The term “recession” is a nine-letter four-syllable curse word. A recession is something that almost everyone finds unpleasant, and it tends to have a negative impact on almost all aspects of life.
However, even a cursory examination of past events reveals that the event sector suffers a disproportionately severe blow whenever the economy is in a state of decline. This is because when businesses realize they need to reduce their spending, the first expenses that are typically targeted for reduction are those associated with business travel and conferences.
Despite the fact that money is tight during a recession, there are still things you can do to make your business conference stand out from the rest. Here are some top ideas for spicing up a business conference during a recession:
Negotiate with Vendors
One of the best ways to make sure that you get the most out of your business conference is by negotiating with vendors and hotels. During a recession, businesses are often willing to offer discounts in order to stay afloat.
Make sure you take advantage of these opportunities and negotiate for better prices or services. For example, ask for discounts on hotel stays, food, and other services associated with the conference. You can come away with a much better deal than you expected.
It’s also essential to research the different vendors before you commit to using them. Ask around from other businesses or read customer reviews online in order to ensure that you get the best deal and quality services. Look into the vendor’s customer service record as well to make sure that they are reliable and efficient in helping you with any problems that may arise during the conference.
In addition to negotiating prices, ask for bonus features or perks from vendors if possible. For example, see if there are any freebies that you can get with the services you are buying.
These items could include discounted tickets to a nearby attraction, free meals, or complimentary items from the vendor’s store. These bonuses can go a long way in ensuring you get the most out of your business conference.
Finally, be sure to read all of the fine print before signing a contract with any vendor. Make sure you understand what services you will be getting and what the terms are. This way, you won’t be surprised by any hidden fees or additional costs that may come.
Finger Foods No Entrees or Buffets
During a recession, it is essential to ensure that your conference is as cost-effective as possible. One way to do this is by serving only finger foods and snacks during the business conference. This will help to keep costs down and make sure your guests are still being catered for without having to spend too much money on food.
As an added bonus, finger foods can also be a great way to get people to interact with one another. Finger foods often require less cutlery or plates than entrees or buffets would, which makes conversations between various members of the group more likely. It could even be seen as a sort of “ice breaker” activity if you plan it right!
Get Virtual Headshots Instead of Hiring A Photographer
Hiring a professional photographer to take headshots at a business conference can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, consider getting virtual headshots to save money and still get quality headshots. Virtual headshots are digital images that are taken of participants’ faces while they are in front of the camera, so there is no need for a physical photographer or any set-up costs.
Getting virtual headshots will also help your business to keep an updated list of what everyone attending the conference looks like, which can be important in terms of safety or security zones. Plus, you won’t have to worry about buying new photos every few years when people change jobs or hairstyles – all you will need to do is update the photo in the database.
Use Food As Entertainment
Food is always a great way to entertain guests at a business conference. So, instead of just having people sit through long lectures or presentations, why not add some food-related activities? For example, you could have participants compete in an eating contest or try to guess the contents of specific dishes. This will help make your business conference more enjoyable and can act as a form of team building – after all, everyone loves food!
Instead Of A Giveaway, Do A Secret Santa
At the end of a business conference, it’s common to give away small gifts or items as mementos of the event. However, this can be very expensive and time-consuming. Consider doing a Secret Santa instead!
Participants will draw names from a hat and then buy an appropriate gift for that person without revealing who they are – this way, everyone gets something unique but not too costly. This is sure to make your conference memorable for everyone involved without having to break the bank.
By following these tips and tricks, you can save money on your next business conference while providing quality services and experiences for all attendees. With careful planning and research, you should come away with a much better deal than ever imagined!
Let Us Help You!
At this stage, many people who plan events feel exhausted. Just when we believed we had reached the end of the complex waters, another issue presented itself. However, the critical thing to keep in mind is that whatever does not destroy us makes our activities more lucrative, or words to that effect.
Therefore, event planners are required to maintain their flexibility and creativity in the face of these challenges. Those who succeed will emerge victorious and far ahead of their competitors.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Capturely if you have any questions or need assistance navigating the present (or future) economic crunch or things that require video productions, event cinematography, etc.
When you engage with experienced planners, they can often assist you in identifying methods to provide attendees with a memorable experience while adhering to a more stringent budget. Call us today!