetings & Events Forecast , Madrid has been singled out as the most sought after city for MICE tourism in 2023, followed by Barcelona.   

• Barcelona. Barcelona is a very popular MICE tourism destination due to its warm climate, unique architecture and excellent infrastructure. A perfect combination between the business world and culture.The city boasts several high quality conference venues including the Barcelona International Convention Centre ( CCIB). 
  
• Benidorm. Benidorm is the only Smart Tourism Destination on the Spanish Costa Blanca. It has a wide range of leisure and restaurant options from Europe thanks to its privileged setting , which is the Alicante coast and offers 15 Michelin starred restaurants among its gastronomy offer. 300 days per year of sun and an annual average temperature of 18 ºC  makes this destination a safe bet for the celebration of outdoor events. On top of that , it is located an hour away from two of the most important airports in Spain, namely Valencia and Alicante.In Benidorm we can find the Grand Luxor Mice which has more than 20 event spaces covering an area of 200,000 m2.

• Athens. This Mediterranean city was chosen in 2022 as the best MICE destination in Europe, within the framework of the Business Destinations Travel Awards.The pleasant climate it offers most of the year makes it an attractive destination  for business travellers who wish to combine work and pleasure.Let us not forget that it has a well-connected international airport and a wide range of public transport options. 
  
• Berlin. Berlin is one of the most important business and technology centres in Europe.The city possesses numerous amenities for events and conferences including the Berlin Congress Centre and the International Congress Centre of the city of Berlin.
  
• Amsterdam. Amsterdam stands out as a cosmopolitan and vanguard citywhich makes it very popular for MICE travel.Its open, tolerant and international atmosphere favours understanding and communication between people of different countries and cultures.Another plus point is that it has an excellent infrastructure and a wide variety of facilities for events , including the RAI Convention Centre of Amsterdam
  
• Paris. One of the principle European metropolises, Paris is the most popular tourist  destination in Europe and this also goes for business travel. We emphasise the Paris Convention Centre.
  
• London. This European capital is one of the most important business centres in the world.The official language, English, makes it accessible for professionals from all over the world. Among its strong points is the large number of facilities for events and conferences of high standing such as the ExCel Exhibition and Convention Centre, London. 

All of these destinations have in common a wide range of high quality services and facilities as well as a rich culture favouring communication and the exchange of ideas at an international business level. Therefore, they deserve  recognition as the best MICE tourism destinations in Europe.

Delivering a speech or conference can be a daunting experience especially if you are not used to speaking in public. Likewise, being part of the organising team of a conference or symposium and having the reponsibility of  introducing one or more speakers can be equally important.  

There are many reasons why giving a good initial presentation will be important and will make a mark on the course of the event. In this article we will therefore help you to understand the importance of a good introduction of the speaker, together with advice and points to be considered in order to master the art of introducing a speaker.

Picture: Product School en Unsplash

The importance of introducing a speaker

The figure of the conference anchor or person responsible for introducing the speakers at a conference is not to be taken lightly. Even though there may be the temptation to feel that this person is merely there to introduce the headliner, the truth is that a good initial introduction can be important. Let us see how the introduction of a speaker can impact on the course of the event:

• Establishing the tone of the introduction: Introducing someone means to a certain extent setting the tone of the event. This is done in several ways: with dialectics, aesthetics, mindset, tone of voice, volume. In one way or another, all questions relating to tone are a letter of introduction to the general spirit of the event. 

• Introducing the speaker. Although the speaker will have time to introduce himself afterwards, the introduction of the speaker by a third party is the backdrop which defines the “Why“. Why is this person the one who is chosen to speak about this subject? What makes him important to be standing on the stage in front of the audience?   

• Helping to create a connection with the audience. In a way, if the anchor person is capable of connecting the audience with the speaker, he transfers responsibility to him. 

• Bolstering the conference as a brand. A good introduction and overall handling of the event will create a positive impression of the act and consequently of the brand or brands that are organising or supporting it. 

Advice for introducing a speaker

• Maintain a positive attitude. The anchor is the first person who must have a contagiously  enthusiastic attitude. His way of transmitting his attitude on the stage must be one of exuding the idea that being there is worthwhile. The anchor person must be the prime motivator of the event.

• Adapt the speech to the spirit of the event. The tone must be a unifying thread. Therefore, try to adapt the way you express yourself to that of the topic being dealt with by the speaker or more directly to the tone which the speaker will use.   

• Research the speaker. As we said, the anchor is the prime motivator of the event… and of the speaker too. For this reason it is important to know him well: name, position, achievements… In addition, as he must adapt his tone to the general tone of the event and therefore to the speakers. He must also know the speaker´s style of expression by, for example, watching videos of his previous conferences.  

