Here is a summary of our marketing and event planning session, as described by PICA's secretary, Becky:Event planning and marketing of special events are key components to many of our job responsibilities as insurance communicators. We plan golf tournaments, agent incentive trips, networking events...whatever the event, our goal is to make it a success!
Stacey Rodrigues of C3 Presents was PICA’s final presenter during PICA’s Annual Workshop held in Austin, Texas last month. Stacey brought to the table a template for event planning success. Whether planning a small informal gathering or a huge 3-day festival with thousands of spectators, this template can be used from the initial planning stages to the final execution of the event.
During her presentation, Stacey discussed elements including: researching the logistics of an event, brainstorming ideas with a group, budgeting for small and large items and promoting the event to the right audiences. Finally we talked about the importance of gathering feedback after the event to gain insight on improvements for the next gig.
For me, the best part about being a part of the PICA group is when a workshop speaker opens up the floor for some great discussion! Stacey fielded tons of questions from our group and, in turn, gave us some great suggestions:
- Think about using Facebook and Twitter as platforms to connect with your audience and promote your event.
- Look to your local community for speaker resources to help curb expenses and stay within your budget.
- When unveiling a new building location, consider a scavenger hunt for guests to participate in to familiarize themselves with the new building layout.
I definitely know I was able to take back a lot of fantastic ideas to my home office in Maryland. I look forward to experimenting with some of these suggestions in my next event – I hope you do, too!
- Becky