change take
Creating authentic and unexpected experiences is a surefire way to keep attendees engaged, making your event more valuable than a standard day inside a conference center.
Arizona Department of Tourism
This content was created in partnership with the Arizona Department of Tourism and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.
Attendees who are tired of cookie-cutter events crave experiences that go beyond the unexpected. Spending an entire day in a conference center or boardroom is unlikely to justify the time, travel, and resources required to attend a meeting. To meet these expectations, meeting planners should look to their host destination to unleash real and unexpected moments that excite groups and sometimes push them to previously unimaginable heights.
It may be necessary to go off the beaten path to find a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While big cities offer comfort and convenience, rural communities and small towns thrive on adventure. These less touristed destinations retain their roots, respecting tradition and heritage. Incorporating this authenticity into your event creates a connection with your attendees. This level of engagement creates unforgettable experiences that inspire creativity and innovation.
Skift Meetings partnered with the Arizona Department of Tourism to create this report that shows how to surprise and delight attendees at your next meeting.
1. Get in touch with deeper culture
Attendees are increasingly interested in exploring their home away from home for a few days. It’s not just about checking out local shops and visiting attractions. Instead, they are looking for an emotional connection with an agenda that requires digging deeper. For example, Arizona is shaped by the history of native tribes. Incorporating Native American customs and traditions into receptions and other events is an opportunity to educate and entertain attendees—providing nourishment that standard educational programs don’t necessarily provide.
2. Satisfy the desire for adventure
Conference attendees generally don’t expect to take a short trip to overcome their fears. That’s why experiences like this are so valuable. Planners can work with local development management companies and partners to highlight the area’s natural attributes while taking attendees outside of their comfort zones. As the Grand Canyon State, Arizona’s landscapes and mesas are perfect for rock climbing, off-roading, hiking and other thrilling activities.
3. Redefine interaction
There is no doubt that team building is an important part of any event. But it’s also such a common term that people might shrug. Immerse your team in an environment that speaks to the destination’s culture, tells stories, and fosters friendships. A day at a dude ranch or a trip to a ghost town are just two examples of how to get participants out of their natural habitat so they can enjoy a shared experience that will be valuable for years to come.
4. Live in the moment
Many attendees secretly enjoyed a break from their mobile devices. Take advantage of this inner desire by taking your team to remote areas where cell service may not be available. Without distractions, attendees can better engage and enjoy the experience.
In this guide you’ll find:
- Show attendees tips on how to experience, honor and respect Aboriginal culture
- Identify ways to inspire attendees to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves
- Reimagine the idea of team building concepts to deliver truly transformative events that create a powerful sense of unity among participants
- Techniques to unleash a new sense of instant magic by helping attendees rethink how they manage their digital devices
This content was created in partnership with the Arizona Department of Tourism and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.
