We’ve all gotten used to having our phones on us 24/7. It’s become second-nature to pull out your phone and scroll during every moment of boredom. Then, there’s the ever-present urge to take photos or videos and post on social media. But when it comes to running an event, the last thing you want is to see your guests doomscrolling during your keynote speaker’s address, or everyone in the audience disrupting a wedding by trying to take photos and videos.
So, how can you ensure your guests are focused on your event instead of staring at their screens? It’s all about setting clear expectations and creating immersive experiences that help your guests stay in the present moment. Try these 10 fresh ways to keep guests off their phones and in your event.
1. Emphasize Connection
Sure, you could ban phones from your event, but let’s face it, no one likes being told what to do. Instead, emphasize the connection aspect to your guests. Ask them to take a break from their phones for the duration of your event in order to engage in more authentic connections and have deeper, more meaningful experiences. You’ll set clear expectations while opening the door for positive, face-to-face interactions.
2. Set Designated Times for Photo Ops
Guests want to remember special occasions, like weddings and milestone birthday parties. Unfortunately, when every guest in attendance is holding up a phone, it distracts from the event and ruins professional photos. Instead, let guests know that a professional photographer is on-site and is the only person allowed to take photos during the ceremony. Then, set aside designated times and places for guests to take their own photos. Be sure to let your guests know that photos of the event will be shared with them, so they aren’t tempted to break the rules.
3. Break Into Small Groups
Large groups give a sense of both anonymity and insignificance to your guests. If guests feel like no one is paying attention to them, they’re more likely to pull out their phones. Breaking into small groups, on the other hand, allows guests to interact with one another directly. Every person matters in a small group, so it’s more likely guests will leave their phones in their pockets and participate in the conversation instead.
4. Choose Your Speakers Wisely
It’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes, people can be experts in a subject but woefully unable to communicate that subject with an audience and hold their attention. You’ve probably sat through your share of boring lectures or meetings held in monotone. If your speakers aren’t engaging, your guests are more tempted to pull out their phones. So, if you want to keep guests off their phones and in your event, choose your speakers wisely. Opt for those who know how to use storytelling to keep guests attentive and engaged throughout their presentations.
5. Offer Something Exclusive
Whether it’s in-the-room access to a popular celebrity, the chance to try out a new product before everyone else, or the opportunity to learn from an expert, guests appreciate an exclusive experience. So, think about what you can offer your guests that they can’t get anywhere else. It’s a great way to keep guests engaged and off their phones.
6. Try a Fun Theme
It’s easier to keep guests off their phones when they’re having fun. So try a fun theme for your next event. A masquerade ball is always a hit for galas and parties. Treat your guests to an international culinary adventure with an "Around the World" theme. Or invite them to get lost in a Secret Garden Soiree filled with floral installations and interactive greenery walls. An immersive theme helps guests stay in the moment instead of reaching for their phones.
7. Book Incredible Entertainment
One of the best ways to keep guests off their phones and in your event is to make sure they’re entertained. Fortunately, NYC is home to some of the most talented entertainers in the world, so it’s easy to book incredible entertainment for your event. From cover bands and magicians to muralists and fire dancers, amazing entertainment is sure to draw your guests’ attention away from their phones and back to your event.
8. Use Gamification
There’s no easier way to boost guest engagement than by incorporating gamification into your NYC event. Whether you invite your guests to participate in a scavenger hunt, host a game show within your event, or go all out with immersive AR and VR experiences, your guests will be too busy having a blast to even think about scrolling on their phones.
9. Opt for Interactive Food and Drink Stations
Want to keep your guests off their phones? Keep their hands busy! Interactive food and drink stations offer an immersive experience for guests that also keeps their attention on the event instead of their phones. Try make-your-own cocktail bars, interactive rolled ice cream stations, or a cookie decorating contest for loads of fun.
10. Encourage Mindfulness
Often, we don’t realize that checking our phones all the time leaves our bodies and minds in a constant state of being “on.” That’s why encouraging your guests to relax and engage in mindfulness throughout your event provides a welcome break from always being just a text or email away. Start with peaceful decor, including low, soothing lights, water elements, and plenty of greenery. Then, set up relaxation stations, and invite your guests to use them. Yoga or tai chi classes can also help your guests relax, recharge, and focus on the event at hand.
Staying at the forefront of event trends is the best way to ensure you always have something fresh and exciting to offer your guests, and there’s no better place to see the latest trends than the Event Planner Expo. Whether you are looking for the best entertainment, the most avant-garde caterers, or the newest event technology, you’ll find it at the Expo. Get your tickets here!
