A notable 32 million people in the U.S. attend at least one music festival each year, but what makes these events so popular? Festivals draw a wide range of people in large part because of the unique blend of experiences they offer. Live music, celebrity performances, self-expression, cultural exploration, art, ambiance, and community– festivals tie all these up with a neat bow. So, what happens when you bring that same energy and vibe into the ballroom for your next corporate event? Your internal audiences are met with memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences that are anything but boring.

Simply put, festivals are fun. As an agency that annually produces six music and arts festivals with a total of more than 300,000 people in attendance, the LEO Events team has mastered best practices in festival design and production. We also understand that our corporate clients want to up the ante. They expect more than the traditional concert in the ballroom on the last night of the conference, and they seek to develop agendas that encourage genuine audience engagement. Taking a note from the festival model can prove an effective way to accomplish these goals.

Here are a few ways to infuse meetings and events with the upbeat festival energy people love. 

Build the Backdrop

Atmosphere contributes exponentially to the festival experience. In the same way, creating visual interest and creative cohesion throughout an event space (beyond the typical branded environmental signage), helps set the stage for an immersive experience while building attendee excitement. Event design that draws inspiration from the festival scene– think lighting, bold colors, and intentional décor– has the power to shift the whole mood of your meeting.      

Diversify Your Programming

When your event content is inspired, your audience will follow suit. Instead of a parade of executives speaking on stage, curating memorable, unique moments breathes life and energy into the programming. This can take infinite shapes depending on your brand, your messaging, and your event goals; however, some ways to effectively captivate your audience include the incorporation of guest speakers and talent, utilizing creative design and media to shore up presentations, and weaving in innovative surprise and delight moments like flashmobs, drumlines in the aisles, and rain on stage. A little theatrics can go a long way.

Foster a Sense of Community

Festival goers get it. These events inherently create community, something that can be mirrored in corporate event design. One way to encourage togetherness is through the curation of a collective atmosphere with shared spaces like lounges, firepits, and communal seating. Festival layouts tend to encourage interaction, conversation, and shared experiences, thus borrowing from that design aesthetic can create a similar effect for corporate events and meetings.

We can also create a community feel through organized activities designed to break down silos, build relationships, and encourage attendees from different departments, backgrounds, or offices to interact and bond. Make the programming interactive and give audiences ways to participate. The more they feel a part of the program– instead of just being in the room– the more impactful the experience will become. 

Incorporate Interactivity

One way we involve attendees and encourage event participation is through a variety of activations, like AI photobooths. Highly customizable and always a hit, these activations can be designed around event themes turning a simple photo snap moment into an interactive, personalized experience. They can boost engagement, bolster brand awareness, and inspire social sharing giving your event and message even more reach.

Our team also works with clients to develop custom event apps that streamline event communications, but this tech touch can also serve as another channel for interactivity and fun. We can even weave gamification opportunities into app development, bringing a taste of friendly competition to events that encourages attendees to play along, network, watch a leaderboard, and cheer each other on.  

Let’s Energize Your Next Event

If you’re looking to level up programming at your next national sales meeting, shareholders event, or other company gathering, our team is ready to assist. From attendee journey mapping to content creation to onsite production, LEO’s deep industry insight and proven client success make us the best partner for elevating your next brand experience. Let’s talk, [email protected].