• Speak about the merits and values of the speaker. Firstly, this is important because the audience has to understand why this speaker has been chosen to be there. Secondly, if you do not do this, then the speaker will have to highlight the value of his own work, which is always more awkward and less dignified.  

• Try to find an emotive way to connect the speaker with the audience. This is usually achieved by using an anecdote or relevant story which defines him. This is an excellent way to personalise the introduction, generating a previous connection which paves the way for the speaker. 

• Avoid being too effusive. As we said before, you must have a positive attitude but not exaggerate. Hyperbole will only create over expectation and will not favour our guest. 

• Prepare a script. Improvising on stage requires a lot of experience, so it is important to have a script which allows us to say exactly what we want to say and also makes sure that we do not forget any important details. 

• Practise the introduction. Just as you have prepared your script, try to rehearse so that it can be perfect. In this way you will not forget anything and your delivery will be better.

• If the speaker needs you to follow a script, then do so. On occasions, the performance of our speaker takes us into account as the anchor person, linking our speech with his. He is the real protagonist. If he has a script which does not impinge on the spirit of the event, then help him.   

• Be brief. The audience has attended the event to listen to the speakers, so you must realise that your role will always be a secondary one. Try to be concise in your introduction.  

• Do not disclose anything. It is the job of the speaker to decide the timings of what his narrative will tell, the way in which this will be done and the order that the information will be presented. If you know the content of the presentation do not give anything away. 

• Thank the speaker and the audience for their time and attention. If your role also includes a closing speech, try to follow the previous points and do not forget to thank the public and the speakers for attending.The event would not have been possible without them.

Examples of a presentation to a speaker

Let us now look at an example of what the script of a presentation to a speaker might look like:

Good morning everyone! First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming to this auditorium which, given the high demand we have had from professionals like yourselves who wanted to be here today, seems to have become too small.

Today we are fortunate to have a very special guest. Together with his team, he has already developed more than 50 applications with 1,200,000 downloads in more than 80 countries.

He is Ángel Cases Llopis, a passionate and creative professional who has dedicated his career to developing applications that make our lives easier. Ángel is an expert in his field, and his new app is a proof of that. We are convinced that it will change, in some way, the way many of us shop on Amazon.

But in addition to his professional achievements, Angel is a friendly and committed person, always willing to help and share his knowledge with others. I am sure his presentation will be as exciting as it is interesting, and that we will all leave here with a new perspective on how we can use technology to improve our lives.

Without further ado, I leave you with Ángel Cases Llopis – enjoy the presentation!

Communication problems between workers are constant in big companies. Everyday tension and differing personalities and profiles can sometimes lead to minor conflicts which affect group performance negatively and even delay projects or do not allow projects to be duly presented.

With a view to improving the performance of groups, companies are increasingly using team work dynamics; techniques to foster communication between team members, create a pleasant working environment and increase trust among workers.

In this article we will look at some of the most effective dynamics to improve the working atmosphere and boost the performance of the members of a work group.

What are team work dynamics?

Team work dynamics are a series of interactive activities which permit the reinforcement of certain aspects of team work. Each activity includes objectives to be accomplished for the company needs. In addition, the activities become enjoyable for the workers who come to internalise everyday aspects of their work. 

These work dynamics have multiple benefits for companies. Firstly, they improve communication among employees and consequently their capacity to work as a team. As these types of activities increase the knowledge of the employees, they learn to understand styles of communication of other people and therefore can adapt to one another.   

• They generate better coordination and internal cohesion among workers.
• They foment the professional qualities of each individual.
• They reduce stress levels of the staff.
• They encourage healthy competition between employees. 

Moreover, they improve the commitment of the workers to the company, getting the workers to follow the same path in order to meet objectives collectively and in this way adapt to the different situations which come up on a daily basis.

The most enjoyable team work dynamics

Below we are going to show you a series of fun dynamics to foment team work and make a difference in the working environment.

Breaking the ice

Breaking the ice is a good technique to get to know each other better. The presentation of all the members of the company in an organised fashion favours personal relations between workers.

This is a team work dynamic aimed at favouring familiarity among colleagues, especially those who have never worked together before. It can be used by having interviews among the workers or by an individual introduction in public to all the coworkers. 

For this activity we recommend a list of questions which encourages interaction of the participants. This will avoid silences among the employees if they do not have a sufficient number of relevant questions or if their participation is too brief.  

Professional development dynamics

What many workers in a company want is to be able to develop professionally, investing their time in areas that allow them to improve their positions or their professional development. 

