Are you struggling to meet your ticket sales goals? Keep holding unsuccessful events that fall flat with attendees? Simply can’t find the time or space to get it all done?
Even for seasoned events managers, it can sometimes be useful to pause and take stock of your platforms, processes and procedures to make sure you’re operating at peak efficiency.
Set yourself up for success with our list of the top five mistakes that could be ruining your events.
Too many systems
Today, there are a huge number of event tools, platforms, programs and systems available to help us get more done. But, with so much on offer, it can be hard to walk the line between efficiency and excess.
Take a moment to think about the systems you use. Do you find they make your job easier or end up just slowing you down?
According to Forbes, bad processes can even cause confusion, reduced productivity, wasted time and a lack of accurate data from which to draw useful insights.
While there’s no magic number, it’s a good idea to try to minimise the number of places you store information and perform tasks.
If you can, try to find an event management software that allows you to manage lots of elements from a single place. For example, with evexus, you and your team can easily control your event website, program, speakers, app, registrations and much more from a secure central point.
Not only does this help reduce the risk of duplication, but it can also make it harder for you and your team to miss important deadlines, dates and information, averting possible disasters.
Complex platforms
If you’re still finding it hard to keep your event management on track, your system might be too complicated.
This is often the case with event platforms that are out of date or that haven’t been well-maintained.
Alternatively, your system itself might just be too complex, requiring you and your staff to undertake months of training or use extensive internal processes to ensure things are done right.
Complex systems can also pose a risk to your business. If only some team members know how to operate your event management software, what happens if they are unwell or away, or if they leave?
If this is the case, you might want to invest some time into simplifying your processes.
Otherwise, you can consider upgrading to a new system. It could pay for itself within months through increased productivity alone.
A bad event website
Your event website is an essential part of your event marketing strategy, but what happens when it isn’t up to scratch?
It’s important to try to view your event website through the eyes of your attendees. Does it have all the right information? Is it clearly branded and professional-looking? Is the content arranged in a logical and enticing manner? Is it seamless and easy to use?
If not, your website might be costing you sales! Users today expect websites that are intuitive and responsive to their needs, so it’s worth investing in one that looks the part.
Having a seamless event website can boost your conversions by up to 400%.
Your website represents both your event and your brand, so take the time to make sure it’s putting your best foot forward.
A lack of staff
So, your systems and website are all just fine; what else could be wrong?
If you’re still struggling to get things done, you might be suffering from a staffing issue.
Today, it seems like we’re all trying to do more with less, and while it’s good to be economical, this shouldn’t come at the expense of your event success.
Event staff play a critical role in ensuring a smooth, effortless process from conception to completion. Having a dedicated team or individual will go a long way to preventing event mistakes before they have a chance to occur.
Of course, if hiring more people isn’t feasible, you can look at other ways to reduce the workload to meet your current resources, such as by simplifying your existing events schedule or investing in better systems.
An unclear marketing plan
If everything else is looking right, but you still can’t seem to get people in the room, it might be time to review your marketing plan.
In some cases, getting more sales can be as simple as refining your strategy to better target your audience.
For example, if you’re trying to appeal to younger attendees, you might have more luck with digital marketing through social media or SMS rather than with traditional approaches, like email.
Or, if you’re targeting busy professionals, try to make your messaging short, punchy and to-the-point instead of using flowery language and long descriptions.
Just taking a little time to think about your attendees’ wants, needs, interests and desires can go a long way to avoiding unsuccessful events and getting more bang for your buck.
Want expert support?
Want to learn how our event management software can help you accelerate your event success? Get in touch with evexus today to learn more or book a demo.
