You don’t want attendees to think that the event could have taken place anywhere in the world. What else can you do? After all, each city has good hotels. Add local flavor to your event to make it stand out from other events.
Today’s people are more traveled, making them harder to please. You’ll also find that you are planning events for new generations who want things different from the older ones. The millennials are looking for something local and unique to experience as they enjoy a stronger sense of community.
You can use local flavor in your marketing to make an event more memorable. This will make potential attendees think that attending your event is worth the time, money, and effort of traveling. By adding local flair to your event, you can stand out against your competitors. Every event organizer knows that they have to compete for attendees.
Continue reading to learn more! You can add local flavor to your event by:
- What are you trying to achieve when incorporating local flavors
- How not to do it,
- Local is better than digital – experience is key
- You can add local flavors to your food by combining different aspects.
- Plan events with a local flair:
- What to do when you have never been there before.
What Are Your Goals When Adding Local Flavor to an Event?
It’s important to take advantage of the unique features of a region to provide attendees with an exceptional experience. The hotel is not the best way to impress attendees. To add local flavor to an event, you can think of it as a way to exceed attendees’ expectations.
Consider the type of event they have attended before and how you can surpass them. Imagine that the event attendee is driving home from your event. They will remember the moments they were amazed by if you create a memorable event.
Add local flavor to your event, and you’ll give attendees something to talk about when they get home. The highlights should be so exciting that your attendees can’t stop talking about them. When you visit a new place, people expect you to come back with some stories. You want to create those stories by adding local flair to an event.
Consider your event as an extended stay. Attendees who are traveling to an event may bring their family, friends, or significant other along, making it a vacation. Add some local flavor, as we will discuss below, to make this a reality. Consider how you can add value to your event planning by not only fulfilling the objectives for a fixed event but also making it part of a larger experience.
Don’ts of adding local flavor to an event
We want to start by pointing out what not to do. So you’ll be able to keep them at the top of your mind and not confuse what it means to add a local flare.
It would be best if you did not assume what theme your event will be. If you come up with a piece without thinking, and especially if the location is unfamiliar, you may have chosen a solution that is cheesy and obvious. It’s also been done before and won’t impress your guests. Charlotte is a good example. NASCAR has always been a major attraction for Charlotte, but will you impress your guests with car-themed desserts and checked flag tablecloths? Charlotte is much more than NASCAR. In choosing how to represent the city and people hosting the event, it’s essential to do them justice.
It’s important not to go too outdated when adding regional flair. You can include local history in your event. You must still have modern elements in your event to complement any historical highlights. Balance is important; otherwise, your event’s purpose could be lost if you immerse yourself in history.
Digital vs. In-person viewing
Digitally, some things are impossible to replicate. There’s nothing like experiencing something live with others. Videos, images, and digital sounds are wonderful but can’t replace the in-person sensory experiences.
Take advantage of this by utilizing the senses in order to create an immersive experience. Choose an event that will appeal to all of your reasons. This will encourage your guests to appreciate the moment and remain in the present. It is similar to practicing mindfulness. The memories of the event will last a lifetime.
What Should you consider when evaluating local flavor?
Food & Beverage
When adding local flavor to an event, food may be the first thought that comes to your mind. We want to show that there’s more to it, but cuisine is important in creating shared memories. There are more interesting ways to add flair than incorporating the food that is popular in a region.
First, consider the region’s produce. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and healthier options. You can use this desire to ensure that all the food served at your event comes from local producers. You can even tell your guests where the food was produced so that they can go to the local farmer’s market if they wish.
Brands with a mission are more popular than ever because of the community-building they foster. Ask local brands with a mission to work together on your event.
It’s best to avoid being too adventurous, or you may alienate attendees. You can showcase local cuisine while providing variety by arranging for food trucks to be present during breaks.
You can also explore a variety of interesting options for beverages. Local wines, craft beer, and coffees are likely to be popular with your guests. Consider a juice bar with local products.
It’s a great way to give your event a regional flare by incorporating local cuisine. It’s important not to go overboard. You can choose to focus on one aspect, such as a particular type of food or beverage or a sustainable element.
Culture
By choosing a venue that reflects your region, you can add a cultural touch to any event. Consider museums, art galleries, and historic architecture. This venue may be suitable to host your entire event. However, you can also use it for a portion of the event.
You don’t need to have your event at the venue itself; you can have it in a place that overlooks it. You could also choose a location with a great view of historical architecture. This is a more subtle option, but it’s worth considering, especially if the building has a bigger impact on the exterior than the interior.
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