For this reason, it is wise to include activities such as courses or extra training workshops which reinforce their development collectively and which also serve as an opportunity for coworkers to socialise and share interests together. 

Role change dynamics

Role swapping is perfect for putting yourself in the shoes of your colleague or your boss. With this dynamic, the participants will take on roles which are opposite to their own and will have to find solutions for situations and problems which the person whose role they have assumed has to face on a daily basis.   

In this way, each person can demonstrate their skills, apart from gaining awareness of the work and effort of others in their jobs. In addition, this will promote a climate of leadership and team work.

The unpredictable client

In certain business models, workers usually interact with clients both face to face and online. In this technique a member of the team will pretend to be a client visiting the company who has many doubts. The rest of the team will have to work together to respond to those doubts and quickly change their communicative strategy in order to connect with the client.   

Putting yourself in the place of the client can permit us to foresee the queries they will have in their realtionship with the brand and work to find solutions to them in advance. 

Participating in a cooking workshop

This is the perfect occasion to offer the working group an opportunity to let go of stress and work in harmony with the rest of the workers. They can also eat what they have prepared together. 

What they are going to cook does not matter, the important thing is that the idea of developing new skills together will act as a stimulus to them. Taking into account their dietary restrictions will be necessary though, so that they can all enjoy the experience together.

This team work dynamic improves group cohesion and creativity.

Beat the clock

We all know that nowadays company employees work against the clock, limited in time when solving problems or delivering projects. This dynamic consists of a competition between several groups where they are asked to solve a series of problems to achieve a final objective. These problems must be solved by the group in the shortest possible time. 

The dynamic brings great team working benefits and fosters the distribution of responsibilities in an optimal way. 

Tips for successful team working dynamics 

In order to have successful team working dynamics, we must bear in mind a series of objectives to avoid conflicts or problems between the group and the management so that the aims may ultimately be achieved successfully  

• Plan everything: Do not improvise and plan the dynamics in advance.
• Focus on the objectives: The activities must be directed towards the objective you wish to accomplish, making sure at all times that the instructions have been understood correctly.
• A clear purpose: Remember that the employees are making their time available to develop these activities. As a result, the objectives of the activity for the company must bear a correlation with those of the employees. Workers prefer activities that help them to develop skills or which allow them to strengthen relationships with their colleagues.  
• The dynamics must be continuous: You are not going to reach your objectives if you do just one activity, rather they have to be  continued over time as this is a long term process.
• Inform your workers: There must be open communication at all times where the workers are asked for their opinions so that the activities carried out are oriented to them. 

You have certainly heard of networking but do you know how you can use social networks to promote your career and expand your list of contacts? Here we will explain what it is and how to use the online tools available in order to improve your online reputation, obtain a greater portfolio of professional contacts and interact with them quickly and efficiently and achieve your objectives.  

Let us give a short introduction to the concept of Networking and after that we will explore the social media tools we all know from a professional point of view.

What is networking?

Networking is the process which is carried out with the aim of establishing professional contacts and relationships with people of a particular industry or field of activity. Those relationships are established in order to share information, opportunities and resources which can produce individual professional growth or success in business. 

Within the activities of networking, we can include the attendance of events and meetings or as we will see in this post, online connection via social platforms where information is exchanged, services are offered and recommendations are put forward.

An example of networking would be to perform intense activity on social networks and professional events related with your work area so that you can present the services you offer. We will look at this in detail through social networks.

Tips for effective networking on social networks

Social networks have become one of the main tools used in order to carry out intense networking activity which proves to be efficient. Tools such as Linkedin or Twitter have allowed professionals, irrespective of our sector, to connect with like-minded people of our professional circles, with profiles we can learn from, people we can share knowledge with or even connect with on a personal level.   

Consequently, as they are very useful tools for this purpose, we will give you the key to effective networking on social networks, habits which we consider you should follow if you wish to cultivate those relations with clients or contacts via social networks. 

• Choose your channels well. It is important to find the appropriate channel to draw up an action plan where we can detect the right people to support us professionally. There are professional sectors with greater presence in some channels than others.It is a question of carrying out search exercises in order to find the suitable networks. Does our sector depend strongly on visual content (Pinterest), audiovisual (Youtube), text articles (Twitter or Linkedin)? Do the professionals concerned have a free and easy character (Instagram) or is it a sector subject to protocols (Linkedin)? Is it a young environment (TikTok) or one with a more mature professional profile (Facebook)?

• Catch the attention of the users with clear, concise messages which most importantly have a hook. Many other professionals like you try to have the same presence on social networks. Are you able to offer something different that defines you? Is your style of expression easily understood?   

