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Have you had a moment before where you walk into a meeting room, a banquet hall, or even while hustling to a meeting across town, and you hear your name from a familiar face? Or even better – a compliment?! That feeling of being seen and known sinks in, and let’s be honest, it feels good. We all have a desire to feel a sense of belonging, and in events, we have the unique opportunity to create a space that fosters that. An event that is intentional and engaging, even in the smallest of details, goes a long way and doesn’t leave attendees with just another event added to their calendar, but an experience that leaves a lasting impact and a sense of, “I am seen.”

So, how do we get here? Or better yet, what are some ways we can create this environment? Let’s dive in!

Start with the Welcome – As mentioned earlier, the experience begins with those first few words of “Hello.” Similarly, give attendees a warm welcome by greeting them with celebration and without hesitation. I like to say to our team, “Bring your name tag, business cards, and of course, a smiling face!” I’ve witnessed it before where one smile can change someone’s entire event experience.  

Engaging the Senses – This one is a fun one, especially for those who enjoy design! The vibe of an event goes a long way. Think about how the entire space and layout of an event can engage the senses. Yes, this is beyond the visuals and taps into sound, taste, touch, and smell. This could include unique and accommodating food and beverage selections, comfortable seating arrangements, or even a signature event scent, so attendees remember the moment!  

It’s All in the Details – Do you want to give attendees that “wow” factor? It begins with intentional details. How can you create an inclusive event design through layout and having interpreters, closed captioning, or translation services? Are there ways you could feature a local business in an attendee gift or part of the catering order? The options are endless and require some brainstorming!  

Create the Opportunities – Humans crave connection. Open networking time is great, but opportunities to go deeper happen through icebreakers, table discussions, and even collaborative table activities where everyone works towards a common goal or celebrates one another.  

Gather Feedback & Grow – This goes beyond the event. Taking in feedback and adjusting is not the only way to grow. Maintaining a connection with event attendees is a way to nurture the relationships that started in the room. Go ahead and share resources, celebrate someone’s professional and/or personal wins, reinforce intentionally – that’s what will separate your event from another.

In an ideal world, it would be great to pull out all the stops for an event, but factors such as budget, logistics, venue, and even weather can limit our options. I want to challenge us though, whether you are an event professional or just someone looking to enhance your weekend dinner parties, take the time to go the extra mile in getting to know someone. Give them that compliment. Ask them about their proudest moment from the week. It’s the small acknowledgements that remind people, “I am seen,” and that’s what creates a space of belonging and an event to remember.