Tips for Elevating Your Next Event

From our supporters at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

When planning a large group event, you want it to be memorable. The time and investment required for meetings and celebrations can be substantial and stressful. Often, the success of an event hinges on the preparations made before it even begins.

What areas should you focus on when planning your next large group event?

Create a Memorable Menu

While it's easy to get caught up in the event's agenda, one thing everyone will remember is the food. Think creatively about the dishes you plan for your guests, incorporating seasonal items and showcasing regional specialties.

When local delicacies aren’t enough, think globally. International offerings, from Italian to Mexican cuisine, can be exciting, but global fusion dishes can elevate a meal to something truly memorable. Many catering teams are eager to explore new ways to combine global flavors, enhancing the meal's experience.

Global dishes also offer an easier way to accommodate various dietary needs. For example, Indian cuisine is often vegetarian-friendly, and many Asian dishes can be easily made gluten-free. To maximize flexibility and add an interactive element, consider incorporating live cooking stations into your event. This allows attendees to customize their dishes to their exact dietary needs and taste preferences.

Plan Interactive Activities

Conferences and meetings often put pressure on speakers to provide all the entertainment. Instead of relying solely on presentations, consider new ways to get attendees moving and engaged.

Gamification can transform simple surveys and lessons into scavenger hunts and trivia contests. Small group workshops and masterclasses offer hands-on learning opportunities in more engaging, one-on-one settings.

To ensure everyone is energized and focused, incorporate wellness activities into your agenda. Mindfulness sessions such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation zones can help center and relax attendees. Physical activities like nature walks, fitness classes, and team-building exercises can boost energy levels between sessions.

Have Fun With the Theme

Half the fun of off-site group events nowadays is the brag-worthy photo opportunities. Whether your event design aims to inspire, amuse, or simply be photo-worthy, unique themes can elevate an event from “okay” to “excellent.”

Creating themes, from futuristic tech hubs to vintage speakeasies, can seem daunting. Fortunately, many venues offer on-site planning support to help bring your vision to life. They can assist with sourcing themed décor and creating interactive installation spaces.

Once your theme is determined, ensure it's carried through every aspect of the event. Incorporate theme-related talking points into speeches, special dishes with thematic names, and consider how guests will engage with your event at each checkpoint.

Discover a Meetings Destination Beyond Expectations

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains offers premium lodging options and over 200,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, including five ballrooms, 35 meeting rooms, and 3,000 square feet of outdoor space. Their dedicated on-site staff is prepared to bring your next event to life, surpassing your expectations. From innovative dining experiences and group activities to comprehensive event design, Kalahari supports you every step of the way.

For more information about Kalahari's event offerings, visit KalahariMeetings.com/Pennsylvania.

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