• Be loyal. Always deliver on what you have agreed and have impeccable behaviour on social networks. A bad move can destroy a good reputation.

• Use social networks to expand your knowledge. They are a tremendous source of information which can provide you with free training. You can also end up establishing positive relations with the people you learn from or those who learn with you.  

• Do not send SPAM. This is a very common practice on social networks and is not usually acceptable. Do not bombard other people with emails or messages.
  
• Offer value content and contacts will arrive by themselves. SPAM will not be necessary.

• Be constant. Remember, networking is a continuous process which is not only about obtaining more and more contacts, but rather a question of building valuable relationships in the long term.

• Help others to connect with each other in order to be able to establish long-lasting relations with other professionals who in the long run may be useful to you. Help and others will help you .

Having seen some of the keys for positive networking, let us now  take a look at the process of establishing positive professional relationships on some of the most popular social networks.

Doing Networking on Instagram

One of the main applications on social media is Instagram. Although you may initially see it as a more relaxed or informal platform, on Instagram you can also do networking and connect with people of interest to you.

• Identify your niche: Direct your communications towards a specific topic which will be encompassed in your professional field.

• Create a professional and recognisable profile: Make sure you have a profile photo and a clear description which show your personality and above all, your professional interests.

• Interact: Comment on similar professional profiles, share information and your experience, generate interaction via “Likes“ in publications…  

• Use relevant hashtags: Instagram thrives to a large extent on hashtags. Search for the hashtags related with your industry to increase the visibility of your publications. Connect with people interested in the same subject.

• Maintain a constant presence. Try to publish content which is interesting for the members of your sector. Do this regularly and maintain a continuous presence. Growth and contacts will start to arrive.
  
• Use the chat at the right moment. The chat is a powerful tool to connect with professionals in a far more direct way. But remember not to be invasive. Use it only with profiles you have previously had contact with on several occasions. 

Improve your networking on Facebook

Whilst it is true that the importance of Facebook has waned in recent years, it is still the most used social network in the world. Nowadays it is perhaps more common to see profiles of older age groups, as there has been an important migration of young people to Instagram or Tik Tok.  

The best tactic for networking on Facebook is to participate in groups. There are many groups created for professional relations or for sharing information on a particular subject or interest. There you will find a lot of useful information and engagement with like-minded professionals.

To particpate in these Facebook groups do not forget:

• Share relevant information which is of interest to all the users of the group.

• Comment on and suggest solutions for the discussions or interaction in progress.  

• Continue to add people who may be of use in the topics dealt with and in this way expand your list of professional contacts. 

Here it is important to maintain a good relation between private and public life. There are those who say that we must not mix professional and personal; our advice is to have a professional profile where the personal aspect is not forgotten. We all like to know that behind a professional there is a person who enjoys life, the family… In short, that there is a soul behind the professional.  

Networking on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the ultimate professional network. It has specific fields prepared for questions such as professional experience, knowledge, professional recommendations, discussion groups… It is the perfect place to grow professionally.

Here we set out some tips for doing useful, quality networking on LinkedIn:

• Complete your profile: Be sure to have a complete and professional profile  which includes information on your work experience, skills and professional objectives.

• Connect with relevant people: Search for people in your industry sector and request relevant connections. Make sure that you personalise your invitations to connect so that they are more effective. However, do not do this on a massive scale. Look after your contact network so that it does not end up becoming an interminable list of unknown people.

• Be part of relevant groups. Join relevant discussion groups related with your professional area and participate actively in discussions and debates.

• Share valuable content: Share relevant and valuable content for the professional contacts of your sector. In this way, you will be able to generate interaction and show your knowledge and experience.

• Interact with other publications: Make comments and recommend other relevant publications of professionals from your sector.

• Maintain a constant presence: Be sure to keep a constant presence on LinkedIn by publishing regularly and interacting with other people on the platform.

Networking groups on Telegram

As for this social network, groups are also used for networking on Telegram. It is a good medium for participants to contribute actively by posting content, commenting on impressions etc.

The good thing about Telegram is that it provides a more personal step in the direction of professional relations.It is a more familiar and direct messaging channel.When you establish a continued relation with a contact, you can later converse in private to deepen the connection and make mutual contributions.

With regard to the advice for networking on Telegram we can give you, it is not so different to what we offered previously for other platforms: 

• Identify the channels of your sector which may be useful to you.
• You must act professionally.
• Share and interact.
• Be constant.
• Offer information on your profile.

Ready to improve your social media career?

We hope you found these social media networking tips useful. By making good use of them, and of social media, we are convinced that you will improve your online presence and reputation in your industry.