Events, gatherings, conferences and celebrations have shifted over the last few years. The event landscape, clients, employees, technology, and economies have all changed, so that even experienced event planners’ heads are spinning some days.
TCU Place has had the honour of hosting thousands of events in our facility during our 55-year tenure. Our team has prioritized learning new skills, innovating, and taking responsibility for ensuring the organizations we work with have everything they need to make any event successful.
So, what does the future look like for events?
First and foremost, staying flexible and adaptable as circumstances shift and change will be crucial.
How do we prepare for that? We’ve got a few tips.
In-Person Events Look And Feel A Little Different
Event planners and companies are more conscious than ever of budget, so programs may be more compact. When attendees do meet in person, it is important to use that time to meet many of their needs from learning key content to connecting with clients and industry colleagues. Attendees want it all – a great destination, a break from their every-day world, and a chance to develop their personal and professional worlds. Flexibility and creativity are very important, as is planning experiences that feel personalized but are easy to execute.
Luckily for you, we’ve got everything from conference rooms, smaller breakout rooms, and our stunning world-class theatre that you can utilize to your heart’s desire. We have also invested in upgrading “connecting” furniture and spaces, including greenery and art, so that your delegates can find a place for a casual conversation or an important work call while here.
Elevate the Experience
Take steps to keep things fresh. Adding a contest, creating a #HashtagPhoto challenge, and making an associating smartphone app are just a few ideas. And when it comes to needing a venue to host, we’ve got some great spaces to choose from. Consider adding a personalized premium experience such as a massage therapist on site, a uniquely local off-site excursion or a quiet room.
It’s All About The Food
Don’t get caught in the rubber chicken trap! Look for ways to add local cuisines and specialty foods to your conference menu. Ask the chef to be creative – building a menu within your price-point that they are passionate about and proud of. Look for lighter and healthier snacks, with a variety of offerings that are not carb heavy. Offer choices for a variety of dietary preferences.
Show Care For Our Environment
When we gather in large groups, there is an environmental impact that comes from travel as well as the conference itself. Look for choices to minimize this impact. Choose digital signate rather than one time use signage. Encourage guests to bring a water bottle and arrange for a self-serve water station. Maybe you can even get a sponsor for that water station. Request local foods to minimize transit and shipping. Build space in your program for walking rather than requiring attendees to drive or taxi.
Stay Connected and Engaged With Careful Planning
Outside of attending events, connecting with people is vital. Stay in touch with email updates, social media posts, helpful articles, and other communication tools.
We pride ourselves on being Saskatoon’s Arts & Convention Centre. Our facilities are ideal for hosting conventions, weddings, corporate and community events, trade shows and galas. Whatever the occasion, our facilities and services will help you create beautiful experiences!
Let’s make TCU Place your place for connecting, creating, and celebrating. Contact us anytime.