Today’s event guests expect you to pull out all the stops. And with so many events happening at all times in NYC, you need to work to make yours stand out from the crowd. Fortunately, immersive attendee experiences are a surefire way to engage your attendees and take your event to the next level. Try these four design ideas to create immersive attendee experiences at your next events.
1. Embed Entertainment
One of the simplest ways to create immersive attendee experiences at your events is by embedding entertainment into the event design. So, rather than having performances as specific activities during your event, embed them into the overall structure of the event instead. Have musicians, comedians, or magicians interact with your guests throughout the event. Or build a competition experience by having an entertainer present awards throughout the event. These can be directly related to the event, such as the first guest to RSVP and most miles traveled, or something more unexpected, such as the best dressed and most charismatic guests.
When you embed entertainment within your event, your guests are constantly on the lookout for the next great surprise. So keep the entertainment flowing, and offer exciting prizes, such as VIP experiences or delicious treats from your caterers.
2. Engage the Senses
An immersive experience should help your attendees forget the outside world for a time and instead remain fully engaged in the current moment. To that end, there may be no better way to create an immersive experience than by engaging the senses. So think about how you can appeal to all the senses at once to provide a truly immersive experience.
For example, you can use lighting for incredible visual effects. Hire musicians or install features, like fountains, to provide ambient noise. Try adding tactile features, like sensory stations, to your event. Perfume the air with aromatherapy, or waft the scent of an irresistible cuisine. And don’t forget to offer plenty of delectable treats to your guests. Engaging all the senses creates an immersive attendee experience your guests will remember for years to come!
3. Try Gamification
Incorporating gamification into your event design is an easy way to create immersive attendee experiences. For instance, invite guests to complete challenges and win prizes throughout your event. Have attendees lend a hand in preparing their own snacks, meals, or drinks with guided lessons or competitions. Encourage networking by challenging attendees to complete a scavenger hunt based on criteria, such as finding attendees from particular states. Or offer escape rooms, mechanical bulls, or trivia games to keep your attendees engaged.
Whatever you choose, gamification is always a great way to bring an element of fun to your events and help your audience feel fully engaged as they participate.
4. Use Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are excellent tools to create immersive attendee experiences. For example, help your guests understand the full potential of a new product by using VR to simulate the ideal environment in which to use it. Or use AR to place digital markers throughout your event space that attendees can interact with using their smartphones.
Alternatively, create a virtual lounge for your guests to spend time in during the event, and allow remote guests to join. Your guests will love feeling as though everyone is in the same space, even if they are thousands of miles apart!
Immersive attendee experiences drive engagement and help your events stand out from the crowd. The Event Planner Expo is the perfect place to experience immersive event design for yourself, connect with vendors offering immersive experiences, and learn about incorporating immersive elements into your events from top industry pros. Get your tickets today!
